Hab 2:4 in the New Testament

The Old Testament passage in Hab 2:4 speaking of the just man who "will live by his faithfulness" is quoted three times in the New Testament: twice by the apostle Paul (Ro 1:17 and Gal 3:11) and once in the Epistle to the Hebrews (10:38). The quotations are slightly different both from the Hebrew text and from the Septuagint (there is a difference between Paul and Hebrews, too). Paul uses Hab 2:4 as an argument for his doctrine of justification by the faith in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews cites this passage in connection with his encouragement to endure in the Christian faith. The use of Hab 2:4 in Qumran is also very instructive. We can see in Hab 2:4 an important biblical text that was open for a deeper theological application. It was mainly the apostle Paul who was able to make use of this openness.

Keywords: Old Testament; Habakkuk; New Testament; Apostle Paul; Hebrews; Qumran