Habakkuk 1:4

Habakkuk 1:4 in 6 English translations. Each links through to the full chapter for context.

New International Version (NIV)

4Therefore the law is paralyzed,

and justice never prevails.

The wicked hem in the righteous,

so that justice is perverted.

4Therefore the Law 1:4 Or is ineffective; lit turns coldis ignored,

And justice 1:4 Lit never goes forthis never upheld.

For the wicked surround the righteous;

Therefore justice comes out confused.

4Therefore the law is ignored

And justice is never upheld.

For the wicked surround the righteous;

Therefore justice comes out perverted.

4Therefore, the law is ineffective and ignored

And justice is never upheld,

For the wicked surround the righteous;

Therefore, justice becomes perverted.

4Therefore the law is paralyzed,

and justice never goes forth.

For the wicked hem in the righteous,

so that justice is perverted.

4The law can’t do what it’s supposed to do.

Fairness never comes out on top.

Sinful people surround those

who do what is right.

So people are never treated fairly.