Proverbs 30:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For three {H7969} things the earth {H776} is disquieted {H7264}, and for four {H702} which it cannot {H3201} bear {H5375}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Three things make the earth quake, four things it can't bear -

Berean Standard Bible

Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:

American Standard Version

For three things the earth doth tremble, And for four, whichit cannot bear:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:21 introduces a profound observation by Agur, son of Jakeh, employing a classic numerical proverb format ("for three things... and for four") to highlight situations so fundamentally disruptive that the "earth"—representing the established order, society, or the very fabric of creation—is deeply agitated and utterly unable to endure them. This verse sets the stage for a list of societal inversions that cause cosmic disquiet, emphasizing the severe consequences of violating divine and natural order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30:21 marks the commencement of a distinct collection of wisdom sayings attributed to Agur, son of Jakeh, found within the broader book of Proverbs, specifically from [Proverbs 30:1](/proverbs/30 "Proverbs 30 - The Words of Agur") through [Proverbs 30:33](/proverbs/30-33 "Proverbs 30:33 - The Conclusion of Agur's Sayings"). This verse masterfully utilizes the "X and X+1" numerical proverb pattern, a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, including other biblical texts (e.g., [Amos 1:3](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3 - The Lord's Judgment on Damascus")). This rhetorical structure serves to build anticipation, drawing the reader's attention to the cumulative weight of the observations and often emphasizing the final item as the most significant or egregious. Following this potent introduction, [Proverbs 30:22-23](/proverbs/30-22 "Proverbs 30:22-23 - The Four Unbearable Things") immediately enumerates the specific scenarios that Agur deems intolerable, thus fulfilling the anticipation created by this introductory verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many cultures in the ancient Near East, was characterized by a strong emphasis on social hierarchy, order, and established norms. Wisdom literature, of which Proverbs is a prime example, often served as a guide for ethical living, practical conduct, and the maintenance of societal harmony. The concept of *shalom* (peace, wholeness, well-being) was deeply rooted in the understanding of a divinely established cosmic order. Disruptions to this order—such as a servant reigning or a handmaid displacing her mistress, as elaborated in the subsequent verses—were not merely viewed as inconveniences but as profound affronts to the natural, moral, and divine arrangement of things. The "earth" in this context transcends a mere physical landscape; it encompasses the social fabric, the moral conscience, and even the divinely ordained structure of creation, all of which are depicted as reacting viscerally to such unsettling inversions.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme introduced by [Proverbs 30:21](/proverbs/30-21 "Proverbs 30:21 - The Earth Disquieted") is the profound **disorder and instability** that ensues when established roles, behaviors, and social structures are inverted or corrupted. Agur highlights specific moral and social perversions that disrupt the natural flow of life, leading to widespread societal unrest. Implicit in Agur's observations is the foundational concept of a **divine or natural order** for creation and human society. When this inherent order is violated, it results in agitation and suffering, suggesting that the "earth" itself possesses a sensitivity to these unnatural states. This aligns seamlessly with the broader purpose of [Proverbs as a book of wisdom](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Beginning of Wisdom"), which consistently encourages readers to cultivate **wisdom and discernment**, enabling them to distinguish between actions and conditions that foster peace and stability versus those that sow discord and agitation, thereby reinforcing the call to seek [wisdom from God](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **disquieted (Hebrew, _râgaz'_):** From H7264, a primitive root meaning "to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear); be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth." In Proverbs 30:21, this word conveys a deep, visceral sense of agitation and trembling, far beyond mere annoyance. It suggests a fundamental shaking of foundations, indicating that the "earth" (society or the natural order) is profoundly disturbed and unsettled by the situations to follow.
* **cannot (Hebrew, _yâkôl'_):** From H3201, a primitive root meaning "to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might); be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer." When used in the negative, as here, it expresses an absolute inability or impossibility. The earth lacks the capacity, strength, or moral permission to tolerate or sustain these conditions.
* **bear (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, a primitive root meaning "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield." In conjunction with "cannot," it powerfully communicates that the earth cannot "carry the weight" or "endure the burden" of these situations; they are too heavy, repulsive, or fundamentally wrong to be sustained within its established order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For three [things] the earth is disquieted":** This initial clause establishes the numerical proverb pattern, building anticipation for the full list. The mention of "three things" serves as a literary precursor to the more emphasized "four," signaling that a series of observations is forthcoming. The phrase "the earth is disquieted" vividly personifies the earth—or, more broadly, the established societal and cosmic order—as experiencing profound agitation and unrest. It suggests that these situations are not merely problematic for individuals but cause a fundamental disturbance to the very fabric of existence, causing it to tremble or be deeply disturbed.
* **"and for four [which] it cannot bear":** This second clause completes the numerical proverb, indicating that the fourth item, and by extension the entire list of four, represents an ultimate point of intolerance. The "earth's" inability to "bear" these things signifies that they are utterly insufferable, repugnant, or so fundamentally out of order that they cannot be sustained or tolerated within a proper, harmonious system. This phrase underscores the severity and unnaturalness of the situations that Agur is about to enumerate, highlighting their disruptive and unbearable nature and implying a cosmic rejection of such perversions.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and engage the reader. The most prominent is the **Numerical Proverb**, specifically the "X and X+1" pattern ("three... and four"). This ancient literary technique, common in biblical wisdom literature, serves to build anticipation and underscore the cumulative weight and significance of the list that follows, often highlighting the final item as the climax or most egregious example. It implies a complete and exhaustive collection of observations. Additionally, the verse utilizes powerful **Personification** by attributing human-like reactions and capacities to "the earth," stating that it "is disquieted" and "cannot bear." This imbues the natural or societal order with a sense of moral sensibility and agency, as if it actively recoils from or struggles under the weight of these unnatural situations. This personification elevates the significance of the upcoming list, implying that these are not minor inconveniences but profound disturbances to the very foundation of existence. The structure also skillfully creates **Anticipation**, drawing the reader in to discover what specific "four things" could possibly cause such universal distress and how they disrupt the divinely intended order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 30:21 introduces a profound theological truth: there is an inherent order to creation and society, established by God, and disruptions to this order cause deep unrest. The "earth" being "disquieted" and unable to "bear" certain things speaks to a cosmic sensitivity to disorder, reflecting God's design for harmony, justice, and *shalom*. When human actions or societal structures deviate from this divine blueprint, the consequences are far-reaching, leading to instability and suffering that even creation itself recoils from. This verse implicitly calls for discernment, urging readers to recognize and avoid behaviors and conditions that fundamentally upset peace and righteousness, aligning with the broader biblical emphasis on living in accordance with God's wisdom and will for a flourishing life that honors the Creator's design.

