Habakkuk 3:6
He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting.
Habakkuk 3:6 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Habakkuk in the Old Testament speaks of the immense power and authority of God. The imagery used is that of God standing and measuring the earth, symbolizing his sovereignty over all creation. When God beholds the nations, he drives them asunder, indicating his ability to control and direct the course of history. The reference to the scattering of the everlasting mountains and the bowing of the perpetual hills emphasizes the unparalleled strength of God, who can move even the most stable and enduring elements of the earth. The verse concludes with the statement that God's ways are everlasting, highlighting the eternal nature of his plans and purposes. In essence, this verse portrays God as the ultimate ruler and sustainer of the world, whose authority and power are boundless and eternal.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the power and sovereignty of God over the earth and nations. The act of measuring the earth symbolizes God's authority and control over all creation. In driving asunder the nations, God shows his ability to bring about judgment and dispersion among people. The mention of mountains and hills being scattered and bowed signifies the immense power of God to move and shape even the most enduring elements of nature. The phrase "his ways are everlasting" reinforces the idea that God's actions are eternal and unchanging. This verse highlights God's omnipotence and the certainty of his plans, emphasizing the importance of trusting in his wisdom and ultimate authority over all things.
Habakkuk 3:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
He stood, and measured the earth; He beheld, and drove asunder the nations; And the eternal mountains were scattered; The everlasting hills did bow; His goings were [as] of old.
World English Bible
He stood, and shook the earth. He looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains were crumbled. The age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal.
Douay-Rheims
He stood and measured the earth. He beheld, and melted the nations: and the ancient mountains were crushed to pieces. The hills of the world were bowed down by the journeys of his eternity.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He stoode and measured the earth: he behelde and dissolued the nations and the euerlasting mountaines were broken, and the ancient hilles did bowe: his wayes are euerlasting.