A lion [which is] strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
A lion {H3918} which is strongest {H1368} among beasts {H929}, and turneth not away {H7725} for {H6440} any;
the lion, mightiest of beasts, which turns aside for none;
a lion, mighty among beasts, refusing to retreat before anything;
The lion, which is mightiest among beasts, And turneth not away for any;
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Judges 14:18
And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What [is] sweeter than honey? and what [is] stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle. -
Numbers 23:24
Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat [of] the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.
Context of Proverbs 30:30
Proverbs 30 contains the "words of Agur," a collection of wisdom distinct from Solomon's proverbs. This particular verse is part of a section (verses 29-31) that describes "four things which are comely in going," highlighting creatures that possess an impressive, majestic, or stately bearing. The lion is presented as the first and most striking example, embodying strength, dignity, and an unwavering presence. This observation of the natural world serves to illustrate profound spiritual or character traits.
Key Themes in Proverbs 30:30
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "lion" used here is לָבִיא (lavi), which often refers to a mature, powerful lion. The description "strongest among beasts" emphasizes not just its physical might, but its dominant position and the psychological impact it has on other creatures in its domain. The phrase "turneth not away for any" powerfully conveys its fearlessness and unwavering resolve, a trait that makes it king of the jungle.
Symbolism and Cross-References
The lion is a rich and complex symbol in the Bible. In Proverbs 30:30, it represents admirable strength, courage, and majesty. Elsewhere, this powerful animal serves as a metaphor for divine power, as seen in the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," a title for Jesus Christ, signifying His sovereign authority and conquering power. Conversely, the lion can also symbolize a destructive enemy, as in 1 Peter 5:8, where the devil is likened to a "roaring lion" seeking to devour. Proverbs 30:30 focuses on the lion's noble, fearless, and awe-inspiring attributes.
Practical Application
This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today, encouraging a spiritual resolve akin to the lion's fearlessness: