TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
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 30:24–28. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.Agur, having specified four things that seem great and yet are really contemptible, here specifies four things that are little and yet are very admirable, great in miniature, in which, as bishop Patrick observes, he teaches us several good lessons; as,
1.Not to admire bodily bulk, or beauty, or strength, nor to value persons or think the better of them for such advantages, but to judge of men by their wisdom and conduct, their industry and application to business, which are characters that deserve respect.
2.To admire the wisdom and power of the Creator in the smallest and most despicable animals, in an ant as much as in an elephant.
3.To blame ourselves who do not act so much for our own true interest as the meanest creatures do for theirs.
4.Not to despise the weak things of the world; there are those that are little upon the earth, poor in the world and of small account, and yet are exceedingly wise, wise for their souls and another world, and those are exceedingly wise, wiser than their neighbours. Margin, They are wise, made wise by the special instinct of nature. All that are wise to salvation are made wise by the grace of God.
II.Those he specifies are,
1.The ants, minute animals and very weak, and yet they are very industrious in gathering proper food, and have a strange sagacity to do it in the summer, the proper time. This is so great a piece of wisdom that we may learn of them to be wise for futurity, Pro 6:6. When the ravening lions lack, and suffer hunger, the laborious ants have plenty, and know no want.
2.The conies, or, as some rather understand it, the Arabian mice, field mice, weak creatures, and very timorous, yet they have so much wisdom as to make their houses in the rocks, where they are well guarded, and their feebleness makes them take shelter in those natural fastnesses and fortifications. Sense of our own indigence and weakness should drive us to him that is a rock higher than we for shelter and support; there let us make our habitation.
3.The locusts; they are little also, and have no king, as the bees have, but they go forth all of them by bands, like an army in battle-array; and, observing such good order among themselves, it is not any inconvenience to them that they have no king. They are called God's great army (Joe 2:25); for, when he pleases, he musters, he marshals them, and wages war by them, as he did upon Egypt. They go forth all of them gathered together (so the margin); sense of weakness should engage us to keep together, that we may strengthen the hands of one another.
4.The spider, an insect, but as great an instance of industry in our houses as the ants are in the field. Spiders are very ingenious in weaving their webs with a fineness and exactness such as no art can pretend to come near: They take hold with their hands, and spin a fine thread out of their own bowels, with a great deal of art; and they are not only in poor men's cottages, but in kings' palaces, notwithstanding all the care that is there taken to destroy them. Providence wonderfully keeps up those kinds of creatures, not only which men provide not for, but which every man's hand is against and seeks the destruction of. Those that will mind their business, and take hold of it with their hands, shall be in kings' palaces; sooner or later, they will get preferment, and may go on with it, notwithstanding the difficulties and discouragements they meet with. If one well-spun web be swept away, it is but making another.
Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
5 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.
"There be four things which are least upon the earth, and these are wiser than the wise: The ants have no strength, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." And in like manner, the Gentiles by faith in Christ prepare for themselves eternal life through good works. "And the conies, a feeble folk, have made their houses in the rocks." The Gentiles, that is to say, are built upon Christ, the spiritual rock, which is become the head of the corner. "The spider, that supports itself upon its hands, and is easily caught, dwells in the strongholds of kings." That is, the thief with his hands extended (on the cross), rests on the cross of Christ and dwells n Paradise, the stronghold of the three Kings-Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
"The locust has no king, and yet marches out in array as by one command." The Gentiles had no king, for they were ruled by sin; but now, believing God, they engage in the heavenly warfare.
I do not quote these words, however, as taking them in their literal signification, but, agreeably to the title of the book (for it is entitled "Proverbs"), I investigate them as containing a secret meaning. For it is the custom of these writers [of Scripture] to distribute into many classes those writings which express one sense when taken literally but which convey a different signification as their hidden meaning; and one of these kinds of writing is "Proverbs." … It is not, then, the visible ants which are "wiser even than the wise," but they who are indicated as such under the "proverbial" style of expression. And such must be our conclusion regarding the rest of the animal creation.
