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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30:18 is part of "the words of Agur the son of Jakeh" as introduced in [Proverbs 30:1](/proverbs/30-1 "Proverbs 30:1 - Agur's Introduction"). This section of Proverbs (chapters 30-31) contains distinct collections of wisdom sayings, often characterized by unique literary structures, such as numerical proverbs and riddles, which differ from the more common couplets found in the main body of the book. The "X, yea, X+1" pattern (e.g., "three things... yea, four") is a well-known Hebrew literary device, also seen in passages 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"). This structure builds suspense and emphasizes the final item in the list, suggesting it is the most remarkable or perplexing. In this specific case, the verse acts as a prologue, setting the stage for the four specific 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 genre of wisdom literature, prevalent throughout the ancient Near East. In this cultural milieu, wisdom was highly valued and often associated with keen observation of the natural world, human behavior, and divine principles. Scribes and wise men, like Agur, collected and transmitted these insights. The admission of "not knowing" or finding things "too wonderful" is a hallmark of true wisdom in this context, contrasting with the hubris of those who claim exhaustive knowledge. It 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 geographical setting, likely ancient Israel, provided a rich tapestry of natural phenomena (eagles, serpents, ships, human relationships) that served as metaphors for deeper truths.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme of Proverbs 30:18 is the **acknowledgment of profound mystery and wonder** in the natural world. Agur, a man presented as wise, humbly confesses that some things are "too wonderful" or incomprehensible for him, fostering a healthy sense of awe before creation. This leads directly to the theme of **human limitation**; despite wisdom, there are boundaries to human intellect and understanding. Not everything can be fully analyzed or explained, even by the wisest. This humility is itself a key aspect of biblical wisdom, contrasting with the pride of self-sufficiency. Implicitly, these inexplicable wonders point to **divine design and the incomprehensibility of God**. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the intricate workings of nature, which defy full human grasp, suggest a masterful Creator whose ways and thoughts are far beyond human comprehension, a concept echoed 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 means "to separate, i.e., distinguish," but by implication, "to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful." It describes something extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond human understanding, often used in relation to God's mighty acts or things that are incomprehensible because they originate from a divine source. Agur's use of this word signifies that these phenomena are not merely complex, but possess a quality that transcends normal human comprehension, evoking a sense of awe and mystery.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root means "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing)." It encompasses a wide range of meanings including observation, comprehension, recognition, and understanding. When Agur states "which I know not," he is not merely saying he lacks information, but that he cannot fully grasp the underlying mechanisms, purposes, or profound nature of these things. It's an admission of intellectual and experiential humility in the face of deep, intrinsic mystery.
* **three (Hebrew, _shâlôwsh'_):** From H7969, this is a primitive number.
* **four (Hebrew, _ʼarbaʻ'_):** From H702, this is also a primitive number. While seemingly simple, their use here is crucial for the numerical proverb structure, which is a significant literary device.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There be three [things which] are too wonderful for me":** This clause establishes Agur's initial observation and his personal response to certain phenomena. The phrase "too wonderful for me" (Hebrew: _yiphal'u mimmenni_) expresses a profound sense of awe and incomprehensibility. It's not a mere lack of information, but an admission that these things possess an extraordinary quality that transcends his human capacity to fully grasp or explain. It sets a tone of humility and reverence.
* **"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 addition of "yea, four" intensifies the declaration, building anticipation for the subsequent list. It suggests 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 limits of human wisdom, emphasizing that these phenomena defy complete intellectual mastery.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:18 masterfully employs the **Numerical Proverb** (specifically the "X, yea, X+1" pattern) to structure its message and build anticipation. This device, also known as an incremental numerical saying, serves to highlight the final item in a list, suggesting it is the most significant or perplexing. It 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 not a sign of weakness but a mark of true wisdom, demonstrating humility before the vastness of creation and the divine. The phrase "too wonderful for me" can also be seen as an expression of **Awe and Mystery**, inviting the reader into a similar posture of wonder rather than 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.

* [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.

#### 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, little is known about him. He is one of the "wise men" whose collected sayings were appended to the main body of Proverbs, indicating that his wisdom was recognized and valued 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. Examples of this pattern can also be found in [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Abominations") and [Amos 1:3-2:16](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3 - Oracles Against the Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:18, with Agur's confession of things "too wonderful" and "unknown," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in 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. [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom") proclaims that 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.

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.