Habakkuk 2:2
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain on tables, that he may run that reads it.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain on tables, that he may run that reads it.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And Jehovah answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And the Lord gave me an answer, and said, Put the vision in writing and make it clear on stones, so that the reader may go quickly.
Webster's Revision
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
World English Bible
Yahweh answered me, "Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who runs may read it.
English Revised Version (ERV)
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
Clarke's Habakkuk 2:2 Bible Commentary
Write the vision - Carefully take down all that I shall say.
Make it plain upon tables - Write it in a full plain, legible hand.
That he may run that readeth it - That he who attentively peruses it may speed to save his life from the irruption of the Chaldeans, by which so many shall be cut off. The prophet does not mean that the words are to be made so plain, that a man running by may easily read them, and catch their meaning. This interpretation has been frequently given; and it has been incautiously applied to the whole of the Bible: "God's book is so plain, that he that runs may read;" but it is very foolish: God never intends that his words shall be understood by the careless. He that reads, studies, meditates, and prays, shall understand every portion of this sacred book that relates immediately to his own salvation. But no trifler can understand it. If the contents of a play-bill were to be read as many read the Bible, they would know just as much of the one as they do of the other.
Barnes's Habakkuk 2:2 Bible Commentary
The answer is, that it is indeed for a long time yet. Write the vision, that it may remain for those who come after and not be forgotten, and make it plain upon the tables, whereon he was accustomed to write ; and that, in large lasting characters, that he may run that readeth it, that it may be plain to any, however occupied or in haste. So Isaiah too was commanded to write the four words, "haste-prey-speed-spoil."
Wesley's Habakkuk 2:2 Bible Commentary
2:2 Upon tables - What was of publick concern, and therefore to be published, was anciently written or engraven upon tables, smooth stones, or wood, and then hung up in a publick place to be read.May run - That none may need to stop, but every one may plainly and clearly discern what is written.