[Solomon] indicates here those people who have no strength but nonetheless store up treasures for eternal life on account of their good works.… The rock, in fact, is the refuge of badgers in which they live. You too, he says, even though you are weak, run to the rock of true faith, and with it restore life. The one who is supported by deeds enters the kingdom. Therefore, he says, do not despair of the kingdom of heaven because of the weakness of your faith; but believing in the promises, hasten to those works which are commanded. Christ is the lion: indeed all rational things are cattle in comparison with him. Moses, in fact, said, “I am a child.” Because of its natural alacrity, the lion is said to walk unhindered.
“Although the locust has no king,” as Scripture says, “he leads his army all in array”; but people who have been created rational neither know how to govern themselves nor how to endure with patience the guidance of their king and God.
The coney, a weak people, etc. And this too denotes the people of the Church, who are called weak; either because, as we said earlier, they do not seek to avenge their own injuries; or because they have learned not to trust in their own strength, but to hope for salvation in the aid of their Redeemer. And this is to place their habitation in the rock, to say to the Lord, against the assaults of life, with the Psalmist: "Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me; for you are my rock and my fortress" (Psalm. . . .). Instead of coney, the ancient translation used "chirogrillus." It is an animal not bigger than a hedgehog, resembling a mouse and a bear, abundant in the regions of Palestine; and they habitually live in rock crevices and earth holes. It should be noted that in the psalm, where we sing, "The rock is a refuge for the hedgehogs" (Psalm CIII), in some manuscripts we find coneys, in others chirogrillus. And even in this saying of Solomon, some manuscripts have hedgehog instead of coney. For in the book of Hebrew names, we find the same Hebrew word, sapham in Jeremiah, translated as chirogrillus, coney, and hedgehog by Saint Jerome.
Continue studying Proverbs 30:26 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Proverbs 30:26, a profound observation from Agur's collection of wisdom, unveils the remarkable sagacity of the conies, or rock hyraxes. Despite their inherent physical vulnerability and perceived weakness, these small creatures instinctively demonstrate profound resourcefulness and prudence by establishing their dwellings within the impregnable security of rocky cliffs. This serves as a powerful and enduring analogy for humanity's deep-seated need to find refuge, strength, and ultimate security in an unshakeable and reliable source.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is an integral part of "The words of Agur son of Jakeh" (Proverbs 30:1), a distinct section within the book of Proverbs that often employs numerical sayings, riddles, and keen observations of the natural world to convey spiritual and practical truths. Specifically, Proverbs 30:24-28 forms a numerical proverb, enumerating "four things which are little upon the earth, but are exceeding wise." The conies are presented as the second of these four creatures, following the diligent ants (as seen in Proverbs 30:25) and preceding the disciplined locusts and the resourceful spider. Each creature, despite its diminutive size or perceived lack of power, exemplifies a particular facet of wisdom that offers a moral and theological lesson for humanity. This structured presentation underscores the pervasive nature of wisdom, demonstrating that it is not exclusive to the mighty or the grand but can be discerned and learned even from the seemingly insignificant aspects of creation.
Historical & Cultural Context
The "conies" (Hebrew: shâphân) are widely identified as the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), a small, social, herbivorous mammal indigenous to the rocky and arid regions of the Middle East and Africa. Unlike rabbits, to which they bear a superficial resemblance, hyraxes are not rodents but belong to the order Hyracoidea, more closely related to elephants and manatees. They are known for their timid and defenseless nature when exposed, and their characteristic behavior of seeking shelter and dwelling in the crevices, caves, and fissures of rocky cliffs and mountainsides. This provides them with natural protection from a host of predators, including eagles, leopards, and snakes. The description of them as "feeble folk" (Hebrew: ʻam loʻ-ʻâtsûwm, literally "a people not mighty" or "a nation without strength") accurately reflects their lack of physical defenses. The "rocks" (Hebrew: çelaʻ) refer to craggy, unyielding geological formations, which in the ancient Near East were often synonymous with fortresses, strongholds, and places of secure refuge. The observation of the hyraxes' adaptive and survival-oriented behavior would have been a common and relatable sight, serving as a vivid illustration of practical wisdom in a challenging and often dangerous environment.