* [Amos 1:3](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3 - The Lord's Judgment on Damascus")
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans Under Bondage")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:21 serves as a timeless warning and a profound invitation to introspection, prompting us to consider what truly brings stability, peace, and flourishing to our communities and personal lives, versus what creates discord, injustice, and societal distress. The "earth's" inability to bear certain things underscores the crucial importance of maintaining proper order, respecting established boundaries, and upholding righteousness in all spheres of life. It challenges us to identify situations in our own lives, families, churches, or broader societies where roles are inverted, justice is perverted, or natural harmony is disrupted. Understanding these "unbearable" situations helps us appreciate the importance of humility, integrity, and living righteously, recognizing that our actions have ripple effects that can either contribute to societal well-being or to its profound disquiet. It calls us to be discerning agents of order and peace, guided by divine wisdom, actively working to restore and uphold the harmonious design God intends for His creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unbearable" situations in contemporary society or my personal life reflect a fundamental disruption of God's intended order?**
* **How might my own attitudes, actions, or passive acceptance of injustice contribute to disquiet or instability, rather than peace and harmony, within my sphere of influence?**
* **In what specific ways can I actively promote divine order, justice, and righteousness within my community, reflecting God's design for creation and human flourishing?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "three... and four" pattern in this proverb?**

Answer: The "three... and four" pattern is a common literary device in biblical wisdom literature, known as a numerical proverb or "X and X+1" formula. Its significance lies in building anticipation and emphasis. The first number (three) introduces a set of items, while the second (four) indicates that the list is complete and often highlights the final, most impactful, or climactic item. It suggests a comprehensive and exhaustive enumeration of things that are profoundly disturbing, drawing the reader's attention to the full weight of the observations that follow in [Proverbs 30:22-23](/proverbs/30-22 "Proverbs 30:22-23 - The Four Unbearable Things"). This pattern creates a sense of escalating tension, culminating in the "unbearable" fourth item that truly pushes the limits of what can be tolerated.

**What does it mean for "the earth to be disquieted" and "cannot bear" these things?**

Answer: This phrase uses **personification** to describe a deep, visceral reaction to profound disorder. "Disquieted" (Hebrew: *râgaz*) implies trembling, agitation, or being deeply disturbed, suggesting that the very foundations of existence or society are shaken. It's not mere annoyance but a fundamental disturbance. "Cannot bear" (Hebrew: *nâsâʼ* in conjunction with *yâkôl* in the negative) means the earth cannot uphold, endure, or sustain the burden of these situations; they are too heavy, repulsive, or fundamentally wrong to be tolerated within a proper, harmonious system. It signifies that these are not minor issues but conditions that fundamentally violate the established order—whether natural, social, or divine—leading to widespread instability and distress. It reflects a cosmic groan against perversion and injustice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:21, with its vivid depiction of an "earth disquieted" and unable to "bear" the weight of profound disorder, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate cosmic disquiet caused by sin and the profound inability of creation to sustain its pervasive burden. The "unbearable" things Agur lists—social inversions and moral perversions—are but symptoms of a deeper, more pervasive disorder: humanity's rebellion against God's perfect order. This brokenness is precisely what the world "cannot bear," groaning under the weight of sin and its consequences, as described in [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans Under Bondage"). Into this disquieted world, Jesus Christ enters as the one who truly "bears" the unbearable. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the ultimate burden of humanity's rebellion, sickness, and sorrow on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - He Bore Our Griefs")). Through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, Christ not only reconciles humanity to God but also initiates the restoration of all things, bringing true order and peace where there was chaos. He is the one in whom [all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - All Things Hold Together in Christ"), upholding the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). Thus, the "earth's" longing for stability and relief from disorder, expressed in Proverbs 30:21, finds its ultimate fulfillment and hope in the redemptive work of Christ, who alone can rectify the unbearable disorders of a fallen world and establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace.

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.