Proverbs 30:4

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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!

Berean Standard Bible

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!

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:4, part of Agur's profound reflections, poses a series of rhetorical questions that powerfully humble human presumption and exalt the incomparable power, wisdom, and sovereignty of God. From controlling the most untamable cosmic forces like wind and water, to establishing the very foundations of the earth, the verse challenges any human claim to such omnipotence. It culminates in a striking and mysterious inquiry about God's name and, remarkably, the name of His Son, hinting at a divine revelation that transcends human discovery and points towards the unique identity of the Creator and His divine offspring.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30:4 is embedded within "the words of Agur the son of Jakeh," a distinct and somewhat enigmatic section of the Book of Proverbs spanning [Proverbs 30:1-33](/proverbs/30 "Proverbs 30 - The Words of Agur"). Unlike the more common instructional proverbs found in earlier chapters, Agur's discourse often employs a sapiential style characterized by numerical sayings, observations, and, as seen here, a series of rhetorical questions. This particular verse serves as the theological climax of Agur's initial confession of intellectual inadequacy and lack of understanding concerning God, as expressed in [Proverbs 30:2-3](/proverbs/30-2-3 "Proverbs 30:2-3 - Agur's Confession of Ignorance"). The questions about God's cosmic power set the stage for the ultimate inquiry about God's identity and that of His Son, suggesting that true wisdom begins not with human knowledge but with a humble recognition of God's incomprehensibility and His self-revelation. This section functions as a theological preamble, emphasizing that genuine insight into the divine comes only through divine disclosure, not human ascent or inquiry, a theme powerfully echoed in the profound discourse on wisdom's inaccessibility found in [Job 28](/job/28 "Job 28 - Where Can Wisdom Be Found?").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wisdom literature frequently explored the nature of the divine and the cosmic order. Cultures often attributed control over natural phenomena like wind and water to various deities, and the concept of ascending to the heavens was associated with divine beings or heroic figures granted special access. However, Proverbs 30:4 radically distinguishes the God of Israel from all other deities and human aspirations. It challenges the common ancient notion of humans gaining divine knowledge or power through their own efforts. The questions implicitly critique any attempt by human beings to usurp divine prerogatives or to fully comprehend the divine essence without divine initiative. The mention of "establishing all the ends of the earth" resonates with creation accounts prevalent in the region, but here, it firmly roots this ultimate act of cosmic foundation solely in the power of the one true God, setting Him apart as the unique Creator and Sustainer, as seen in the declaration of God's universal ownership in [Psalm 24:1-2](/psalm/24-1-2 "Psalm 24:1-2 - The Earth is the Lord's").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **incomprehensibility and transcendence of God**, emphasizing that His ways and nature are far beyond human grasp or manipulation. Secondly, it highlights God's **absolute sovereignty and omnipotence** over all creation—heaven, wind, water, and earth—portraying Him as the sole orchestrator of cosmic order. This theme of divine control over nature is a recurring motif in wisdom literature, evident in passages like God's challenge to Job in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Challenges Job"). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine revelation**, implying that if God's name and His Son's name are to be known, it must be through God's own disclosure, not human discovery. This anticipates the New Testament's emphasis on God revealing Himself fully through His Son. Finally, the culminating question about "his son's name" introduces a profound **theological mystery**, foreshadowing the later, explicit revelation of the Son's identity, a concept that stands out remarkably within the Old Testament canon and points towards the triune nature of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fists (Hebrew, _chôphen'_):** This term, derived from an unused root of uncertain signification, refers to a "fist" and is used in the dual form, implying "both fists" or "hands." In the context of "who hath gathered the wind in his fists?", it powerfully conveys the idea of absolute, effortless control and containment over something as vast, intangible, and uncontrollable as the wind. It emphasizes God's complete mastery, holding the very breath of the world within His grasp, an image of unparalleled power and authority that no human or created being could ever possess.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this word typically refers to a male offspring, a builder of the family name, or a descendant in the widest sense. However, in this specific context, juxtaposed with questions about God's unique cosmic power and identity, the mention of "his son's name" elevates the term beyond a mere human or angelic son. It suggests a unique, perhaps even divine, relationship with God, hinting at a distinct personage intimately associated with the Creator's identity and authority. Its presence here is a remarkable and prophetic anomaly within the Old Testament, pointing to a profound theological truth that would be fully unveiled in the New Testament.
