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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 30:15–17. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
He had spoken before of those that devoured the poor (Pro 30:14), and had spoken of them last, as the worst of all the four generations there mentioned; now here he speaks of their insatiableness in doing this. The temper that puts them upon it is made up of cruelty and covetousness. Now those are two daughters of the horse-leech, its genuine offspring, that still cry, "Give, give, give more blood, give more money;" for the bloody are still blood-thirsty; being drunk with blood, they add thirst to their drunkenness, and will seek it yet again. Those also that love silver shall never be satisfied with silver. Thus, while from these two principles they are devouring the poor, they are continually uneasy to themselves, as David's enemies, Psa 59:14, Psa 59:15. Now, for the further illustration of this,
I.He specifies four other things which are insatiable, to which those devourers are compared, which say not, It is enough, or It is wealth.
Those are never rich that are always coveting. Now these four things that are always craving are,
1.The grave, into which multitudes fall, and yet still more will fall, and it swallows them all up, and returns none, Hell and destruction are never full, Pro 27:20. When it comes to our turn we shall find the grave ready for us, Job 17:1.
2.The barren womb, which is impatient of its affliction in being barren, and cries, as Rachel did, Give me children.
3.The parched ground in time of drought (especially in those hot countries), which still soaks in the rain that comes in abundance upon it and in a little time wants more.
4.The fire, which, when it has consumed abundance of fuel, yet still devours all the combustible matter that is thrown into it. So insatiable are the corrupt desires of sinners, and so little satisfaction have they even in the gratification of them.
II.He adds a terrible threatening to disobedient children (Pro 30:17), for warning to the first of those four wicked generations, that curse their parents (Pro 30:11), and shows here,
1.Who they are that belong to that generation, not only those that curse their parents in heat and passion, but,
(1.)Those that mock at them, though it be but with a scornful eye, looking with disdain upon them because of their bodily infirmities, or looking sour or dogged at them when they instruct or command, impatient at their checks and angry at them. God takes notice with what eye children look upon their parents, and will reckon for the leering look and the casts of the evil eye as well as for the bad language given them.
(2.)Those that despise to obey them, that think it a thing below them to be dutiful to their parents, especially to the mother, they scorn to be controlled by her; and thus she that bore them in sorrow in greater sorrow bears their manners.
2.What their doom will be. Those that dishonour their parents shall be set up as monuments of God's vengeance; they shall be hanged in chains, as it were, for the birds of prey to pick out their eyes, those eyes with which they looked so scornfully on their good parents. The dead bodies of malefactors were not to hang all night, but before night the ravens would have picked out their eyes. If men do not punish undutiful children, God will, and will load those with the greatest infamy that conduct themselves haughtily towards their parents. Many who have come to an ignominious end have owned that the wicked courses that brought them to it began in a contempt of their parents' authority.
Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"The eye that mocketh at his father, and dishonours the old age of his mother." That is to say, one that blasphemes God and despises the mother of Christ, the wisdom of God,-his eyes may ravens from the caves tear out, i.e., him may unclean and wicked spirits deprive of the clear eye of gladness; and may the young eagles devour him: and such shall be trodden under the feet of the saints.
The eye that mocks a father, and despises the birth of his mother, etc. The perverse, while they reproach divine judgments, mock the Father; and any heretics, while despising the preaching of the holy Church with ridicule, despise the birth of the mother, because from her come those who speak against her. They went out from us, he says, but they were not of us (John ...). Whose intention, while the Catholic preachers rebuke them coming from the streams of the divine Scriptures, they pluck out the hateful eye of the raven from the torrents, and the sons of the eagle eat it. For the holy teachers are called ravens, because through the grace of humility, they confess the blackness of sin in themselves. But the sons of the eagle, because they are reborn through his grace, who in the habit of assumed flesh flies to the heavens. Hence elsewhere they are called the sons of the bridegroom.
