Proverbs 30:29

KJV

¶ There be three [things] which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

KJV (with Strong's)

There be three {H7969} things which go {H6806} well {H3190}, yea, four {H702} are comely {H2895} in going {H3212}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Three things are stately in their stride, four of stately gait

Berean Standard Bible

There are three things that are stately in their stride, and four that are impressive in their walk:

American Standard Version

There are three things which are stately in their march, Yea, four which are stately in going:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:29 introduces a numerical proverb, a distinctive literary form within the wisdom tradition, setting the stage for a series of observations about various creatures that exhibit remarkable dignity and grace in their movement. This verse acts as a preamble to the specific examples that follow, inviting the reader to consider the admirable qualities of certain entities that "go well" or are "comely in going," thereby highlighting a profound appreciation for order, purpose, and beauty in the created world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30:29 is part of a unique collection of proverbs attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, found in [Proverbs 30](/proverbs/30 "Proverbs 30 - The Sayings of Agur"). This particular verse employs the "X, yea, X+1" numerical proverb structure, a common rhetorical device in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, designed to build anticipation and emphasize the final item in a list. This pattern is also seen elsewhere in the book, such as in [Proverbs 6:16](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16 - Six Things the Lord Hates"), which lists "six things that the Lord hates, yea, seven are an abomination unto him." In [Proverbs 30:29-31](/proverbs/30-29 "Proverbs 30:29-31 - Four Things Comely in Going"), this structure serves to introduce four specific examples of creatures known for their impressive and purposeful manner of movement, showcasing Agur's keen observation of the natural world and his ability to derive wisdom from it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs, and wisdom literature in general, reflects a cultural emphasis on observation, experience, and the transmission of practical and theological truths through concise sayings. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual knowledge but also practical skill in living righteously and successfully. Observing the natural world was a primary means of gaining insight into God's character and the principles governing creation. The numerical proverb format, while common in the ancient Near East, served as a pedagogical tool, aiding memory and drawing attention to a specific set of examples for instruction. The focus on "going" or "walking" (Hebrew: _halakh_) also resonates with a broader biblical theme of one's "walk" or conduct in life, as seen in passages like [Psalm 1:1](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Walk").
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Observation and Wisdom**, inviting the reader to discern divine order and wisdom within creation, much like [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation") speaks of God's invisible attributes being clearly seen through what has been made. Secondly, the central theme is **Dignity and Purposeful Movement**, encapsulated in the phrases "go well" and "comely in going." This highlights a quality of grace, strength, and intentionality in conduct, suggesting that certain entities move in a manner that is admirable and fitting for their nature. Lastly, the numerical structure itself creates **Anticipation of Examples**, preparing the audience for the specific illustrations of impressive "going" that Agur will present in the subsequent verses of [Proverbs 30](/proverbs/30 "Proverbs 30 - The Sayings of Agur"), thereby linking the general statement to concrete, observable phenomena.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** This verb (H3190) signifies to be good, pleasing, right, or successful. In the context of movement, it implies that these things move in a way that is effective, admirable, and perhaps inherently "right" or fitting for their nature, demonstrating a quality of excellence in their action.
* **comely (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective (H2895) means good, pleasing, beautiful, or excellent. When applied to "going," it conveys the idea of a beautiful, excellent, or dignified manner of walking or moving, suggesting a powerful, graceful, and purposeful stride that is aesthetically and functionally admirable.
* **going (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This verb (H3212) is a primitive root meaning "to walk" (literally or figuratively). In this context, it refers specifically to the manner or act of movement, emphasizing the physical manifestation of the admirable quality described by "go well" and "comely."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There be three [things] which go well,"**: This initial clause introduces the numerical structure, immediately signaling to the reader that a list of items possessing a particular admirable quality is forthcoming. The phrase "go well" points to an inherent excellence or effectiveness in their manner of movement or conduct.
* **"yea, four are comely in going:"**: This second clause expands upon the first, using the "X, yea, X+1" pattern. The addition of "yea, four" heightens the anticipation and emphasizes the significance of the final item, while "comely in going" reiterates and intensifies the idea of dignified, graceful, and admirable movement. The slight variation in phrasing ("go well" vs. "comely in going") adds poetic nuance while reinforcing the core concept.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:29 masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Numerical Proverb** (also known as the "X, yea, X+1" pattern), which creates a sense of anticipation and rhetorical emphasis, drawing the reader's attention to the specific examples that follow in [Proverbs 30:30-31](/proverbs/30-30 "Proverbs 30:30-31 - The Lion, Greyhound, He-Goat, and King"). This structure is not merely a counting exercise but a means of highlighting a category of phenomena that share a common, admirable characteristic. The verse also uses **Observation** as a foundation for wisdom, inviting the reader to look closely at the natural world to discern principles applicable to human life. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Parallelism** between "go well" and "comely in going," where the second phrase reiterates and deepens the meaning of the first, adding poetic richness and reinforcing the central theme of dignified movement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 30:29, by highlighting admirable "going" in creation, implicitly points to the divine wisdom embedded in the natural world. It suggests that God's design is not only functional but also beautiful and purposeful, even in the movements of creatures. This observation of inherent dignity and order in creation can lead to a deeper reverence for the Creator and an understanding that wisdom is manifest in all aspects of existence. The ability to "go well" or be "comely in going" can be seen as a metaphor for living a life of integrity, purpose, and grace, reflecting God's own orderly and excellent character.

* [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalm/19-1 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation")
* [Job 12:7-9](/job/12-7 "Job 12:7-9 - Ask the Animals, and They Will Teach You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:29 serves as a profound invitation to cultivate a discerning eye for the world around us and, by extension, for our own lives. Just as certain creatures exhibit an admirable quality in their movement—whether it be strength, grace, or unwavering purpose—we are called to consider how we "go" through life. This verse challenges us to live with intentionality, dignity, and a sense of purpose that reflects the wisdom of God. It encourages us to observe the inherent order and beauty in creation, recognizing that even the simplest of movements can embody profound lessons. Our conduct, our "walk," should be marked by integrity and grace, reflecting the character of Christ and bringing glory to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I truly pause to observe the natural world and glean wisdom from God's creation?**
* **In what ways can my own "going" or conduct in life reflect dignity, purpose, and grace?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be brought into alignment with a more "comely" or purposeful "going"?**

### FAQ
**What is a "numerical proverb" and why is it used in Proverbs 30:29?**

Answer: A numerical proverb is a literary device, often in the "X, yea, X+1" format (e.g., "three, yea, four"), used in wisdom literature to list items that share a common characteristic. In [Proverbs 30:29](/proverbs/30-29 "Proverbs 30:29 - Three Things Which Go Well"), it serves to build anticipation and draw special attention to the final item (or the entire list) that follows. It's a rhetorical technique to highlight a category of observations and emphasize their significance, making the teaching memorable and impactful. This structure is common in ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions and helps to organize and present insights about the world in an engaging manner.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 30:29 speaks of the admirable "going" of various creatures, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the epitome of one who "goes well" and is "comely in going," not merely in physical movement but in His entire life and ministry. Jesus's walk was always purposeful, marked by divine grace and unwavering resolve, as He consistently "went about doing good" ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Went About Doing Good")). From His determined journey to Jerusalem to fulfill prophecy ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem")) to His steadfast endurance of the cross, He embodied perfect "comeliness in going." His life was the ultimate display of wisdom and dignity, culminating in His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, which opened the "new and living way" for believers to "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life")). Thus, the admirable "going" observed in creation foreshadows the perfect and redemptive "walk" of the Lamb of God, who leads His flock with grace and purpose ([John 10:27-28](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")).

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.