Proverbs 30:11

KJV

[There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is a generation {H1755} that curseth {H7043} their father {H1}, and doth not bless {H1288} their mother {H517}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There is a type of people who curse their fathers and don't bless their mothers.

Berean Standard Bible

There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.

American Standard Version

There is a generation that curse their father, And bless not their mother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:11, a profound observation attributed to Agur, starkly identifies a morally depraved "generation" characterized by an active and aggressive contempt for their father, coupled with a deliberate and intentional withholding of honor, affirmation, and blessing from their mother. This verse serves as a potent warning against the erosion of filial piety, underscoring a deep societal and spiritual decay rooted in the rejection of foundational familial respect and the divine commands that uphold it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30:11 is situated within the "words of Agur son of Jakeh" (Proverbs 30:1), a distinct and unique section within the broader book of Proverbs, separate from the primary Solomonic collections. This particular verse initiates a series of four pronouncements (Proverbs 30:11-14) that describe different categories of morally corrupt individuals or "generations." Following Agur's humble confession of his own intellectual limitations and a heartfelt prayer for truth and integrity (Proverbs 30:7-9), he transitions into these incisive observations on human character and societal ills. Each subsequent verse in this mini-series elaborates on a different facet of human depravity—from pride and greed to violence—collectively painting a comprehensive picture of those who reject wisdom's path. This structured progression emphasizes the gravity of the moral decline Agur highlights, beginning with the foundational breakdown of respect within the family unit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the family unit was unequivocally the foundational institution of society, and the reverence for elders, particularly parents, was not merely a social custom but a paramount divine mandate. The fifth commandment, "Honor your father and your mother," found in [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment"), was a cornerstone of the Mosaic Covenant, intrinsically linked to the nation's well-being and longevity in the promised land. Dishonoring parents was considered an exceptionally grave offense, carrying severe legal and social consequences, as evidenced by laws prescribing penalties for rebellious sons ([Deuteronomy 21:18-21](/deuteronomy/21-18 "Deuteronomy 21:18-21 - The Rebellious Son")) or those who cursed their parents ([Leviticus 20:9](/leviticus/20-9 "Leviticus 20:9 - Punishment for Cursing Parents")). Agur's observation, therefore, is not a minor critique but a profound lament over a disturbing deviation from both established cultural norms and explicit divine expectations, signaling a deep-seated moral and spiritual crisis within a segment of society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs") and the broader biblical narrative. It centrally underscores the theme of **Filial Piety and Respect for Authority**, emphasizing its critical importance for both individual flourishing and societal stability. The explicit act of cursing and the deliberate withholding of blessing directly contravene the divine command to honor parents, thereby making this behavior a profound act of **Rebellion Against Divine Law**. Furthermore, Agur's identification of a specific "generation" acting in this manner points to the pervasive theme of **Societal Decay and Moral Corruption**, suggesting that a breakdown in fundamental familial respect is a clear indicator of a broader spiritual sickness within a community. It also implicitly touches upon the **Consequences of Unrighteousness**, as such behavior inevitably leads to negative outcomes, both personally and corporately, contrasting sharply with the blessings promised to those who embrace and live out wisdom's precepts, as consistently taught throughout the wisdom literature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to revolve" or "to go around," this word signifies not merely a chronological age group (e.g., people born in the same decade) but rather a distinct class or type of people defined by their shared moral characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors. In Proverbs 30:11, it points to a pervasive and defining moral disposition within a segment of society, indicating a widespread spiritual condition rather than isolated incidents.
* **curseth (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to be light" or "to make light." Figuratively, it denotes treating someone lightly, despising, reviling, or pronouncing a curse upon them. It signifies a severe form of active disrespect, contempt, and debasement, implying a wish of ill upon the father, extending beyond mere verbal abuse to an act of profound dishonor and active malice.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root means "to kneel," and by implication, to bless. It encompasses acts of adoration towards God or the bestowal of benefit upon man. While it can euphemistically mean "to curse" in contexts of blasphemy or treason, its negation here—"doth not bless"—clearly indicates the deliberate and active withholding of honor, affirmation, positive regard, and well-wishes. It represents a conscious refusal to acknowledge the mother's rightful place, contribution, or worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[There is] a generation":** This introductory phrase serves as Agur's discerning observation, identifying a specific class or type of people whose defining characteristic is their morally reprehensible behavior. It highlights that this is not an isolated phenomenon but a pervasive trait within a particular group, setting the stage for the specific accusations that follow.
* **"[that] curseth their father":** This clause describes the active, aggressive, and direct disrespect shown by this generation towards their paternal figure. The act of "cursing" implies not only speaking ill but actively reviling, despising, and wishing harm upon their father, representing a profound and direct violation of the most fundamental societal and divine commands regarding paternal authority and honor.
* **"and doth not bless their mother":** This second clause complements the first, illustrating a distinct yet equally grievous form of disrespect directed towards their maternal figure. While "curseth" denotes active malice, "doth not bless" signifies a passive yet intentional withholding of honor, affirmation, gratitude, and positive regard. It points to a complete absence of filial piety, a deliberate refusal to acknowledge or appreciate the mother's nurturing role and sacrifices, demonstrating a profound lack of love and respect.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. The phrase "a generation" functions as a **Synecdoche**, where a specific type of people (a part) represents a broader moral condition or prevailing attitude within society (the whole). The structure of the verse also powerfully demonstrates **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, by juxtaposing "curseth their father" with "doth not bless their mother." This contrast highlights the dual nature of their disrespect: active reviling on one hand, and a deliberate, passive withholding of honor on the other, thereby intensifying the moral condemnation. The use of strong, evocative verbs like "curseth" and the stark negation "doth not bless" creates a memorable and impactful image, employing a form of **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme severity of the moral decay Agur observes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 30:11 serves as a stark and timeless reminder of the foundational importance of filial piety within God's divinely established moral order. The command to honor one's parents is not merely a social convention or a cultural nicety, but a divine imperative, a cornerstone of the Mosaic Law, and a principle reiterated throughout the entirety of Scripture. This verse powerfully highlights that the breakdown of respect within the family unit is far more than a domestic issue; it is a profound symptom of spiritual rebellion and a harbinger of broader societal decay. It underscores that true wisdom, as presented in the book of Proverbs, extends to the most intimate and foundational relationships, demanding honor, gratitude, and blessing where it is due, particularly to those who gave us life and nurtured our existence.