Key Themes
Proverbs 30:26 significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical wisdom tradition. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Wisdom in Weakness. The conies, though physically vulnerable, possess an innate wisdom that enables their survival and flourishing. This paradox highlights that true strength and security are often found not in inherent might, but in recognizing one's limitations and strategically seeking appropriate refuge. Secondly, the verse exemplifies Resourcefulness and Prudence. Despite their defenselessness, the conies exhibit remarkable foresight and intelligent adaptation by instinctively choosing the most secure natural defenses available. This proactive approach to self-preservation teaches the critical importance of wise planning and preparation in the face of adversity. Thirdly, the proverb subtly introduces the profound theme of Finding Refuge. The "rocks" serve as a potent and enduring symbol of a secure dwelling, sanctuary, or haven. The conies' ability to establish their homes in such impregnable places points to the universal human need for a reliable and unshakeable haven, a concept frequently echoed throughout Scripture where God Himself is depicted as a refuge and fortress for His people (e.g., Psalm 9:9 and Psalm 46:1). Finally, the natural wisdom observed in these seemingly insignificant creatures points to God's Intricate Design and Providential Care in creation, where even the smallest beings are equipped with instincts necessary for survival and can serve as profound teachers of divine truth (Job 12:7-8).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from the root sâphan (meaning "to hide" or "to cover"), refers to the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis). The name itself is indicative of the animal's nature, underscoring its timid disposition and its reliance on concealment and secure dwelling places for survival. The KJV's "coney" is an older English term for rabbit, but the animal described is specifically the hyrax, known for inhabiting rocky crevices and being physically defenseless.
While this word typically signifies "powerful," "mighty," or "numerous," it is used here in the negative ("not mighty" or "not strong") in conjunction with "folk" (Hebrew, ʻam). This usage emphasizes the conies' inherent physical weakness and their lack of defensive capabilities. They are not a "mighty people" in terms of strength or numbers that could deter predators, thus highlighting the striking contrast with their wise choice of dwelling.
This term denotes a craggy rock, a cliff, or a massive rock formation, often implying a natural fortress or stronghold. Unlike a simple stone ('eben), çelaʻ refers to a substantial, unyielding geological feature that offers natural protection and inaccessibility. The conies' profound wisdom is precisely in their choice of these impregnable natural defenses, transforming their inherent vulnerability into a secure existence.
Verse Breakdown
"The conies [are but] a feeble folk"
This initial clause establishes the inherent vulnerability and lack of physical power characteristic of the conies. They are not endowed with strength, numerical superiority, or natural defenses such as formidable claws, sharp teeth, or swiftness to evade predators. This declaration sets up a striking contrast, making their subsequent action all the more remarkable and illustrative of profound wisdom. It underscores their physical insignificance and defenselessness within the natural order.
"yet make they their houses in the rocks;"
This second clause introduces the profound wisdom and strategic intelligence of the conies. Despite their feebleness, they instinctively compensate for their weakness by choosing the most secure and inaccessible dwelling places available – the solid, unyielding rocks. This act demonstrates remarkable foresight, resourcefulness, and prudence, transforming their inherent vulnerability into a strategic advantage and ensuring their survival. Their "houses" are not constructed through physical might, but through strategic placement within existing, natural fortresses, thereby providing impenetrable security.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:26 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth and enduring lesson. The most prominent is Paradox, where the seemingly contradictory nature of the conies – being "feeble" yet demonstrating remarkable "wisdom" by constructing secure "houses in the rocks" – creates a striking and memorable teaching moment. This paradox powerfully highlights that true wisdom is not contingent upon physical strength or inherent power, but upon discerning and acting upon what provides genuine and lasting security. Symbolism is also central to the verse, with the "rocks" serving as a potent symbol of refuge, stability, and impregnable security. This imagery resonates deeply within biblical tradition, where God Himself is frequently described as a rock and fortress. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Observation and Analogy, drawing a spiritual and practical lesson from a keen and accurate observation of the natural world. Agur presents the conies as an exemplum, a concrete example from creation that illustrates a universal truth about prudence, self-awareness, and the strategic choice of one's dwelling place, thereby inviting the reader to apply this natural wisdom to their own lives and circumstances.