Proverbs 30:15

KJV

¶ The horseleach hath two daughters, [crying], Give, give. There are three [things that] are never satisfied, [yea], four [things] say not, [It is] enough:

KJV (with Strong's)

The horseleach {H5936} hath two {H8147} daughters {H1323}, crying, Give {H3051}, give {H3051}. There are three {H7969} things that are never satisfied {H7646}, yea, four {H702} things say {H559} not, It is enough {H1952}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The leech has two daughters; they cry, "Give! Give!" Three things are never satisfied; four never say, "Enough!"

Berean Standard Bible

The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’:

American Standard Version

The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, Yea, four that say not, Enough:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:15 introduces a profound observation on insatiable desire, employing the vivid imagery of a bloodsucking leech and its demanding "daughters" to symbolize an unending craving. This verse serves as the preamble to a numerical proverb, a common literary device in wisdom literature, setting the stage for a list of three, and indeed four, entities or phenomena that are characterized by an unquenchable appetite, never uttering the word "enough." It highlights a fundamental aspect of the fallen human condition and certain natural realities, pointing to the futility of seeking ultimate satisfaction in that which can never truly fill.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30 is a distinct section within the book of Proverbs, attributed to Agur, son of Jakeh. This chapter marks a shift from the Solomonic collections, presenting a series of enigmatic and observational proverbs. Verse 15 initiates a specific type of wisdom saying known as a numerical proverb (often X, yea X+1), a structure designed to draw attention to a list of related items or concepts that share a common characteristic. This particular numerical proverb continues into [Proverbs 30:16](/proverbs/30-16 "Proverbs 30:16 - The Four Insatiable Things"), where the specific "three...yea, four" things that are never satisfied are enumerated: the grave, the barren womb, the earth never satisfied with water, and fire. Thus, [Proverbs 30:15](/proverbs/30-15 "Proverbs 30:15 - The Leech and Insatiable Desires") functions as an evocative introduction, establishing the overarching theme of insatiable desire before presenting its concrete examples.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the "horseleach" (Hebrew: *ʻălûwqâh*) would have been immediately recognizable to an ancient Israelite audience. Leeches were common in stagnant waters and known for their relentless bloodsucking, embodying an extreme form of insatiability. The concept of "daughters" in ancient Hebrew idiom could extend beyond literal offspring to denote characteristics or consequences associated with a parent entity. In this case, the "daughters" amplify the leech's inherent nature, personifying its persistent demand. Numerical proverbs were a well-established literary form in the ancient Near East, found not only in the Bible (e.g., [Amos 1:3](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3 - Transgressions of Damascus") and [Job 5:19](/job/5-19 "Job 5:19 - Deliverance from Six Troubles")) but also in other wisdom traditions, serving to organize and emphasize observations about the world and human behavior.
* **Key Themes:** The central and most prominent theme in [Proverbs 30:15](/proverbs/30-15 "Proverbs 30:15 - The Leech and Insatiable Desires") is **insatiable desire** or **unquenchable greed**. The horseleach serves as a powerful metaphor for anything that perpetually demands more without ever reaching a state of contentment or sufficiency. This theme extends to human appetites, whether for wealth, power, pleasure, or status, which often prove to be bottomless pits, leading to perpetual dissatisfaction rather than peace. Secondly, the verse highlights **keen observation of nature and human nature**, a hallmark of wisdom literature. Agur keenly observes the natural world (the leech) and applies its characteristics to broader principles of life, including the human condition. Finally, there is an implicit **warning against avarice and covetousness**. While not explicitly condemnatory, the stark depiction of endless craving serves as a cautionary tale, suggesting that such unchecked desires are ultimately destructive and lead to a life devoid of true "enough." This aligns with broader biblical warnings against the love of money and material possessions, as seen in passages like [Ecclesiastes 5:10](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10 - The Futility of Wealth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **horseleach (Hebrew, _ʻălûwqâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to suck," this term specifically refers to the leech. It vividly paints the picture of a creature known for its relentless, bloodsucking nature, symbolizing an entity that takes without ever being satisfied. Its inclusion immediately sets the tone for the theme of insatiable demand.
* **Give (Hebrew, _yâhab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to give," but often used imperatively to mean "give!" or "hand over." The repetition of this word ("Give, give") powerfully emphasizes the incessant, demanding, and unceasing nature of the craving being described, akin to a persistent, aggressive cry for more.
* **satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to sate," or "fill to satisfaction," whether literally or figuratively. The negation ("never satisfied") underscores the core message of the verse: certain things, like the horseleach, possess an inherent, unending capacity for absorption or desire, never reaching a point of contentment or fullness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The horseleach hath two daughters,"**: This clause introduces the central image of the proverb. The "horseleach" (a bloodsucking leech) immediately conjures an image of relentless taking. The "two daughters" are not literal offspring but a literary device, a personification that amplifies and intensifies the inherent characteristic of the leech – its insatiable greed. They serve as an extension of its demanding nature.
* **"[crying], Give, give."**: This phrase directly conveys the nature of the "daughters" and, by extension, the horseleach itself. The repetition of "Give, give" (Hebrew: *hav hav*) is an onomatopoeic representation of an aggressive, persistent, and unceasing demand. It underscores the relentless and unfulfilled craving that defines the leech and the subsequent list of insatiable things.
* **"There are three [things that] are never satisfied,"**: This marks the transition to the numerical proverb format. The number "three" signals the beginning of a list, indicating that the preceding imagery of the horseleach is a powerful illustration of a broader principle. "Never satisfied" reiterates the core theme of unquenchable desire, setting the expectation for the items to follow.
* **"[yea], four [things] say not, [It is] enough:"**: This final clause completes the numerical proverb structure (X, yea X+1). The addition of "yea, four" emphasizes the certainty and perhaps the surprising nature of the list, adding a final, emphatic item. The phrase "say not, It is enough" is a direct and powerful restatement of "never satisfied," using personification to highlight the perpetual lack of contentment or sufficiency experienced by these entities.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:15 is rich with literary artistry. **Personification** is central, as the horseleach is depicted as having "daughters" who "cry" and the "things" that "say not, It is enough." This imbues inanimate or instinctual entities with human-like will and voice, making their insatiable nature more vivid and relatable. The horseleach itself functions as a potent **metaphor** for unquenchable desire or greed, its bloodsucking habit perfectly illustrating the relentless taking without satisfaction. The repetition of "Give, give" is a powerful instance of **onomatopoeia** and **anaphora**, mimicking the sound of persistent demand and emphasizing the ceaseless nature of the craving. Finally, the verse employs a classic **numerical proverb** structure (X, yea X+1), a common wisdom literature device that builds anticipation and draws attention to a list of observations, highlighting a shared characteristic among disparate items, thereby creating a memorable and impactful teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound observation of Proverbs 30:15 on insatiable desire resonates deeply with broader biblical theology concerning the nature of sin and the human heart. Apart from God, the human spirit often defaults to a state of perpetual longing, seeking fulfillment in finite things that can never truly satisfy. This unquenchable thirst for "more"—whether wealth, power, pleasure, or recognition—is a manifestation of idolatry, where created things are elevated to the status of ultimate good, yet they always fall short, leaving the soul impoverished and perpetually crying "Give, give." This spiritual emptiness underscores the futility of seeking contentment in worldly pursuits, which are ultimately like drinking saltwater, only increasing one's thirst.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:10](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "The Futility of Wealth"): "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity."
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Beware of Covetousness"): "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "No One Can Serve Two Masters"): "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:15 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to critically examine the desires that drive our lives. In a consumer-driven society, the cry of "Give, give" echoes relentlessly, urging us to accumulate more possessions, achieve higher status, or consume endless entertainment, promising satisfaction that perpetually eludes us. This proverb challenges us to recognize the insidious nature of unchecked appetites, whether for material goods, power, approval, or even unhealthy habits, which, like the horseleach, drain us without ever truly filling us. True contentment, as the broader biblical narrative suggests, is not found in the endless pursuit of "more," but in a posture of gratitude, generosity, and reliance on God's provision. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of "enough" and to find our deepest satisfaction in spiritual realities rather than fleeting worldly gains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "horseleach" desires or insatiable appetites do I observe in my own life or in the culture around me?**
* **How does the world's constant message of "more" or "better" contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction, and how can I resist it?**
* **Where do I genuinely seek my satisfaction and fulfillment? Is it in things that can truly satisfy, or in those that perpetually demand more?**
* **How can cultivating gratitude and generosity help counteract the "Give, give" mentality?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "horseleach" in this proverb?**