* [Exodus 21:17](/exodus/21-17 "Exodus 21:17 - Cursing Parents Punishment")
* [Deuteronomy 27:16](/deuteronomy/27-16 "Deuteronomy 27:16 - Curse for Dishonoring Parents")
* [Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, Obey Your Parents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:11 functions as a timeless mirror, inviting us to engage in a profound self-examination regarding the state of our own hearts and the health of our most fundamental relationships, especially within the family. In a contemporary world that often champions individualism, self-expression, and the questioning of authority, the ancient wisdom of honoring parents remains profoundly relevant and counter-cultural. This verse challenges us to honestly assess whether our words, actions, and underlying attitudes toward our parents (and by extension, other elders and figures of authority) genuinely reflect respect, honor, and blessing, or if there is any subtle or overt hint of contempt, neglect, or a deliberate withholding of due affirmation. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude and active affirmation, recognizing the immeasurable sacrifices, guidance, and contributions of those who raised us, and to actively seek their well-being and flourishing. Ultimately, it encourages us to uphold the divine standard of honor, understanding that a society that reveres its elders and cherishes its family foundations is one that is far more likely to experience wisdom, stability, and enduring righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways do I actively "bless" my parents or parental figures in my life, through my words, actions, and attitudes?**
* **Are there any subtle or overt ways in which I might be "cursing" or dishonoring them, perhaps through neglect, unexpressed gratitude, or unaddressed criticism?**
* **How does the foundational principle of honoring parents extend to and inform my respect for other forms of authority in my life, such as spiritual leaders, civil authorities, or mentors?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper and more consistent culture of honor within my own family and broader community?**

### FAQ

**What does "generation" mean in Proverbs 30:11, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In Proverbs 30:11, the term "generation" (Hebrew: *dôwr*) carries a deeper meaning than simply an age group. It refers to a specific moral type or class of people defined by their shared character and pervasive attitudes. Its significance lies in Agur's observation that this contempt for parents is not an isolated or individual failing but a characteristic trait of an entire group, indicating a widespread societal decay and a deep-seated spiritual problem. This suggests a prevalent moral disposition that defines a segment of society, rather than merely individual acts of misbehavior.

**Why is dishonoring parents considered such a grave offense in the Bible?**

Answer: Dishonoring parents is considered a profoundly grave offense because it directly violates the fifth of the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")), a foundational moral law given by God. It represents a fundamental rejection of divinely ordained authority and the natural order of respect within the family, which is the bedrock of society. In biblical thought, parents are God's primary representatives in a child's life, entrusted with their care and instruction, and therefore, disrespecting them is akin to disrespecting God Himself. Furthermore, honoring parents is explicitly linked to divine blessing and longevity ([Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - Honor Your Parents")), while cursing them carried severe penalties, including death, in ancient Israelite law ([Leviticus 20:9](/leviticus/20-9 "Leviticus 20:9 - Punishment for Cursing Parents")). This offense signifies a breakdown of the family unit, which is the foundational building block of society and a reflection of God's order and design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:11, with its stark depiction of a generation that actively dishonors its parents, finds its ultimate contrast and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While this proverb laments the pervasive human tendency towards rebellion against foundational authority and familial honor, Christ perfectly embodied and demonstrated profound honor, not only to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, but supremely and perfectly to His Heavenly Father. His entire earthly life was an unwavering act of submission and obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He declared, "Not my will, but yours be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself explicitly upheld the sanctity of the fifth commandment, powerfully rebuking the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in using religious traditions to nullify the divine command to honor parents ([Matthew 15:3-6](/matthew/15-3 "Matthew 15:3-6 - Jesus Rebukes Pharisees for Dishonoring Parents")). Through His atoning work, Christ provides the spiritual power for a new "generation" – those who are born again by the Spirit and united to Him – to live in true honor, obedience, and love, thereby fulfilling the spirit of the law that the proverb's "generation" so grievously violated. Believers, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, are transformed from hearts that once cursed into hearts that bless, reflecting the very character of God and demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in every relationship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 20:20

¶ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

Proverbs 30:17

The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

Proverbs 30:12

[There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.

Proverbs 30:14

[There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men.

Exodus 21:17

And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

Deuteronomy 27:16

Cursed [be] he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Leviticus 20:9

For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood [shall be] upon him.