Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell?
Who hath ascended up {H5927} into heaven {H8064}, or descended {H3381}? who hath gathered {H622} the wind {H7307} in his fists {H2651}? who hath bound {H6887} the waters {H4325} in a garment {H8071}? who hath established {H6965} all the ends {H657} of the earth {H776}? what is his name {H8034}, and what is his son's {H1121} name {H8034}, if thou canst tell {H3045}?
Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has cupped the wind in the palms of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!
Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know!
Who hath ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound the waters in his garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou knowest?
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John 3:13
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. -
Job 26:8
He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. -
Ephesians 4:8
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. -
Ephesians 4:10
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) -
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -
Deuteronomy 30:12
It [is] not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? -
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Context
Proverbs 30:4 is part of "the words of Agur the son of Jakeh," a distinct section within the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 30:1-33). Unlike much of the preceding chapters, which often present direct proverbs, Agur's discourse often employs rhetorical questions and observations, reflecting on the limitations of human wisdom and the unfathomable nature of God. This specific verse stands as a profound series of rhetorical questions designed to highlight God's unique, incomparable power and sovereignty over creation, culminating in a mysterious query about His name and, remarkably, His Son's name.
Meaning and Key Themes
This powerful verse poses a series of challenges, each underscoring the infinite chasm between human capability and divine omnipotence. Agur asks:
The culminating questions are the most striking:
"what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell?"
This profound query moves beyond God's attributes to His very identity and, astonishingly, introduces the concept of a "Son." In the Old Testament, the full revelation of God's Son was yet to come, but this verse stands as a remarkable prophetic hint. It suggests that God's complete identity includes a Son, a concept fully unveiled in the New Testament with the person of Jesus Christ. For Christians, this verse is seen as an early, veiled reference to the pre-existence of the Son of God, who ultimately came to earth to reveal the Father's name and character. John 1:1-3 and John 3:16 articulate this truth clearly.
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew term for "son" (ben) in this verse is straightforward, but its inclusion here is highly significant. In the context of the Old Testament, it's not a common way to refer to a distinct divine person alongside God. Its presence here, combined with the rhetorical questions about God's unparalleled power, elevates the "Son" to a unique, divine status, far beyond a mere human or angelic being. This points to a theological depth that anticipates later revelations about the nature of God.
Practical Application
Proverbs 30:4 serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and our human limitations. It calls us to:
This verse encourages us to place our trust not in human ingenuity or strength, but in the One who controls all things and has revealed Himself through His Son.