Proverbs 30:26
Proverbs 30:26 in Multiple Translations
the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks;
The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
The conies are but a feeble folk, Yet make they their houses in the rocks;
The conies are only a feeble people, but they make their houses in the rocks;
Hyraxes —they don't have much power, but they make their homes in the rock.
The conies a people not mightie, yet make their houses in the rocke:
Conies [are] a people not strong, And they place in a rock their house,
The hyraxes are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.
The conies are but a feeble people, yet they make their houses in the rocks;
The rabbit, a weak people, which maketh its bed in the rock:
Rock badgers also are not strong, but they make their homes among the rocks where they will be safe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:26
BAB
Word Study
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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 30:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁ֭פַנִּים
עַ֣ם
לֹא
עָצ֑וּם
וַ/יָּשִׂ֖ימוּ
בַ/סֶּ֣לַע
בֵּיתָֽ/ם
שְׁ֭פַנִּים
shâphân
H8227
rock badger
N-mp
עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עָצ֑וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
mighty
Adj
וַ/יָּשִׂ֖ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בַ/סֶּ֣לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
crag
Prep | N-ms
בֵּיתָֽ/ם
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:26
שְׁ֭פַנִּים
shâphân
H8227
"rock badger"
N-mp
Shaphan refers to a type of rock rabbit, likely a hyrax, or a man who lived during the Exile and Return, including a secretary of king Josiah of Judah.
Definition: rock badger, coney, the hyrax
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: coney. See also: Leviticus 11:5; Psalms 104:18; Proverbs 30:26.
עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָצ֑וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
"mighty"
Adj
This word means mighty or powerful, often describing something as strong or numerous. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power and strength.
Definition: 1) mighty, vast, numerous 1a) mighty, strong (in number) 1b) numerous, countless
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong. See also: Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 7:26; Psalms 10:10.
וַ/יָּשִׂ֖ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
בַ/סֶּ֣לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
"crag"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.
בֵּיתָֽ/ם
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — Proverbs 30:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 30:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 30:26
Context — The Words of Agur
24Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:
25The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
26the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks;
27the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation; 28and the lizard can be caught in one’s hands, yet it is found in the palaces of kings.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 104:18 | The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers. |
| 2 | Leviticus 11:5 | The rock badger, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. |
Proverbs 30:26 Summary
The rock badgers in Proverbs 30:26 are small but wise creatures that make their homes in the rocks, which teaches us about the importance of being diligent and prudent in our own lives. Just like the rock badgers, we can find safety and security in God, as described in Psalm 91:2, and trust in His provision and protection, as seen in Matthew 6:33. By being intentional about seeking refuge in God and trusting in His goodness, we can live with confidence and peace, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. This verse reminds us that even the smallest and weakest among us can achieve great things with God's help and guidance, as seen in the examples of the ants in Proverbs 30:25 and the locusts in Proverbs 30:27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the rock badgers in Proverbs 30:26?
The rock badgers in Proverbs 30:26 are an example of how even small and weak creatures can achieve great things through their industry and prudence, as seen in their ability to make their homes in the rocks, much like the ants in Proverbs 30:25 who store up their food in the summer.
What does it mean for the rock badgers to make their homes in the rocks?
The rock badgers making their homes in the rocks signifies their ability to find safety and security in the midst of potential danger, much like how believers can find refuge in God as described in Psalm 91:2, which says 'I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'
How can we apply the lesson of the rock badgers to our own lives?
We can apply the lesson of the rock badgers by being diligent and prudent in our own lives, just as they are, and trusting in God's provision and protection as described in Matthew 6:33, which says 'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.'
What is the relationship between the rock badgers and the other creatures mentioned in Proverbs 30:24-28?
The rock badgers are one of four creatures mentioned in Proverbs 30:24-28 as examples of small but wise creatures, along with the ants, locusts, and lizards, each of which demonstrates unique characteristics of wisdom and industry, such as the ants storing up food in the summer, as seen in Proverbs 30:25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of diligence and prudence, just like the rock badgers?
- How can I trust in God's provision and protection, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, just as the rock badgers find safety in the rocks?
- What are some ways that I can be more intentional about seeking refuge in God, just as the rock badgers make their homes in the rocks?
- How can I learn from the example of the rock badgers to be more content with what I have and to find joy in the simple things, rather than constantly striving for more?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:26
The coneys [are but] a feeble folk,.... Or "rabbits"; though some think these creatures are not intended, because they are not so little as those with which they are ranked, the ant, the locust, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:26
The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The conies ... feeble ... yet make they their houses in the rocks - not the rabbit, which is not found in Bible lands, but a
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:26
In rocky ground, or in the holes of rocks, for their safety against their too potent enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:26
Proverbs 30:26 The conies [are but] a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;Ver. 26. The conies are but a feeble folk.] But what they want in strength they have in wisdom; while they work themselves holes and burrows in the earth. Gaudet in effossis habitare cuniculus antris, secures herself in the rocks and stony places. It shall be our wisdom to work ourselves into the rock Christ Jesus, where we shall be safe from hellish hunters. Martial.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:26
(26) The conies are but a feeble folk, being only about as big as a rabbit, with nails instead of claws, and weak teeth. Its Hebrew name (shâphân) signifies a “hider,” from its habit of living in clefts of the rocks; its scientific name is Hyrax Syriacus. The translation “coney,” i.e., rabbit, is a mistake. In general appearance it resembles a guinea-pig or marmot.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:26
26. The conies] The Heb. word means the hiders, so called from their “making their houses,” hiding themselves, “in the rocks.” It is now generally agreed that the animal in question is not, as the name coney, by which it is called also in Leviticus 11:5; Psalms 104:18, implies, a rabbit, but belongs to a different species, being “in its anatomy a true pachyderm, allied to the rhinoceros and the tapir, inferior to them as it is in size.” “It is about the size of a well-grown rabbit, with short ears, round head, long plantigrade feet, no tail, and nails instead of claws. With its weak teeth and short incisors, there seem few animals so entirely without the means of self-defence. But the strong rocks are a refuge for the conies (Proverbs 30:26, Psalms 104:18), and tolerably secure they are in such rocks as these (near Ain Feshkah) on the shore of the Dead Sea. No animal ever gave us so much trouble to secure.” Tristram, Land of Israel, p. 250. Speaker’s Comm. on Leviticus 11:5. See also Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Art. Coney.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:26
Conies - See the marginal reference note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:26
24-28. Four things… little — Here is the enigma of the four small and contemptible things, that are yet esteemed for their wisdom and other qualities. The ants — See Proverbs 6:6; and notes there. The conies — Rabbits.
Sermons on Proverbs 30:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Ibex or the Wild Goat by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the example of the ibex, also known as the wild goat, to illustrate God's provision and protection for His creation. Just as the ibex has been equipped by God |