* **tell (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to know" or "to ascertain by seeing," this verb encompasses a wide range of understanding, from observation and recognition to instruction and designation. In the phrase "if thou canst tell?", it challenges human capacity for knowing or revealing God's ultimate identity and that of His Son. It implies that such knowledge is not inherent to humanity, nor can it be discovered through human intellect or effort; rather, it must be divinely imparted. The rhetorical challenge underscores the limits of human wisdom and the necessity of divine revelation for true spiritual knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended?"**: This opening rhetorical question immediately establishes God's unique domain and access. It challenges any human or created being to claim the ability to traverse the cosmic boundary between heaven and earth, a realm exclusively belonging to the divine. It speaks to God's omnipresence, His unhindered access to heavenly wisdom, and His sovereign ability to interact with both celestial and earthly spheres, implying His comprehensive knowledge and authority over all existence.
* **"who hath gathered the wind in his fists?"**: This clause highlights God's absolute control over the most untamable and invisible forces of nature. Wind, being unpredictable, powerful, and unseen, symbolizes elements entirely beyond human management or comprehension. The vivid imagery of holding wind "in his fists" portrays God's effortless and complete mastery over atmospheric phenomena, emphasizing His omnipotence as the Creator and Sustainer who orchestrates all natural processes.
* **"who hath bound the waters in a garment?"**: This question points to God's power over the vast and potentially destructive waters of the earth—seas, rivers, and oceans. To "bind" them "in a garment" suggests an act of restraining and containing immense power with effortless ease, as one might casually hold a small object in a piece of cloth. This recalls the creation narrative where God separated the waters and set their boundaries, demonstrating His sovereign command over chaos and His establishment of order and limits within creation.
* **"who hath established all the ends of the earth?"**: This clause affirms God as the ultimate architect, founder, and sustainer of the entire physical world. It speaks to His foundational role in creation, not merely forming the earth but also establishing its boundaries and maintaining its existence "to all its ends." This emphasizes His role as the sovereign Lord of creation, whose power extends universally over every part of the cosmos, ensuring its stability and order.
* **"what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell?"**: This culminating question shifts from God's actions and attributes to His very identity and, astonishingly, introduces the concept of a "Son." The challenge "if thou canst tell" underscores the profound mystery of God's full identity, implying that human wisdom alone cannot uncover it. The inclusion of "his son's name" is remarkably prophetic, hinting at a distinct divine personage intimately associated with God's own identity, a concept that would remain veiled until the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:4 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message and rhetorical force. The most prominent is the pervasive use of **Rhetorical Questions**, a series of five interrogative statements that are not meant to be answered by the listener, but rather to provoke profound thought and underscore the obvious truth: only God possesses such power and knowledge. This technique effectively highlights the vast chasm between human limitation and divine omnipotence. **Merism** is employed in the phrase "ascended up into heaven, or descended," which represents the totality of movement or knowledge across all realms, from the highest heavens to the deepest parts of the earth, signifying God's comprehensive reach. The vivid imagery of "gathered the wind in his fists" and "bound the waters in a garment" utilizes powerful **Metaphors** and **Hyperbole** to convey God's effortless and absolute control over forces that are inherently uncontrollable by humans. These vivid images create a sense of awe and wonder at divine power. The repetition of "who hath" at the beginning of the first four clauses creates striking **Anaphora**, building a rhythmic intensity that emphasizes the unique, unparalleled nature of the subject of these questions. Finally, the entire verse functions as a form of **Apophthegm**, a concise, instructive saying, which, despite its interrogative form, delivers a profound theological statement about God's identity and the limits of human wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 30:4 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute transcendence and immanence, His unparalleled power over all creation, and the inherent limitations of human understanding. The rhetorical questions serve to humble human pride and underscore that true wisdom begins with acknowledging God's unique position as Creator and Sustainer. The culminating question about "his son's name" is particularly significant, moving beyond attributes to identity, and hinting at a relational aspect within the divine nature that would later be fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. This verse thus prefigures the New Testament revelation of God as Father and Son, emphasizing that the deepest truths about God are not discovered by human intellect but are graciously revealed by God Himself. It challenges us to move from a generic understanding of a powerful deity to a relational knowledge of the God who has a Son.

