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.

The eye {H5869} that mocketh {H3932} at his father {H1}, and despiseth {H936} to obey {H3349} his mother {H517}, the ravens {H6158} of the valley {H5158} shall pick it out {H5365}, and the young {H1121} eagles {H5404} shall eat {H398} it.

The eye that mocks his father and scorns obeying his mother will be pecked out by the ravens in the valley, and the vultures will eat it.

As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.

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.

Commentary

Proverbs 30:17 (KJV) delivers a stark and memorable warning against disrespecting one's parents, using vivid, shocking imagery to underscore the gravity of such an offense.

Context

This verse is part of "the words of Agur the son of Jakeh" (Proverbs 30:1), a collection of wisdom sayings distinct from those attributed directly to Solomon. Like much of the book of Proverbs, it offers concise, impactful observations about righteousness, folly, and the natural consequences of human actions. In ancient Israelite society, respect for elders and particularly for parents was a cornerstone of social order and religious duty, rooted in the Ten Commandments. Disobedience or mockery towards parents was considered a profound transgression against both family and divine order.

Key Themes

  • Filial Piety and Respect for Authority: The primary message emphasizes the absolute necessity of honoring and obeying one's parents. The "eye that mocketh" and the one who "despiseth to obey" represent a deep-seated contempt and rebellion against foundational authority.
  • Severe Consequences of Disrespect: The terrifying imagery of "the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it" speaks to a gruesome and dishonorable end. In the ancient world, being left unburied and consumed by scavengers was a sign of utter disgrace, a curse, and a denial of proper burial rites, symbolizing a complete rejection by both society and, implicitly, by God. It signifies a life cut short or brought to a shameful conclusion due to profound moral failure.
  • Divine and Natural Justice: While not explicitly stating God's direct intervention, the verse suggests a cosmic or natural order where such profound disrespect does not go unpunished. It implies that certain actions carry their own inherent, dreadful consequences, reflecting a principle of divine justice at work in the world.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "mocketh" (Hebrew: la'ag) implies not just disobedience but active scorn, derision, and open contempt. Similarly, "despiseth" (Hebrew: buz) conveys a deep-seated disdain and rejection of parental instruction and authority. The focus on the "eye" could be metonymy for the whole person, but it also poignantly suggests the instrument through which scornful looks or attitudes are conveyed. The punishment targeting the eye serves as a form of poetic justice, as the very organ used for contemptuous glances becomes the object of gruesome demise.

Practical Application

Although the punishment described is symbolic and not literal today, the underlying principle of Proverbs 30:17 remains profoundly relevant. It serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of disrespect, rebellion, and ingratitude towards those who have authority over us, especially within the family. Modern applications include:

  • Honoring Parental Guidance: Recognizing the wisdom and experience of parents, and striving to heed their counsel.
  • Consequences of Contempt: Understanding that a spirit of rebellion and disrespect, even if not leading to literal physical harm, can lead to relational breakdown, personal spiritual decay, and a life lacking the blessings associated with obedience and honor (see Ephesians 6:2-3).
  • Societal Implications: The breakdown of respect within the family unit can have wider negative impacts on society. This proverb champions the foundational value of familial respect for a stable and righteous community.

The verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, gratitude, and honor towards our parents, acknowledging their role in our lives and their God-given authority.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 21:18

    ¶ If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and [that], when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

  • Deuteronomy 21:21

    And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

  • Proverbs 23:22

    Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

  • 2 Samuel 18:14

    Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he [was] yet alive in the midst of the oak.

  • 2 Samuel 18:17

    And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

  • Proverbs 30:11

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

  • 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.
← Back