Proverbs 30:18

KJV

¶ There be three [things which] are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

KJV (with Strong's)

There be three {H7969} things which are too wonderful {H6381} for me, yea, four {H702} which I know {H3045} not:

Complete Jewish Bible

Three things are too wonderful for me, four beyond my knowledge

Berean Standard Bible

There are three things too wonderful for me, four that I cannot understand:

American Standard Version

There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Yea, four which I know not:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:18 introduces a profound declaration by Agur, a wise man, who humbly confesses his inability to fully comprehend certain phenomena in the created world. This verse serves as a preamble to a list of four specific wonders, employing the classic "X, yea, X+1" numerical proverb pattern to build anticipation and emphasize the deep mystery inherent in God's creation, highlighting the limits of human understanding in the face of divine design and inviting a posture of awe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30:18 is found within "the words of Agur the son of Jakeh," a distinct collection of wisdom sayings introduced in [Proverbs 30:1](/proverbs/30-1 "Proverbs 30:1 - Agur's Introduction"). This section (chapters 30-31) stands apart from the main Solomonic proverbs, often featuring unique literary structures such as numerical proverbs and riddles. The "X, yea, X+1" pattern, exemplified by "three things... yea, four," is a well-established Hebrew literary device. It is designed to build suspense and emphasize the final item in a list, suggesting it holds particular significance or paradox. This structure is also seen in other biblical texts like [Proverbs 6:16](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16 - Seven Things the Lord Hates") and [Amos 1:3](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3 - Transgressions of Damascus"). In this specific context, the verse acts as a compelling prologue, setting the stage for the four specific, inexplicable wonders detailed in [Proverbs 30:19](/proverbs/30-19 "Proverbs 30:19 - The Four Wonders").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs belongs to the broader genre of wisdom literature, which flourished throughout the ancient Near East. In this cultural setting, wisdom was highly prized, often understood as a keen insight derived from observing the natural world, human behavior, and divine principles. Wise men, like Agur, were revered for their ability to collect, distill, and transmit these insights. The admission of "not knowing" or finding things "too wonderful" (Hebrew: _pâlâʼ_) is not a sign of intellectual failure but a hallmark of profound wisdom in this tradition. It contrasts sharply with intellectual arrogance and reflects a deep reverence for the Creator and His intricate design, acknowledging that even the most astute human intellect cannot fully penetrate all mysteries. The natural phenomena referenced in the subsequent verses (eagles, serpents, ships, human relationships) were common observations in ancient Israel, serving as accessible metaphors for deeper, often spiritual, truths.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Proverbs 30:18 is the **acknowledgment of profound mystery and wonder** in the created order. Agur, a figure presented as wise, humbly confesses that certain phenomena are "too wonderful" or incomprehensible for him. This confession cultivates a healthy sense of awe before creation, moving beyond mere observation to a posture of reverence. This leads directly to the theme of **human limitation**; despite the pursuit of wisdom, there are inherent boundaries to human intellect and understanding. Not everything can be fully analyzed, categorized, or explained by human reason alone. This humility is, paradoxically, a core component of biblical wisdom, standing in stark contrast to the pride of intellectual self-sufficiency. Implicitly, these inexplicable wonders point to **divine design and the incomprehensibility of God**. The intricate workings of nature, which defy complete human grasp, suggest a masterful Creator whose ways and thoughts are far beyond human comprehension, a concept powerfully articulated in passages such as [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wonderful (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** From H6381, this primitive root signifies something "to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful." It describes phenomena that are extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond normal human understanding, often implying a divine origin or a quality that evokes awe. Agur's use of this word indicates that these things are not merely complex, but possess a transcendent quality that defies complete human intellectual grasp, inspiring a sense of profound mystery and reverence.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root means "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing)." Its semantic range is vast, encompassing observation, comprehension, recognition, and intimate understanding. When Agur states "which I know not," he is expressing more than a lack of information; he is admitting an inability to fully grasp the underlying principles, inherent nature, or profound significance of these phenomena. It is an admission of intellectual and experiential humility in the face of deep, intrinsic mystery.
* **three (Hebrew, _shâlôwsh'_):** From H7969, this is a primitive cardinal number. Its significance here is primarily structural, initiating the numerical proverb pattern that builds anticipation for the subsequent list.
* **four (Hebrew, _ʼarbaʻ'_):** From H702, this is also a primitive cardinal number. Its use in conjunction with "three" completes the "X, yea, X+1" pattern, emphasizing the final item in the upcoming list as particularly remarkable or perplexing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There be three [things which] are too wonderful for me":** This clause establishes Agur's initial observation and his personal, humble response to certain phenomena. The phrase "too wonderful for me" (Hebrew: _yiphal'u mimmenni_) conveys a profound sense of awe and incomprehensibility. It is not merely a statement of ignorance, but an admission that these things possess an extraordinary quality that transcends his human capacity to fully grasp, explain, or even adequately describe. This sets a tone of humility and reverence, inviting the reader to share in this posture of wonder.
* **"yea, four which I know not:":** This second clause introduces the "X, yea, X+1" numerical proverb pattern, a common rhetorical device in Hebrew wisdom literature. The intensifying addition of "yea, four" builds anticipation for the subsequent list, suggesting that while the first three are remarkable, the fourth is even more astonishing or perplexing. The phrase "which I know not" reiterates Agur's humility and the inherent limits of human wisdom, emphasizing that these phenomena defy complete intellectual mastery and remain shrouded in an inexplicable mystery.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:18 masterfully employs the **Numerical Proverb**, specifically the "X, yea, X+1" pattern, to structure its message and build narrative anticipation. This incremental numerical saying serves to highlight the final item in a list, implying it is the most significant, perplexing, or climactic. This device creates a rhythmic and memorable quality, aiding in the transmission of wisdom. Furthermore, the verse contains a profound **Confession of Ignorance** on the part of Agur. This is presented not as a weakness but as a hallmark of true wisdom, demonstrating humility before the vastness of creation and the divine. The phrase "too wonderful for me" can also be interpreted as an expression of **Awe and Mystery**, inviting the reader into a similar posture of reverent wonder rather than an attempt at exhaustive analysis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 30:18 profoundly underscores the theme of divine incomprehensibility and the necessary humility of human wisdom. Agur's admission that certain things are "too wonderful" and "unknown" to him points to a universe whose depths exceed human intellectual capacity, implicitly testifying to the infinite wisdom and power of its Creator. This humility is a foundational theological principle, recognizing that God's ways and thoughts are far superior to our own, and that true wisdom begins with acknowledging our limitations before an omniscient God. It encourages a posture of reverence and awe, rather than an arrogant pursuit of total mastery over all knowledge, fostering a trust in the One who comprehends all things.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Depth of God's Wisdom")
* [Job 38:1-7](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1-7 - God Questions Job from the Whirlwind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:18 serves as a powerful antidote to intellectual arrogance, inviting us to cultivate a profound sense of wonder and humility in a world that often prioritizes exhaustive explanation. In an age where information is abundant and the pursuit of knowledge is relentless, Agur's confession reminds us that true wisdom embraces mystery. It challenges us to pause and acknowledge the inexplicable, to marvel at the intricate beauty and profound depth of creation that defies complete human analysis. This humility opens the door to deeper reverence for God, fostering a spirit of awe that transforms our perspective from mere observation to worship. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign wisdom, even when His plans or the workings of His world are beyond our full comprehension, finding peace in the knowledge that He is infinitely wise and good. This verse encourages us to live with open hands, acknowledging that not everything needs to be fully understood to be deeply appreciated and reverenced.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some "wonderful" things in creation or life that you find yourself unable to fully comprehend or explain?**
* **How does acknowledging the limits of your own understanding impact your view of God and His wisdom?**
* **In what ways can cultivating a sense of awe and mystery deepen your spiritual life and trust in God?**
* **How might this verse challenge a worldview that seeks to explain everything solely through human reason or scientific inquiry?**

