Proverbs 30:17
Proverbs 30:17 in Multiple Translations
As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.
The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
The eye that mocketh at his father, And despiseth to obey his mother, The ravens of the valley shall pick it out, And the young eagles shall eat it.
The eye which makes sport of a father, and sees no value in a mother when she is old will be rooted out by the ravens of the valley, and be food for the young eagles.
People who ridicule their fathers and despise obedience to the mother will have their eyes pecked out by wild ravens and eaten by young vultures.
The eye that mocketh his father and despiseth the instruction of his mother, let ye rauens of the valley picke it out, and the yong eagles eate it.
An eye that mocketh at a father, And despiseth to obey a mother, Dig it out do ravens of the valley, And eat it do young eagles.
“The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it.
The eye that mocketh at its father, and despiseth to obey its mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
The eye that mocketh at his father, and that despiseth the labour of his mother in bearing him, let the ravens of the brooks pick it out, and the young eagles eat it.
Those who [SYN] make fun of their fathers or refuse to obey their mothers (OR, despise their aged mothers) should die and have their eyes pecked out by crows, and the rest of their corpses should be fed to the vultures.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 30:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַ֤יִן
תִּֽלְעַ֣ג
לְ/אָב֮
וְ/תָב֪וּז
לִֽ/יקֲּהַ֫ת
אֵ֥ם
יִקְּר֥וּ/הָ
עֹרְבֵי
נַ֑חַל
וְֽ/יֹאכְל֥וּ/הָ
בְנֵי
נָֽשֶׁר
עַ֤יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
תִּֽלְעַ֣ג
lâʻag
H3932
to mock
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לְ/אָב֮
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms
וְ/תָב֪וּז
bûwz
H936
to despise
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לִֽ/יקֲּהַ֫ת
yiqqâhâh
H3349
obedience
Prep | N-fs
אֵ֥ם
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs
יִקְּר֥וּ/הָ
nâqar
H5365
to dig
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
עֹרְבֵי
ʻôrêb
H6158
raven
N-mp
נַ֑חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
וְֽ/יֹאכְל֥וּ/הָ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
נָֽשֶׁר
nesher
H5404
eagle
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:17
עַ֤יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
תִּֽלְעַ֣ג
lâʻag
H3932
"to mock"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To mock or deride someone is the meaning of this word, which can also imply speaking in a way that sounds like a foreign language.
Definition: 1) to mock, deride, ridicule 1a) (Qal) to mock, deride, have in derision 1b) (Niphal) to stammer 1c) (Hiphil) to mock, deride
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: have in derision, laugh (to scorn), mock (on), stammering. See also: 2 Kings 19:21; Psalms 22:8; Psalms 2:4.
לְ/אָב֮
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/תָב֪וּז
bûwz
H936
"to despise"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To despise or hold in contempt is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which is used in the Bible to describe showing disrespect or disdain for someone or something, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean to consider something insignificant. This term is translated as contemn or despise in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, hold as insignificant 1a) (Qal) to despise, show despite toward
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: contemn, despise, [idiom] utterly. See also: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 23:9; Proverbs 6:30.
לִֽ/יקֲּהַ֫ת
yiqqâhâh
H3349
"obedience"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means obedience, like following rules. It's used in the Bible to describe people obeying God's laws. In the book of Leviticus, it describes obeying God's commands.
Definition: obedience, cleansing, purging
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: gathering, to obey. See also: Genesis 49:10; Proverbs 30:17.
אֵ֥ם
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
יִקְּר֥וּ/הָ
nâqar
H5365
"to dig"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This word means to dig or bore into something, like picking or quarrying stone. It describes a sense of penetration or excavation, often used to create a hole or opening. In the Bible, it is used to describe the act of digging a well or uncovering a hidden truth.
Definition: 1) to bore, pick, dig, pick out 1a) (Qal) to bore, pick, dig 1b) (Piel) to bore out 1c) (Pual) to be dug out
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: dig, pick out, pierce, put (thrust) out. See also: Numbers 16:14; Job 30:17; Proverbs 30:17.