* [Job 28:12-28](/job/28-12-28 "Job 28:12-28 - The Inaccessibility of Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 40:12-14](/isaiah/40-12-14 "Isaiah 40:12-14 - God's Incomparable Power")
* [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:4 invites us into a posture of profound humility and worship. In a world that often exalts human achievement and seeks to master all knowledge, this verse reminds us that there are realms of divine power and identity that remain utterly beyond our grasp, unless God Himself chooses to reveal them. It calls us to recognize that our wisdom is finite, our strength limited, and our understanding incomplete. This should not lead to despair, but to a deeper trust and reverence for the One who holds the wind in His fists and established the ends of the earth. The mysterious mention of "his son's name" is a powerful invitation to seek the God who reveals Himself, not just through creation, but through a personal relationship. For believers, this verse deepens our appreciation for the Incarnation, recognizing that the very Son hinted at here is the one through whom God has fully disclosed His name and character, making the incomprehensible God knowable. It encourages us to rest in God's sovereignty, knowing that the One who controls all cosmic forces also cares for His creation and desires to be known intimately by His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge your assumptions about human knowledge and capability, particularly in understanding divine mysteries?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that God "gathers the wind in his fists" and "binds the waters in a garment"? How does this imagery impact your sense of His power and your trust in His control over your life?**
* **How does the question "what is his son's name" deepen your appreciation for the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the unique Son of God?**
* **In what ways can acknowledging God's incomprehensible greatness and His self-revelation lead to greater humility, worship, and trust in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Who is Agur, and why are his words included in Proverbs?**

Answer: Agur son of Jakeh is a figure mentioned only in [Proverbs 30:1](/proverbs/30-1 "Proverbs 30:1 - The Words of Agur"). Little is known about him historically or biographically beyond this introduction. His words are included in the Book of Proverbs as part of the broader collection of wisdom literature, demonstrating that wisdom was not confined to a single author (like Solomon) but was a valued pursuit among various sages in Israel. His unique style, characterized by rhetorical questions, numerical sayings, and a profound sense of human limitation before God's majesty, offers a distinct theological perspective that complements the more direct instructional proverbs found elsewhere in the book. His contribution underscores the universal nature of wisdom and the diverse ways in which divine truth can be expressed, enriching the tapestry of biblical wisdom.

**Why is the "son's name" mentioned in an Old Testament book?**

Answer: The mention of "his son's name" in Proverbs 30:4 is highly unusual and deeply significant for an Old Testament text. It stands as a remarkable prophetic hint or veiled reference to a distinct divine personage intimately associated with God's own identity. While the Old Testament frequently speaks of God's "sons" in a broader sense (e.g., angels, Israel, righteous people), this context, immediately following questions about God's unique cosmic power, elevates the "Son" to a singular, divine status. For Christian theology, this verse is often seen as an early, pre-Incarnation foreshadowing of the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, whose name and identity would be fully revealed in the New Testament as the Son who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") and [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). It suggests that God's full identity includes a Son, a mystery that humanity could not "tell" or discover on its own, but which God Himself would graciously disclose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:4 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Agur's rhetorical questions about one who has "ascended up into heaven, or descended," who controls the elements, and establishes the earth, point directly to the unique attributes of the Son of God. The New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus as the one who "descended from heaven and is in heaven" ([John 3:13](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - Jesus, the Son of Man, Descended from Heaven")), possessing unique knowledge of the Father. He is the one who demonstrated absolute authority over the wind and waves, rebuking them with a word and bringing about a great calm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), revealing His divine mastery over creation. Moreover, it is through Him that "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), thus confirming His role in establishing the ends of the earth. Most profoundly, the mysterious query "what is his son's name?" is answered definitively in the New Covenant. The Son's name is Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - The Name of Jesus")). He is the one who has "made him known" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), perfectly revealing the Father's character and name to humanity. Thus, Proverbs 30:4, with its profound questions about divine power and the identity of the Son, serves as a remarkable Old Testament witness to the pre-existence and unique divine nature of Jesus Christ, the one through whom God's full identity and saving purpose are unveiled.

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

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.