### FAQ
**Who was Agur, and why are his words included in Proverbs?**

Answer: Agur is identified in [Proverbs 30:1](/proverbs/30-1 "Proverbs 30:1 - Agur's Introduction") as "the son of Jakeh." Beyond this single reference, little is known about his personal history or background. He is recognized as one of the "wise men" whose collected sayings were appended to the main body of Proverbs, indicating that his wisdom was highly regarded and deemed worthy of inclusion within Israelite tradition. His contributions often feature unique literary styles, such as numerical proverbs and riddles, which enrich the diverse tapestry of wisdom found in the book, providing different perspectives on common themes of life, wisdom, and the fear of the Lord.

**What is the significance of the "three... yea, four" pattern in this verse?**

Answer: This is a classic Hebrew literary device known as an "X, yea, X+1" numerical proverb. Its significance lies in its ability to build anticipation and emphasize the final item in a list. While the first "X" items are remarkable, the "X+1" item is presented as even more astonishing, perplexing, or climactic. It serves as a rhetorical flourish, drawing the reader's attention to the subsequent list (in this case, the four wonders in [Proverbs 30:19](/proverbs/30-19 "Proverbs 30:19 - The Four Wonders")), and making the wisdom memorable and impactful. Examples of this pattern can also be found in [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Abominations") and [Amos 1:3-2:16](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3-2:16 - Oracles Against the Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:18, with Agur's humble confession of things "too wonderful" and "unknown" to him, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person of Jesus Christ. The mysteries of creation and the depths of divine wisdom that eluded even the wisest human minds are fully revealed in Him. Christ is not merely one who "knows" these wonders; He is the very embodiment of the divine wisdom that orchestrates them. As [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom") proclaims, in Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." What was "unknown" to Agur—the very essence of God and His intricate ways—is made known through the Incarnation. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") states, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Jesus, the Son, is the perfect revelation of the Father, the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" as described in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Supremacy"). Thus, the "wonderful" things that humble human intellect ultimately point to the surpassing wonder of God's redemptive plan unveiled in Christ, through whom the incomprehensible becomes comprehensible, and the unknown is finally revealed, inviting us into a deeper knowledge of God Himself.

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

Job 42:3

Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

Psalms 139:6

[Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot [attain] unto it.