Proverbs 30:13

KJV

[There is] a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is a generation {H1755}, O how lofty {H7311} are their eyes {H5869}! and their eyelids {H6079} are lifted up {H5375}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There is a type of people - how haughty their look! -utterly supercilious!

Berean Standard Bible

There is a generation—how haughty are their eyes and pretentious are their glances—

American Standard Version

There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:13, a poignant observation from Agur, vividly portrays a specific type of character marked by profound arrogance and contempt. Through the striking imagery of "lofty eyes" and "eyelids lifted up," the verse describes a generation characterized by an inward haughtiness that manifests as outward disdain, looking down upon others with a sense of superior self-importance. This proverb serves as a stark warning against the destructive nature of unbridled pride, highlighting a disposition antithetical to the wisdom and humility championed throughout the biblical text.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30 is a distinct collection of wisdom sayings attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, standing apart from the Solomonic proverbs that dominate much of the book. This chapter includes a series of numerical proverbs, observations about various character types, and warnings. Verses 11-14 form a specific quatrain describing four "generations" or classes of people who are morally reprehensible. Verse 13 specifically follows descriptions of those who curse their parents ([Proverbs 30:11](/proverbs/30-11 "Proverbs 30:11 - Cursing Parents")) and those who are self-righteous yet defiled ([Proverbs 30:12](/proverbs/30-12 "Proverbs 30:12 - Self-Righteousness")); it continues this theme by identifying a generation characterized by extreme pride and a condescending attitude. This sequence builds a cumulative picture of societal corruption and moral decay, emphasizing the dangers of such dispositions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, body language, particularly the posture of the head and eyes, was a powerful indicator of social status, emotion, and attitude. "Lifting the eyes" or having "lofty eyes" was a universally understood idiom for pride, arrogance, and disdain. Conversely, casting one's eyes down or lowering the gaze signified humility, submission, or shame. Kings and powerful figures might adopt a lofty gaze to assert authority, but when applied to common individuals, it indicated an unwarranted sense of superiority and contempt for others. This cultural understanding amplifies the proverb's condemnation, as such an open display of haughtiness would have been seen as deeply offensive and disruptive to communal harmony, challenging established social hierarchies and the respect due to elders or those in authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it underscores the pervasive theme of **pride versus humility**. The "lofty eyes" are a direct antithesis to the humble spirit that fears the Lord, which is consistently presented as the foundation of true wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord")). It also highlights the theme of **discernment of character**, urging the reader to identify and understand the traits of dangerous or undesirable individuals. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **social justice and interpersonal relationships**, as a proud and contemptuous spirit inevitably leads to oppressive behavior and a lack of empathy, contrasting sharply with the call for righteous living and care for the vulnerable found elsewhere in Proverbs ([Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** From H1755, meaning "a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling." In this context, it refers not merely to a chronological age group but to a distinct class or type of people defined by their shared characteristics and moral disposition. Agur is identifying a particular kind of person prevalent in society, marked by the subsequent description.
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, meaning "an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)." The eye, in biblical thought, is often seen as the "window to the soul," revealing inner attitudes and intentions. Here, the physical posture of the eyes directly reflects an internal state of pride and contempt.
* **lofty (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From H7311, a primitive root meaning "to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)." This word, along with `nâsâʼ` (H5375, "to lift"), emphasizes the elevated, self-exalting posture. It denotes not just physical height but also an elevated sense of self-importance, superiority, and haughtiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[There is] a generation":** This introductory phrase sets the stage, identifying a specific group or class of people whose defining characteristic is about to be described. It suggests a recurring pattern of behavior found across different ages or social strata, rather than a single individual.
* **"O how lofty are their eyes!":** This exclamation powerfully depicts the primary manifestation of this generation's pride. "Lofty eyes" (רום עינים, _rûm ʻenayim_) is a classic Hebrew idiom for arrogance, disdain, and a condescending attitude. It paints a picture of someone looking down their nose at others, physically embodying their perceived superiority.
* **"and their eyelids are lifted up.":** This clause serves as a parallel intensification of the previous one. "Eyelids lifted up" (עפעפים נשאו, _ʻaphʻaphîm nāśāʼû_) reinforces the imagery of haughtiness and insolence. The lifting of the eyelids, beyond mere open eyes, suggests a deliberate, perhaps even defiant, gaze that conveys contempt and a lack of respect for anyone perceived as beneath them. The parallelism emphasizes the deep-seated nature of their pride.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of the proud individual through the physical description of "lofty eyes" and "eyelids lifted up." This visual metaphor makes the abstract concept of pride tangible and immediately recognizable. **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, is evident in the two clauses describing the eyes and eyelids. Both phrases convey the same core idea of haughtiness, reinforcing the message and adding emphasis through repetition. This also functions as a **Metaphor**, where the physical posture of the eyes and eyelids stands in for the internal state of arrogance and disdain. The outward bodily expression becomes a symbol of the inner spiritual condition, making the proverb's condemnation of pride all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb stands as a stark theological statement against the sin of pride, a vice consistently condemned throughout Scripture as antithetical to God's character and His call for humanity. The "lofty eyes" represent a spirit of self-exaltation that places oneself above others and, implicitly, above God. This attitude directly opposes the humility that is foundational to wisdom and a right relationship with the Creator, who "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")). Such a generation, marked by contempt for others, alienates itself from the community and from divine favor, ultimately leading to destruction rather than honor.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Psalm 101:5](/psalms/101-5 "Psalm 101:5 - God Hates Haughty Eyes")
* [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - Humbling of the Haughty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:13 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to critically examine our own hearts and the subtle ways pride can manifest in our lives. The imagery of "lofty eyes" challenges us to consider not just our overt actions, but the very posture of our souls towards God and others. Do we carry ourselves with an air of superiority, judging or dismissing those we perceive as less intelligent, less successful, or less spiritual? True wisdom, as taught throughout Proverbs, begins with a humble reverence for God and extends to a genuine love and respect for our neighbors. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility, recognizing our dependence on God and valuing every person as created in His image. It urges us to actively resist the temptation to look down on anyone, fostering instead a heart of empathy, service, and teachability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might "lofty eyes" or "lifted eyelids" manifest in my own attitudes or interactions with others?**
* **How does a spirit of pride hinder my relationships with God and with those around me?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and compassionate heart, actively valuing others above myself?**
* **How can I identify and lovingly challenge this "lofty" attitude in my community or in the broader culture?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "lofty eyes" and "lifted eyelids" in biblical literature?**

