King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom [there is] no rising up.
Complete Jewish Bible:
the greyhound, the billy-goat and the king when his army is with him.
Berean Standard Bible:
a strutting rooster; a he-goat; and a king with his army around him.
American Standard Version:
The greyhound; the he-goat also; And the king against whom there is no rising up.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
A greyhound{H4975}{H2223}; an he goat{H8495} also{H176}; and a king{H4428}, against whom there is no rising up{H510}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 20:2
- ¶ The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion: [whoso] provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own soul.
Proverbs 16:14
- ¶ The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
Daniel 3:15
- Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
Daniel 3:18
- But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 30:31
Proverbs 30:31 is part of a collection of sayings known as the "Words of Agur," which spans Proverbs 30:1-33. This particular verse is the last in a series of observations that use imagery from the natural world to convey wisdom. The verse reads: "A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up."
In this verse, the author, Agur, employs a series of striking images to illustrate themes of strength, leadership, and inevitability. The greyhound is a breed known for its speed and agility in the hunt, symbolizing swiftness and precision. The he-goat, often associated with virility and strength, leads the flock and is a figure of authority within its domain. Lastly, the king represents the pinnacle of human authority and power, particularly a king who faces no rebellion or opposition, indicating absolute sovereignty.
Historically, the book of Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, which includes texts like Job and Ecclesiastes. These writings reflect a tradition of wisdom and practical ethics that were highly valued in the ancient Near East. The sayings in Proverbs are generally attributed to Solomon, but they also include contributions from other sages, such as Agur. The historical context of Proverbs spans the monarchic period of Israel's history, with some material possibly dating back to the United Monarchy under Solomon and other parts reflecting the later wisdom tradition during the Divided Monarchy or even the post-exilic period.
In summary, Proverbs 30:31 uses the imagery of a greyhound, a he-goat, and an unchallenged king to convey the majesty and respect that accompany unrivaled strength and authority. The verse encourages reflection on the nature of power and the respect it commands, while also fitting into the broader context of Proverbs, which seeks to impart wisdom for living a virtuous and effective life.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4975
There are 45 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֹתֶן
Transliteration: môthen
Pronunciation: mo'-then
Description: from an unused root meaning to be slender; properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins; [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. - Strong's Number: H2223
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זַרְזִיר
Transliteration: zarzîyr
Pronunciation: zar-zeer'
Description: by reduplication from זוּר; properly, tightly girt, i.e. probably a racer, or some fleet animal (as being slender in the waist); [phrase] greyhound. - Strong's Number: H8495
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תַּיִשׁ
Transliteration: tayish
Pronunciation: tah'-yeesh
Description: from an unused root meaning to butt; a buck or he-goat (as given to butting); he goat. - Strong's Number: H176
There are 110 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אוֹ
Transliteration: ʼôw
Pronunciation: o
Description: presumed to be the 'constructive' or genitival form of אַו ; short for אַוָּה; desire (and so probably in Proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if; also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. - Strong's Number: H4428
There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
Transliteration: melek
Pronunciation: meh'-lek
Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. - Strong's Number: H510
There are 148 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַלְקוּם
Transliteration: ʼalqûwm
Pronunciation: al-koom'
Description: probably from אַל and קוּם; a non-rising (i.e. resistlessness); no rising up.