Proverbs 30:31

KJV

A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom [there is] no rising up.

KJV (with Strong's)

A greyhound {H4975}{H2223}; an he goat {H8495} also {H176}; and a king {H4428}, against whom there is no rising up {H510}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the greyhound, the billy-goat and the king when his army is with him.

Berean Standard Bible

a strutting rooster; a he-goat; and a king with his army around him.

American Standard Version

The greyhound; the he-goat also; And the king against whom there is no rising up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:31 concludes a list of "four things which are comely in going," presenting three examples of entities that move with impressive dignity, grace, or unchallengeable authority. From the agile and swift greyhound to the resolute he-goat, the verse culminates in the ultimate human representation of this quality: a king whose rule is so absolute that no one can successfully rise up against him. This observation on powerful and unassailable presence serves as a profound reflection on dominion, order, and ultimate sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30:31 is the final verse in a distinct section of wisdom literature attributed to Agur, son of Jakeh, beginning in [Proverbs 30:1](/proverbs/30-1 "Proverbs 30:1 - The Words of Agur"). Specifically, it concludes a list initiated in [Proverbs 30:29](/proverbs/30-29 "Proverbs 30:29 - Four Things Comely in Going") which states, "There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going." The preceding verses ([Proverbs 30:29-30](/proverbs/30-29 "Proverbs 30:29-30 - The Lion, the Greyhound, and the He-Goat")) enumerate the lion, the greyhound (or possibly strutting cock/warhorse), and the he-goat, with the king being the fourth and climactic example in verse 31. This structure, common in wisdom literature (e.g., "three, yea, four"), builds anticipation and emphasizes the final, most profound item on the list, highlighting a progression from natural observations to a human societal archetype. The common thread is a powerful, dignified, and often unyielding presence in motion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Proverbs 30:31 is deeply rooted in the observations of the ancient Near Eastern world. The "greyhound" (or contested interpretations like a strutting cock or warhorse) would have been familiar figures, admired for their distinctive gait and power. He-goats, particularly lead bucks, were common in pastoral societies and known for their determined, often aggressive, leadership of the flock. The "king" represents the pinnacle of human authority in this context. Ancient Near Eastern kings often held absolute power, sometimes even considered divine or divinely appointed. To "rise up" against such a monarch was an act of treason, often met with swift and brutal suppression, underscoring the king's unchallengeable dominion. This societal reality informs the profound nature of the king's unassailable position in the verse.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of Agur's proverbs, contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and wisdom literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Observation and Wisdom**, encouraging readers to derive profound truths from the natural world and human society, a hallmark of wisdom literature (e.g., observing the ant in [Proverbs 6:6](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")). Secondly, it explores the theme of **Authority and Dominion**, culminating in the image of an unchallengeable king, which implicitly points to the ultimate sovereignty of God, a recurring motif throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - The Lord's Dominion")). Finally, it touches upon **Dignity and Presence**, highlighting how certain entities, through their very manner of movement and being, command respect and embody a powerful, unyielding nature, a quality often associated with true wisdom and righteousness in the book (e.g., the righteous walk in [Proverbs 4:18](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18 - The Path of the Righteous")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Greyhound (Hebrew, _zarzîyr'_):** By reduplication from the root זוּר (zur), meaning "to turn aside" or "to be estranged," _zarzîyr_ properly means "tightly girt." This suggests a lean, agile animal, hence the KJV's translation "greyhound," or potentially a "racer" or "some fleet animal" noted for its slender waist. Some scholars also propose a "strutting cock" due to its proud, girt posture. The essence conveyed is one of impressive, confident movement.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** Derived from the verb מָלַךְ (malak), meaning "to reign" or "to be king," _melek_ refers to a monarch or ruler. In the ancient Near East, a king embodied the highest human authority, often seen as divinely appointed and wielding absolute power. This term signifies the pinnacle of earthly dominion and governance.
* **No Rising Up (Hebrew, _ʼalqûwm'_):** This unique Hebrew term is likely a combination of אַל (al), meaning "no" or "not," and קוּם (qum), meaning "to rise" or "to stand up." Thus, _ʼalqûwm_ literally means "a non-rising" or "no standing up," conveying the idea of resistlessness or unchallenged authority. It emphasizes the futility of rebellion and the absolute, unassailable nature of the king's power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A greyhound;"**: This initial phrase introduces the first example of something "comely in going." The imagery, whether a swift greyhound, a proud strutting cock, or a warhorse, evokes a sense of dignified, powerful, and perhaps even unyielding movement. It sets the stage for the progression of examples that follow, each demonstrating a unique form of impressive presence.
* **"an he goat also;"**: The second example further illustrates the theme of impressive movement. A male goat, particularly a leader of the flock, is characterized by its resolute, determined, and often forceful stride. It moves with a sense of purpose and strength, embodying a certain unyielding quality that commands attention and respect, reinforcing the idea of a powerful, confident demeanor.
* **"and a king, against whom [there is] no rising up."**: This final clause represents the climax of the list, moving from the animal kingdom to human society. The king is presented as the ultimate embodiment of "comely going" – not merely in physical movement, but in the unchallengeable nature of his authority. The phrase "against whom there is no rising up" powerfully conveys absolute sovereignty, implying that any attempt to rebel or resist his rule is futile and impossible, underscoring his complete dominion and unassailable power.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:31 employs several **literary devices** to convey its message. The primary device is **Analogy**, where the characteristics of the greyhound and the he-goat are used to illustrate the majestic and unchallengeable authority of a king. This builds upon the **Numerical Proverb** structure ("three, yea, four") introduced in [Proverbs 30:29](/proverbs/30-29 "Proverbs 30:29 - Four Things Comely in Going"), which creates a sense of progression and climactic emphasis, with the king serving as the ultimate example. The phrase "against whom [there is] no rising up" is a powerful **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and unquestionable nature of the king's power, even if in reality, kings could be overthrown. This exaggeration serves to underscore the ideal of unassailable authority. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism**, where each entity—the greyhound, the he-goat, and especially the king—symbolizes different facets of impressive, dignified, and irresistible power and presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 30:31, while describing earthly examples of authority and dignity, ultimately points to a profound theological truth: the absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty of God. The human king, against whom "there is no rising up," serves as a powerful, albeit imperfect, metaphor for the divine King whose dominion is truly eternal, absolute, and righteous. This verse invites reflection on the nature of ultimate authority, reminding us that all earthly power is derivative and subject to the one true God, who reigns supreme over all creation. His plans cannot be thwarted, and His will cannot be resisted, offering both comfort to those who trust in His rule and a call to humility for those who wield earthly power.

