The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

HABAKKUK 3:19KJV
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Habakkuk 3:19 (KJV)

What does Habakkuk 3:19 mean?

Habakkuk 3:19 describes the prophet’s confidence that the LORD God is his strength, enabling him to move securely and confidently, like a deer on high and difficult terrain. The verse ends by noting this is a song meant for the chief musician, to be played with stringed instruments.

The prophet Habakkuk is speaking at the end of his prayer, expressing trust in God’s ability to support him even in hard times. The image of having “feet like hinds’ feet” points to sure-footedness and agility, especially in dangerous or uncertain situations. The mention of “high places” suggests victory or security, and the musical instruction shows this was meant to be sung in worship.

The Hebrew behind Habakkuk 3:19

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh) and God (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai): The verse uses both titles together, emphasizing God’s supreme authority and personal relationship with His people.
  • Strength (חַיִל, chayil): This word often means strength, might, or even wealth. Here, it highlights God as the source of all ability and endurance for Habakkuk.
  • Hinds’ (אַיָּלָה, ayyalah): Refers to a female deer, known for being nimble and steady on rocky heights. The comparison suggests God gives Habakkuk the ability to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
  • High places (בָּמָה, bamah): These are elevated or difficult places, often used for worship or as a metaphor for places of victory or challenge. The phrase suggests God enables Habakkuk to stand firm even in the hardest situations.

Why Habakkuk 3:19 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Habakkuk’s confidence is not in his own strength, but in God’s empowering presence, even when circumstances are difficult.
  • The imagery of the deer and high places connects back to earlier themes in the book, where Habakkuk wrestles with fear and uncertainty about the future.
  • The musical note at the end shows this message was meant to be shared and remembered by the community, not just a private prayer.

Where else these words appear

“hinds'” Hebrew H355 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
  • Job 39:1 Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?
  • Psalms 29:9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.

“instruments” Hebrew H5058 · used in 14 verses

  • Job 30:9 And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
  • Psalms 76:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.

“walk” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
  • Isaiah 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

“singer” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
  • Psalms 60:1 To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.