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The wisdom of the conies, finding their secure refuge in the unyielding rocks despite their inherent weakness, serves as a powerful theological metaphor for humanity's relationship with God. Just as the physically defenseless hyraxes instinctively seek the most secure natural fortresses, so too are believers called to find their ultimate strength, security, and dwelling place in the Lord. This proverb subtly teaches that true wisdom for the "feeble folk" of humanity lies not in self-reliance, worldly strength, or human ingenuity alone, but in acknowledging our inherent limitations and strategically placing our trust and lives in the unshakeable refuge of God. He is the ultimate Rock, a steadfast and unchanging sanctuary in a world fraught with dangers, uncertainties, and spiritual adversaries. In Him, we find an enduring haven that no earthly power can penetrate or destroy.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 30:26 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for individuals who may feel weak, inadequate, or vulnerable in a challenging and often overwhelming world. It serves as a powerful reminder that our physical strength, social status, intellectual prowess, or worldly resources do not ultimately determine our capacity for true wisdom or our access to ultimate security. Instead, the wisdom exemplified by the conies calls us to embrace a posture of humility and strategic dependence. We are called to acknowledge our inherent limitations and not to rely solely on our own strength or self-sufficiency. The true wisdom, therefore, lies in discerning where genuine safety and enduring strength can be found. For the believer, this points unmistakably to God Himself, who is our ultimate Rock and Fortress. Just as the conies diligently make their homes in the rocks, we are called to intentionally "make our homes" in God through faith, consistent obedience, and fervent prayer, finding our refuge, stability, and peace in His unchanging character and unfailing promises. This proverb encourages proactive prudence, reminding us that even small, deliberate choices to align ourselves with God's will and seek His protection can lead to profound and lasting security in the face of life's most formidable dangers.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly are "conies" in the Bible?
In Proverbs 30:26, the "conies" (Hebrew: shâphân) refer to the rock hyrax, a small, herbivorous mammal native to the Middle East and Africa. Although often mistaken for rabbits due to their appearance, they are biologically distinct and are more closely related to elephants and manatees. They are known for their timid nature and their habit of living in rocky crevices and caves, which provide them natural protection from predators.
What does it mean that the conies are a "feeble folk"?
The phrase "feeble folk" (Hebrew: ʻam loʻ-ʻâtsûwm) literally translates to "a people not mighty" or "a nation without strength." This emphasizes the rock hyrax's physical defenselessness. They lack the size, speed, or natural weapons to fend off predators. Their wisdom is highlighted precisely because, despite this inherent weakness, they demonstrate remarkable ingenuity in securing their survival by choosing an impregnable dwelling place.
How do the "rocks" symbolize security in this proverb?
The "rocks" (Hebrew: çelaʻ) in this proverb symbolize natural fortresses and places of ultimate security. Unlike open ground, rocky cliffs and crevices offer impenetrable protection from predators and the elements. The conies' wisdom lies in their instinct to utilize these unyielding geological formations as their homes, transforming their vulnerability into a strategic advantage. This imagery resonates with broader biblical themes where God Himself is often referred to as a "Rock" of refuge and strength, providing ultimate security to those who trust in Him (e.g., Psalm 31:2).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 30:26, with its vivid imagery of the feeble conies finding security in the unyielding rocks, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its spiritual feebleness and utter vulnerability to the pervasive power of sin and the inevitability of death, is the "feeble folk" of this proverb. We inherently lack the strength, righteousness, or ability to overcome our spiritual enemies or secure our eternal dwelling. However, Christ stands as the ultimate "Rock" – the solid, immutable foundation upon which all true security, salvation, and eternal life are built. He is the "spiritual Rock" that accompanied Israel in the wilderness, from whom they drank living water (1 Corinthians 10:4), and the precious cornerstone, rejected by human builders but chosen and honored by God (1 Peter 2:7). Just as the conies wisely make their homes in the physical rocks, believers are called to build their entire lives upon Christ, hearing His words and diligently putting them into practice, thereby constructing a spiritual house that will stand firm against the fiercest storms and trials of life (Matthew 7:24-25). In Him, our inherent weakness is exchanged for His divine strength, our profound vulnerability for His impenetrable refuge, and our fleeting, mortal lives for an eternal dwelling secured by His finished work on the cross. He is our unshakeable sanctuary, providing perfect peace, enduring hope, and eternal safety for all who take faithful refuge in Him (Hebrews 6:18).