Habakkuk 3:1
“A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The final chapter is introduced as a prayer of Habakkuk, set to a passionate musical form.
What Does Habakkuk 3:1 Mean?
The book's closing chapter is given its own title: a prayer of Habakkuk, marked "upon Shigionoth." This musical or liturgical term suggests an impassioned, even tumultuous song. What began as raw complaint has matured into prayer set to music — the prophet's wrestling is becoming worship.
It is significant that Habakkuk's journey ends not in argument but in a prayer meant to be sung. His questions have led him, through God's answers, to a place where he lifts his voice in praise and petition together. This heading invites us to read what follows as devotion, not debate. The honest struggler has become a worshiper, and the same path lies open to us: faithful questions, brought to God, can ripen into songs of trust.
In the Original Language
Shigionoth (שִׁגְיוֹנוֹת), 'Shigionoth' — a musical term marking an impassioned, wandering song, likely sung with deep feeling.