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Book of Habakkuk - Chapter 2 - Verse 5

2:5
Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:

Meaning

This verse from the book of Habakkuk is a profound description of the destructive nature of pride and greed. It speaks of a man who is consumed by his transgressions, particularly his excessive consumption of wine, which leads to arrogance and a lack of self-control. This individual is portrayed as someone who is constantly seeking to fulfill his desires, much like hell and death which are insatiable. The verse also highlights this man's insatiable ambition, as he seeks to gather all nations and people to himself, demonstrating a desire for power and control. Overall, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive pride, greed, and ambition, and the inevitable consequences that come with such behaviors.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Habakkuk could be that it serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and excess. The reference to transgressing by wine could symbolize indulgence and excess in earthly pleasures, leading to arrogance and a sense of invincibility. The proud man described in the verse is portrayed as restless, always seeking more to satisfy his insatiable desires, much like hell and death, which are also insatiable in their nature. This imagery conveys the idea that those who seek to satisfy their desires through worldly means will ultimately find themselves empty and unsatisfied, constantly striving for more but never finding true fulfillment. The verse further emphasizes the consequences of such behavior by highlighting how this proud individual gathers nations and people unto himself, ultimately leading to his downfall due to his unquenchable thirst for power and control.

American Standard Version

Yea, moreover, wine is treacherous, a haughty man, that keepeth not at home; who enlargeth his desire as Sheol, and he is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all peoples.
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