Answer: The "horseleach" (Hebrew: *ʻălûwqâh*) is a bloodsucking leech, a creature known for its relentless and insatiable craving for blood. In Proverbs 30:15, it serves as a vivid and unsettling metaphor for any entity or desire that perpetually demands more without ever being satisfied. Its imagery immediately establishes the theme of unquenchable greed and endless taking, setting the stage for the subsequent list of things that are never content.

**What does it mean that the horseleach has "two daughters, crying, Give, give"?**

Answer: The "two daughters" are not literal offspring but a literary device, a personification that amplifies and intensifies the inherent characteristic of the leech itself – its insatiable greed. They symbolize the manifold ways in which this unquenchable desire manifests. The repeated cry of "Give, give" (Hebrew: *hav hav*) is an onomatopoeic representation of an aggressive, persistent, and unceasing demand, underscoring the relentless and unfulfilled craving that defines the leech and the subsequent list of insatiable things mentioned in [Proverbs 30:16](/proverbs/30-16 "Proverbs 30:16 - The Four Insatiable Things").

**What is a "numerical proverb" and why is it used here?**

Answer: A numerical proverb is a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, often structured as "X, yea X+1" (e.g., "three...yea, four"). This format is used to introduce a list of items or observations that share a common characteristic, building anticipation and drawing attention to the final, often most significant, item. In [Proverbs 30:15](/proverbs/30-15 "Proverbs 30:15 - The Leech and Insatiable Desires"), it sets up the enumeration of specific things that are never satisfied, which are detailed in [Proverbs 30:16](/proverbs/30-16 "Proverbs 30:16 - The Four Insatiable Things"). It's a rhetorical technique to make wisdom memorable and impactful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:15 starkly portrays the futility of insatiable desire, a condition that perfectly encapsulates the spiritual emptiness of a life lived apart from God. The horseleach's relentless cry of "Give, give" mirrors the human heart's desperate search for fulfillment in finite things, a search that inevitably leads to perpetual dissatisfaction. This proverb, while an observation of natural and human tendencies, ultimately points us to the profound satisfaction found only in Christ. Where worldly pursuits promise much but deliver little, leaving us always wanting more, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life: [he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")." He offers living water that quenches the deepest spiritual thirst, stating, "whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). The insatiable cravings highlighted in Proverbs find their ultimate answer not in more acquisition, but in the person of Christ, who alone satisfies the soul's deepest longings and brings true contentment, freeing us from the endless cycle of "Give, give" to a life of "It is enough" in Him. As Paul beautifully articulates, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" ([Philippians 4:11](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11 - Paul's Contentment")).

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 30:21

For three [things] the earth is disquieted, and for four [which] it cannot bear:

Proverbs 30:29

¶ There be three [things] which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

Proverbs 6:16

These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:

Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Jude 1:11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Jude 1:12

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;