¶ Two [things] have I required of thee; deny me [them] not before I die:
[God,] I have asked two things of you; don't deny them to me as long as I live -
Two things I ask of You— do not refuse me before I die:
Two things have I asked of thee; Deny methemnot before I die:
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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2 Kings 2:9
¶ And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. -
Psalms 27:4
One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. -
Luke 10:42
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. -
Psalms 21:2
Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. -
1 Kings 3:5
¶ In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. -
1 Kings 3:9
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
Proverbs 30:7 introduces a solemn and earnest plea from Agur, the son of Jakeh, directly to God. This verse serves as a preamble to two profound requests that Agur is about to articulate, underscoring their critical importance to him before the end of his life.
Context of Agur's Prayer
This verse is found within the section of Proverbs attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh, a figure whose identity beyond these chapters is not extensively detailed in Scripture. Unlike much of Proverbs attributed to Solomon, chapters 30 and 31 introduce other wise men, highlighting the diverse sources of inspired wisdom in ancient Israel. Agur's words here are presented as a direct address to God, emphasizing a deeply personal and spiritual petition rather than general counsel. The phrase "before I die" lends a profound urgency and sincerity to his upcoming requests, indicating a desire for a particular way of living and dying that aligns with divine will.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase translated "required of thee" (שָׁאַלְתִּי מֵאִתָּךְ - sha'alti me'ittakh) denotes a direct and earnest request, a seeking from God. It's a humble yet firm petition, not a demand. The urgency is further amplified by "deny me them not" (אַל־תִּמְנַע מִמֶּנִּי - 'al-timna' mimmenni), which is a strong plea for God not to withhold these vital things. This language emphasizes the depth of Agur's spiritual longing and his recognition that only God can grant these specific graces.
Practical Application
Proverbs 30:7 encourages believers to engage in specific, heartfelt prayer, articulating their deepest needs and desires before God. Agur's example teaches us that it is appropriate to approach God with earnest requests, especially concerning character, integrity, and contentment, which are far more valuable than fleeting earthly gains. His awareness of mortality also prompts us to consider what truly matters in life and to prioritize spiritual and moral well-being. What "two things" would you earnestly ask of God before your life's end? This verse invites a profound self-reflection on our priorities and our reliance on divine provision and wisdom, much like the broader call to trust in the Lord with all your heart found elsewhere in Proverbs.