עֹרְבֵי
ʻôrêb
H6158
"raven"
N-mp
A raven is a dark-colored bird, first mentioned in the Bible as the bird Noah released from the ark in Genesis 8:7. The word is used to describe its dusky hue. It is a symbol of God's care in the Bible.
Definition: raven
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: raven. See also: Genesis 8:7; Job 38:41; Psalms 147:9.
נַ֑חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
וְֽ/יֹאכְל֥וּ/הָ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
נָֽשֶׁר
nesher
H5404
"eagle"
N-ms
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 30:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 30:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 30:17
Context — The Words of Agur
15The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’:
16Sheol, the barren womb, land never satisfied with water, and fire that never says, ‘Enough!’
17As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.
18There are three things too wonderful for me, four that I cannot understand: 19the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea, and the way of a man with a maiden.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 23:22 | Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 21:18–21 | If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined, his father and mother are to lay hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his hometown, and say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid. |
| 3 | Proverbs 30:11 | There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. |
| 4 | Leviticus 20:9 | If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 18:14–17 | But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree. And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. Then Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them. They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home. |
| 6 | Genesis 9:21–27 | But when he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment and placed it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father’s nakedness. When Noah awoke from his drunkenness and learned what his youngest son had done to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 20:20 | Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 17:44 | “Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 21:10 | And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain from heaven poured down on the bodies, she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 28:26 | Your corpses will be food for all the birds of the air and beasts of the earth, with no one to scare them away. |
Proverbs 30:17 Summary
This verse is saying that it's very important to respect and obey our parents, and those in authority over us. If we don't, there can be serious consequences, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Deuteronomy 28:15. We should strive to honor our parents and those in charge, just like it says in Exodus 20:12, and also respect the authority of others, as encouraged in Romans 13:1-2. By doing so, we can show that we value and respect the people who care about us and want to help us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to mock a father and scorn obedience to a mother?
According to Proverbs 30:17, mocking a father and scorning obedience to a mother is a serious offense, as it goes against the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12, which instructs us to honor our parents, and it is also warned against in Ephesians 6:1-3, which encourages children to obey their parents.
Why does the Bible use such harsh language to describe the punishment for disobeying parents?
The language used in Proverbs 30:17, such as the ravens of the valley plucking out the eye, is a metaphorical expression of the severe consequences of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15, which describes the curses that will come upon those who disobey God's commands.
Is this verse only talking about children disobeying their parents, or is there a broader application?
While the verse is specifically addressing children's attitude towards their parents, the principle of respecting authority and obeying those in charge applies to all areas of life, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, which instructs us to submit to governing authorities.
How can I apply this verse to my life if I'm not a child anymore?
As an adult, you can apply this verse by showing respect and honor to those in authority over you, whether it's a boss, a pastor, or a government official, as encouraged in 1 Peter 2:13-14, which instructs us to submit to every human institution.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show respect and obedience to my parents or those in authority over me?
- How can I balance the desire for independence with the need to show respect and obedience to others?
