Proverbs 30:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: the strutting rooster, the he-goat, and a king whose army is with him.

NIV: a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king secure against revolt.

NASB: The strutting rooster or the male goat, And a king when his army is with him.

CSB: a strutting rooster; a goat; and a king at the head of his army.

NLT: the strutting rooster, the male goat, a king as he leads his army.

KJV: A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

NKJV: A greyhound, A male goat also, And a king whose troops are with him.

This concludes Agur's list of four things that show confident majesty in their walk (Proverbs 30:29). First listed was the lion, the unchallenged pinnacle of their terrain (Proverbs 30:30). That example seems valid, while the first two named here are not quite as impressive.

Animal terms can be especially tied to a particular era and language. For example, an American might see the hyrax mentioned in an earlier verse (Proverbs 30:26) and call it a "woodchuck." A person living in the European mountains might identify that as a "marmot." Those in South Africa might call it a "dassie." One North American animal is infamously known as either a "puma," "mountain lion," "cougar," or "catamount," despite being the same thing. On the other hand, the word "eagle" is used in many areas to refer to birds of entirely different species. Here, the phrasing used by Agur leaves non-ancient-middle-easterners a bit puzzled.

The first example is from a phrase which literally means "girded loins." That might suggest a sleek runner such as a greyhound or hunting dog. Other commentators have suggested an armored war-horse, but this is a less likely option. A traditional translation is "rooster," partly inspired by the proud, confident walking implied in the passage. The second instance is the Hebrew word tā'yis, which means "to butt," as in running into something. Both phrases might be local expressions for certain animals, as referenced earlier.

Agur's last example is that of a king who is confident in the loyalty and power of his army. The original phrasing suggests someone ingrained within the people or deeply aligned with them. This contrasts to a hated or mistrusted ruler (Proverbs 12:7; 14:11). The beloved king can walk with the same reassured confidence as the lion.

In Proverbs 30:15–31 Agur (Proverbs 30:1) gives several numerical observations. He lists four things which never lead to satisfaction, only increased desire. Another four ideas are said to be "wonderful," here meant in the sense of being hard to grasp. Next are four examples of the dangers of putting people in sudden positions of power. Then, four seemingly humble animals who achieve great tasks. The last is a series of examples showing the "stately" nature of confidence.

This chapter contains the teachings of Agur, who is only known through this passage. Humility and a sense of one's own limitations are key themes in this section. Agur prays for God's providence and warns about the sins of arrogance, greed, and rebelliousness. He marvels at how the ungodly can sin without care, not realizing their fate. He then notes the way some insignificant animals accomplish great things and comments on the effects of confidence. The chapter ends with a reminder that stirring up anger leads to trouble.

This chapter falls between a collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25—29) and King Lemuel's proverbs (Proverbs 31). Chapter 30 contains the wise sayings of Agur, who is otherwise unknown. He may have been the son of Jakeh. His teachings are called an oracle: a weighty message from God. Humility and warnings about arrogance are recurring themes in this chapter.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.