Proverbs 30:14

Verse

there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men.

American Standard Version (1901)

There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

Bible in Basic English

There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, their strong teeth like knives, for the destruction of the poor from the earth, and of those who are in need from among men.

Douay-Rheims 1899

A generation, that for teeth hath swords, and grindeth with their jaw teeth, to devour the needy from off the earth, and the poor from among men.

Free Bible Version

There are some who have teeth like swords, incisors like knives, ready to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from society.

Geneva Bible 1599

There is a generation, whose teeth are as swordes, and their chawes as kniues to eate vp the afflicted out of the earth, and the poore from among men.

King James (Authorized) Version

There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

One Unity Resource Bible

There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.

Translation for Translators

Some people act very cruelly toward others; it is as though [MET] they have teeth that are like sharp knives; they severely oppress poor people and try to cause them to disappear from the land.

Unlocked Literal Bible

There is a generation whose teeth are swords, and their jawbones are like knives, so they may devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity.

Noah Webster Bible

There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw-teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

World English Bible

There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.

Young's Literal Translation

A generation — swords [are] their teeth, And knives — their jaw-teeth, To consume the poor from earth, And the needy from [among] men.

Context

The Words of Agur

¹³There is a generation—how haughty are their eyes and pretentious are their glances— ¹⁴there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men.

Summary

This verse uses a metaphorical description of people with a destructive nature, comparing them to those whose teeth are like swords and whose jaws are like knives. It vividly portrays the harm and devastation that can be caused by individuals who are driven by greed, violence, and malice. The imagery serves as a warning against engaging in such behaviors and emphasizes the importance of cultivating kindness, compassion, and integrity in our interactions with others. Ultimately, it highlights the power of words and actions to either build up or tear down, urging us to choose wisely in our conduct.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

There is a generation whose teeth are as swords,.... As sharp as swords; like such the beasts of prey have; cruel, barbarous, and inhuman creatures; see Psa 57:4; and their jaw teeth as knives; exceeding sharp and biting: to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men: by their tyranny, oppression, and cruelty, to deprive them of the little they have; and even to take away their lives from them, and utterly destroy them; of this disposition are all tyrants and persecutors: such were Rome Pagan, compared to a red dragon in the times of the ten Heathen persecutions; and such is Rome Papal, signified by a beast, like a leopard, bear, and lion; and which has been drunk with the blood of the saints.

Proverbs 30:14

The Words of Agur

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men.

American Standard Version (1901)

There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

Bible in Basic English

There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, their strong teeth like knives, for the destruction of the poor from the earth, and of those who are in need from among men.

Douay-Rheims 1899

A generation, that for teeth hath swords, and grindeth with their jaw teeth, to devour the needy from off the earth, and the poor from among men.

Free Bible Version

There are some who have teeth like swords, incisors like knives, ready to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from society.

Geneva Bible 1599

There is a generation, whose teeth are as swordes, and their chawes as kniues to eate vp the afflicted out of the earth, and the poore from among men.

King James (Authorized) Version

There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

One Unity Resource Bible

There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.

Translation for Translators

Some people act very cruelly toward others; it is as though [MET] they have teeth that are like sharp knives; they severely oppress poor people and try to cause them to disappear from the land.

Unlocked Literal Bible

There is a generation whose teeth are swords, and their jawbones are like knives, so they may devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity.

Noah Webster Bible

There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw-teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

World English Bible

There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.

Young's Literal Translation

A generation — swords [are] their teeth, And knives — their jaw-teeth, To consume the poor from earth, And the needy from [among] men.