Answer: In biblical literature, particularly the Old Testament, "lofty eyes" and "lifted eyelids" are powerful idioms that consistently symbolize pride, arrogance, and disdain. The eyes are often seen as a window to the soul, and their posture communicates inner attitudes. A "lofty" or "high" gaze indicates an individual who looks down upon others, viewing them with contempt or considering themselves superior. This imagery is frequently used to describe those who are self-exalted, insolent, and lacking humility, often in contrast to the humble and righteous who fear the Lord. It signifies a spiritual posture of defiance against God and a social posture of disrespect towards humanity. For example, [Psalm 101:5](/psalms/101-5 "Psalm 101:5 - God Hates Haughty Eyes") states, "Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:13, with its condemnation of "lofty eyes" and a proud generation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antithesis in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb describes a humanity prone to self-exaltation and contempt, Christ perfectly embodied divine humility. He, "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His eyes were not "lofty" with disdain, but filled with compassion for the lost and the marginalized ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion")). He consistently taught and exemplified humility, declaring that "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")). The proud generation of Proverbs 30:13 stands in stark contrast to the "generation" of believers who are called to follow Christ's example, walking in humility and serving one another, reflecting the very heart of the God who "gives grace to the humble" ([1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - God Opposes the Proud")). In Christ, we see the ultimate answer to human pride: the perfect Lamb of God who, far from looking down, stooped to conquer sin and death through self-sacrificial love ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Lamb of God")).

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 6:17

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

Isaiah 2:11

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

Psalms 131:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

Psalms 101:5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Isaiah 3:16

¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

Ezekiel 28:9

Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I [am] God? but thou [shalt be] a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.

Proverbs 21:4

¶ An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.