Habakkuk 3:18
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Study Note
Study Note
Habakkuk's declaration 'yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation' follows the most sustained catalog of agricultural catastrophe in prophetic literature (v. 17: no fig blossoms, no grapes, no olives, no cattle) — making the 'yet' the single most load-bearing word in the book. The adversative 'yet' (wa'ani) introduces a disposition of counter-factual trust that refuses to ground theological confidence in material prosperity, anticipating Paul's 'contentment in all circumstances' (Philippians 4:11–13). The title 'God of my salvation' (Elohei yish'i) deploys personal possessive grammar to emphasize relational specificity in the midst of impersonal catastrophe. The verse became a touchstone for Reformed theology's emphasis on grace over circumstance and is widely used in pastoral contexts of material suffering.
Other Translations
Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Yet I, in Jehovah I exult, I do joy in the God of my salvation.
Still, I will be glad in the Lord, my joy will be in the God of my salvation.
Cross References
The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will …
But thou must eat them before the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord thy God shall choose, …
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth …
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I …
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; …
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?