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Summary
Proverbs 30:17 delivers a chilling and vivid warning against profound disrespect and contempt for one's parents, particularly targeting the "eye" that expresses scorn and the will that refuses obedience. Through the shocking imagery of scavengers devouring the eye, the proverb underscores the severe, ignominious consequences that await those who violate the foundational societal and divine principle of filial piety, symbolizing a complete and shameful rejection of proper order and a life brought to utter disgrace.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 30:17 is situated within "the words of Agur the son of Jakeh" (Proverbs 30:1), a distinct collection of wisdom sayings that follows the main Solomonic proverbs and precedes the words of King Lemuel. This chapter is characterized by numerical proverbs (e.g., the "four things" in Proverbs 30:15-16) and riddles, often employing striking imagery and observations from the natural world to convey moral and theological truths. While not a numerical proverb, verse 17 maintains the characteristic conciseness and impactful imagery, serving as a powerful, standalone warning that resonates with the broader themes of wisdom, folly, and divine justice found throughout the book of Proverbs. It stands as a stark counterpoint to the blessings promised to those who honor their parents, emphasizing the dire consequences of their opposite.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite society, respect for parents was not merely a social custom but a foundational religious and legal obligation, deeply embedded in the covenant. The Fifth Commandment explicitly mandates, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." Disobedience or mockery towards parents was considered a grave transgression, often punishable by death under Mosaic Law, as seen in the case of the stubbornly rebellious son in Deuteronomy 21:18-21. Being left unburied and consumed by scavengers was a profound disgrace, signifying a cursed and dishonorable end, a denial of proper burial rites, and a complete rejection by both society and, implicitly, by God. This imagery would have evoked deep horror and served as a powerful deterrent, highlighting the ultimate shame and spiritual abandonment associated with such a severe moral failing.
Key Themes
This proverb contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom. Primarily, it emphasizes Filial Piety and Respect for Authority, highlighting the absolute necessity of honoring and obeying one's parents as a cornerstone of a righteous life and a stable society. The "eye that mocketh" and the one who "despiseth to obey" represent a deep-seated contempt and rebellion against foundational authority, not merely an outward act. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the Severe Consequences of Disrespect, using gruesome imagery to depict the ignominious fate of those who defy this fundamental principle. This imagery speaks to a life cut short or brought to a shameful conclusion due to profound moral failure. Finally, it subtly points to Divine and Natural Justice, implying that certain actions carry their own inherent, dreadful consequences, reflecting a principle of divine order at work in the world, even if God's direct intervention is not explicitly stated. The proverb suggests that profound moral transgressions against the family unit disrupt the natural order, leading to a grim, dishonorable end, often alluded to in passages like Proverbs 13:13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (H3932) signifies to deride, scorn, or laugh at, often implying a deep-seated contempt or open defiance. It suggests not just a lack of respect, but an active, aggressive disdain, as if imitating a foreigner or speaking unintelligibly to show utter disregard. This is not passive indifference but active, scornful ridicule.
This term (H936) conveys a strong sense of disrespect, contemning, or utterly rejecting something or someone. It implies a profound lack of value placed on parental instruction and authority, a deep-seated disdain that goes beyond simple disobedience to outright scorn and a complete rejection of their rightful place.
Derived from a root related to "gathering," this word (H3349) specifically means "obedience." In this context, it highlights the active refusal to heed or submit to the mother's counsel, contrasting sharply with the expected and divinely mandated submission to parental authority. It points to a willful defiance of rightful instruction.
Verse Breakdown
"The eye that mocketh at his father"
This clause introduces the subject of the proverb, focusing on the "eye" as a metonymy for the entire person's attitude, or more specifically, the instrument through which scornful looks, disdain, and open defiance are conveyed. The act of "mocking" the father signifies a severe breach of filial piety, demonstrating active contempt and derision towards the patriarchal authority figure, challenging his position and wisdom.
"and despiseth to obey his mother"
This parallel clause extends the transgression to the mother, emphasizing a deep-seated disdain and a willful refusal to submit to her guidance and instruction. The combination of mocking the father and despising the mother underscores a comprehensive rejection of both parental figures and the foundational authority they represent within the family unit, indicating a complete moral rebellion.