- What are some potential consequences of mocking or scorning those in authority, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I model respectful behavior towards authority figures for my own children or those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:17
The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father,.... At his advice, admonitions, and instructions; looks upon him with scorn and disdain, and treats him as a weak, silly, old man: here Agur returns to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:17
The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
The eye that mocketh at his father; he that scorneth or derideth his parents, though it be but with a look or gesture, and much more when he breaks out into opprobrious words and actions. The ravens of the valley shall pick it out; he shall die an unnatural, and untimely, and ignominious death, and after death shall lie unburied, and so be exposed to the birds and beasts of prey, and, amongst others, to the crows or ravens, who use to feed upon dead carcasses, and particularly to pick out their eyes, as is noted by all sorts of writers; of which see my Latin Synopsis. He saith, the ravens oft he valley, either because they most delight in valleys, or with a particular respect unto that valley near Jerusalem, which was called the valley of dead bodies, , from the carcasses cast out there, to which therefore the ravens resorted in great numbers, according to their manner or, as others render, the ravens of the brooks, because they are of a hot and dry temper, and therefore delight in places adjacent to the brooks of water. The young eagle; which also preyeth upon dead carcasses and especially upon their eyes, as the ravens do, the reason being the same in both, whether it be the softness of that part which makes it more easy to them to take, or from the pleasant taste of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
Proverbs 30:17 The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.Ver. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father.] As Ham did at Noah. "And despiseth to obey his mother," or ‘ Despiseth the wrinkles of his mother,’ as some read it; that looks upon her with disdain, as an old withered fool. The ravens of the valley shall pick it out.] God takes notice of the offending member, and appoints punishments for it. By the law such a child was to be put to death, and here is set down what kind of death - hanging upon a tree, which the Greeks also call a being cast, ειςκορακας, to the crows or ravens. Thus the Scripture is both text and gloss; one place opens another; the prophets explain the law; they unfold and draw out that arras that was folded together before. The ravens of the valleys or brooks are said to be most ravenous; and the young eagles or vultures smell out carcases, and the first thing they do to them is to pick out their eyes: Effossos oculos voret atro gutture corvus. They are cursed with a witness whom the Holy Ghost thus curseth in such emphatic manner, in such exquisite terms. Let wicked children look to it, and know that vultu saepe laeditur pietas, as the very heathens observed; that a proud or paltry look cast upon a parent is a breach of piety punishable with death, yea, with a shameful and ignominious death. Let them also think of those infernal ravens and vultures, &c.
Earnest money, a part of the purchase money given to ratify a contract; fig. a pledge. Corvi fluviatiles. Willet on Levit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
(17) The ravens of the valley shall pick it out—i.e., the rebellious son shall die of a “grievous death” (Jeremiah 16:4). The propensity of ravens to attack the eyes is well known.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
Verse 17. The eye that mocketh at his father] This seems to be spoken against those who curse their father, and do not bless their mother, Proverbs 30:11. The ravens of the valley] Those which frequent the places where dead carcasses and offal are most likely to be found. The raven, the crow, the rook, the daw, the carrion crow, and the Cornish chough, appear to be all of the same genus. Some of them live on pulse and insects; others, the raven in particular, live on carrion. The young eagles shall eat it.] The mother eagle shall scoop out such an eye, and carry it to the nest to feed her young. Many of the disobedient to parents have come to an untimely end, and, in the field of battle, where many a profligate has fallen, and upon gibbets, have actually become the prey of ravenous birds.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:17
17. the valley] Or, brook. It is implied that his corpse will lie unburied and exposed. Maurer and others quote here, in illustration of the fact that birds of prey attack principally the eyes, Catullus 107, 3: “Effossos oculos voret atro gutture corvus.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:17
17. Eye that mocketh — The expression is used to denote the “mocking” or cursing child; not merely the disobedient, but the rebellious one. Despiseth to obey — Spurns the control of.
Sermons on Proverbs 30:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Ostrich by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delivers a sermon on the unique characteristics of the ostrich, highlighting its large size, inability to fly despite having large wings, and its swift running abil |
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On Obedience to Parents by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes the biblical command for children to obey their parents, highlighting that this principle is universally recognized and rooted in both natural law and divine |
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The Raven by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook reflects on the significance of the raven in the Bible, from Noah sending out the raven after the flood to the provision of food for the prophet Elijah. The raven, |
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The Vulture by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the vulture as an illustration to teach about the nature of this bird of prey, its role in cleaning up decaying matter, and its keen eye for spotting food from |
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Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi |
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(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |
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Chinese New Year Promotes Filial Piety and Parental Love by Timothy Tow | In this sermon, the preacher announces his upcoming anniversary message on the role of a mother in a Christian home. He believes that Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to pro |