* [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - The Lord's Dominion Over All")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Unchallengeable Sovereignty")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:31 offers rich ground for personal reflection and practical application. It encourages us to observe the world around us with discerning eyes, recognizing the inherent dignity and purpose in creation, and how these qualities can point to higher truths. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate and unchallengeable sovereignty. Just as the king in the proverb commands respect and yields undeniable authority, so too does our Heavenly King reign supreme over all circumstances, offering a profound sense of security and peace. This truth should shape our worldview, fostering trust in His divine plan and prompting us to live lives that reflect His order and purpose. Furthermore, it calls us to consider how we, as individuals, carry ourselves – with what dignity, purpose, and confidence do we navigate the world, reflecting the character of the God we serve?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's unchallengeable sovereignty (as hinted at by the "king" in this proverb) impact your sense of security and trust in His plan for your life?**
* **In what ways can a believer "go comely" in their daily life, reflecting dignity, purpose, and confidence rooted in their faith?**
* **How does this proverb inform your understanding of earthly authority, and what is your responsibility towards it as a follower of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the meaning of "comely in going" in the context of Proverbs 30:29-31?**

Answer: "Comely in going" refers to things that move or carry themselves with an impressive, dignified, or majestic presence. It describes a quality of movement that is striking, powerful, and often unyielding. In [Proverbs 30:29](/proverbs/30-29 "Proverbs 30:29 - Four Things Comely in Going"), it introduces a list of four entities—the lion, the greyhound (or similar agile creature), the he-goat, and finally the king—each demonstrating a unique form of impressive and authoritative bearing in their movement or exercise of power. It's about a commanding presence.

**Why is the "greyhound" translation debated, and what are the alternatives?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "greyhound" is _zarzîyr_ (H2223), which is challenging to translate precisely. Its root suggests something "tightly girt" or "compact." While the KJV renders it "greyhound" (implying a lean, swift animal), other scholarly interpretations include a "strutting cock" (rooster) known for its proud, upright gait, or even a "warhorse" girded for battle. The common thread among these possibilities is a creature that moves with a confident, majestic, and often unyielding presence, embodying the "comely in going" theme. The specific animal is less important than the characteristic it illustrates.

**How does the king's "no rising up" phrase relate to God's authority?**

Answer: The phrase "against whom [there is] no rising up" highlights the absolute and unchallengeable authority of an ancient monarch. While human kings, throughout history, have eventually faced rebellion and downfall, this phrase in the proverb describes an ideal of supreme dominion. Theologically, this concept serves as a powerful earthly analogy for the truly absolute and eternal sovereignty of God. Unlike any human ruler, God's authority is genuinely unassailable; there is truly "no rising up" against Him, as His reign is perfect, just, and everlasting. This is a foundational truth found throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - The Lord's Dominion Over All") where it states, "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 30:31 describes an earthly king with unchallengeable authority, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning are found in Jesus Christ, the true King of kings. The "greyhound" and "he goat" exemplify dignity and purpose in movement, but Christ embodies perfect grace and unwavering resolve in His mission. He is the ultimate "King, against whom there is no rising up," not merely by human decree or military might, but by divine right and inherent power. His kingdom is eternal and His dominion absolute, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Child Born, the Son Given, and His Everlasting Kingdom") and affirmed in the New Testament. No earthly power, no spiritual force, and certainly no human rebellion can ultimately stand against Him. From His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, displaying a humble yet undeniable kingship ([Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")), to His resurrection and ascension, where all authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), Jesus demonstrates a sovereignty that is truly unassailable. He is the Lamb who was slain, yet He is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah ([Revelation 5:5-6](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5-6 - The Lion of Judah and the Slain Lamb")), against whom no one can rise up, for He has conquered sin, death, and the grave, establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")).

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

Proverbs 20:2

¶ The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion: [whoso] provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own soul.

Proverbs 16:14

¶ The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

Daniel 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

Daniel 3:18

But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.