"the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it"
This climactic and gruesome imagery describes the consequence. The "ravens of the valley" and "young eagles" are scavengers, and their act of "picking out" and "eating" the eye signifies a highly dishonorable and horrific end. In the ancient world, being left unburied and consumed by birds of prey was a curse, a sign of utter disgrace, and a denial of proper burial rites, symbolizing complete rejection by society and a shameful demise. The targeting of the "eye" serves as a form of poetic justice, as the very organ used to convey scorn becomes the object of this dreadful fate, emphasizing the direct link between the sin and its consequence.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:17 employs several powerful Literary Devices to convey its stark warning. Metonymy is evident in the phrase "the eye that mocketh," where "eye" stands for the entire person or, more specifically, the attitude of scorn and contempt expressed through one's gaze. This particular focus on the eye also sets up a chilling instance of Poetic Justice, where the very organ used to convey disdain becomes the object of the gruesome punishment, a fitting retribution for the sin. The description of ravens and eagles devouring the eye is a vivid example of Hyperbole, using exaggerated and shocking imagery to emphasize the severity of the offense and the horror of its consequences, rather than describing a literal event. This imagery also functions as Symbolism, where the scavenging birds represent a dishonorable, cursed, and utterly rejected end, a fate worse than death in the ancient worldview, signifying complete moral and social disintegration for those who defy parental authority. The parallelism between "father" and "mother" and "ravens" and "eagles" also enhances the proverb's rhetorical force.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on honor, authority, and the consequences of rebellion. It underscores the divine order established for family and society, where respect for parents is a foundational virtue, echoing the Fifth Commandment's promise of blessing for obedience. The severe imagery highlights that contempt for parental authority is not merely a social faux pas but a profound moral transgression that disrupts the very fabric of God's intended order, leading to a state of utter disgrace and spiritual barrenness. It serves as a stark reminder that while God is merciful, there are inherent consequences for actions that defy His established principles of wisdom and righteousness, often manifesting as a loss of honor, a fractured life, and a departure from the path of blessing.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 30:17, though employing ancient and shocking imagery, carries a timeless and profound message for all generations. It calls us to examine our hearts and attitudes towards those in authority, particularly our parents. The "eye that mocketh" and the will that "despiseth to obey" speak to a spirit of rebellion, ingratitude, and contempt that can fester within us. While the literal punishment of scavengers is not our modern reality, the spiritual and relational consequences of such disrespect are very real: broken relationships, a hardened heart, a life devoid of the wisdom and blessing that come from honoring those who have nurtured and guided us. This proverb challenges us to cultivate humility, gratitude, and a spirit of honor, recognizing the God-given role of parents in our lives and the wisdom they impart. It reminds us that true wisdom begins with reverence, not just for God, but for the human authorities He has placed in our lives, understanding that our posture towards them often reflects our posture towards God Himself.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the punishment described in Proverbs 30:17 meant to be taken literally for those who disrespect their parents today?
No, the punishment described in Proverbs 30:17 is primarily symbolic and hyperbolic, not a literal prediction of physical dismemberment by birds of prey for every disobedient child. In ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, vivid and often exaggerated imagery was used to underscore the severity of an offense and the certainty of its consequences. The imagery of being left unburied and consumed by scavengers represented the ultimate disgrace and a cursed end in that culture, signifying a complete rejection by society and a denial of proper burial rites. The proverb emphasizes the profound spiritual, social, and relational consequences of such a deep-seated disrespect for parental authority, which can lead to a life of dishonor and spiritual barrenness, rather than a literal physical attack. It serves as a powerful warning about the gravity of the sin and the ultimate shame that awaits those who persistently reject wisdom and authority, a theme echoed in other wisdom literature like Proverbs 1:31.
What does the focus on the "eye" signify in this proverb?
The focus on the "eye" in Proverbs 30:17 is highly significant. The eye is often seen as the window to the soul, an instrument through which attitudes, emotions, and intentions are expressed. To "mock" with the eye suggests a scornful, defiant, or contemptuous gaze—a non-verbal but powerful expression of disrespect. It implies an internal disposition of disdain that manifests outwardly. The choice of the eye as the object of the gruesome punishment is a powerful example of poetic justice: the very organ used to convey insolence and contempt becomes the target of a horrific fate. This highlights that the sin is not just an outward act of disobedience, but a deep-seated attitude of the heart, reflecting the biblical principle that sin begins in the heart and mind, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:28 regarding lust, or in Matthew 15:19 regarding evil thoughts.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 30:17, with its stark warning against filial disrespect, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb condemns the rebellious eye and disobedient will, Christ perfectly embodied the opposite virtues. He was the quintessential Son who honored His Father in heaven with perfect obedience, declaring, "I always do what pleases him." His entire life was a testament to submission and honor, culminating in His obedience "even to the point of death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). Furthermore, Jesus also honored His earthly parents, being "submissive to them" (Luke 2:51) in His youth, and even from the cross, ensuring His mother's care (John 19:26-27). The gruesome fate described in Proverbs 30:17 for the disobedient stands in stark contrast to the honor and exaltation bestowed upon Christ, who, though suffering an ignominious death, was raised to the highest place because of His perfect obedience and honor, as Philippians 2:9-11 proclaims. Believers, as adopted children of God through Christ, are called to emulate His perfect obedience, honoring our heavenly Father and, by extension, earthly authorities, reflecting the new creation where the spirit of rebellion is replaced by a spirit of submission and love, as seen in the call to submission in Romans 13:1 and the transformation of the heart in Ezekiel 36:26-27.