Proverbs 30:31
Proverbs 30:31 in Multiple Translations
a strutting rooster; a he-goat; and a king with his army around him.
A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
The greyhound; the he-goat also; And the king against whom there is no rising up.
The war-horse, and the he-goat, and the king when his army is with him.
The strutting starling, the male goat, and a king with his army.
A lusty grayhound, and a goate, and a King against whom there is no rising vp.
A girt one of the loins, or a he-goat, And a king — no rising up with him.
the greyhound; the male goat; and the king against whom there is no rising up.
A greyhound; a he-goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
A cock girded about the loins: and a ram: and a king, whom none can resist.
male goats, strutting roosters, and kings who ◄parade/walk proudly back and forth► in front of the people whom they rule.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:31
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 30:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זַרְזִ֣יר
מָתְנַ֣יִם
אוֹ
תָ֑יִשׁ
וּ֝/מֶ֗לֶךְ
אַלְק֥וּם
עִמּֽ/וֹ
זַרְזִ֣יר
zarzîyr
H2223
greyhound
N-ms
מָתְנַ֣יִם
môthen
H4975
loin
N-md
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
תָ֑יִשׁ
tayish
H8495
male goat
N-ms
וּ֝/מֶ֗לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Conj | N-ms
אַלְק֥וּם
ʼalqûwm
H510
army
Adv
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:31
זַרְזִ֣יר
zarzîyr
H2223
"greyhound"
N-ms
The word for greyhound describes a slender, agile animal, possibly a racer, and is translated as greyhound in the KJV, although its exact meaning is unknown.
Definition: 1) girded, girt, alert, used with mo.ten (מׇתְנַ֫יִם "loin" H4975) in Pr 30:31 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound. See also: Proverbs 30:31.
מָתְנַ֣יִם
môthen
H4975
"loin"
N-md
Refers to the waist or small of the back, often translated as loins or hips, as seen in Proverbs 30:31. It can also describe the sides of an animal. The word is only used in plural form.
Definition: 1) loins, hips 1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 20:2; Psalms 66:11.
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
תָ֑יִשׁ
tayish
H8495
"male goat"
N-ms
A male goat is called a he-goat or buck in the Bible, known for its strong butting behavior. This word is used to describe a specific type of animal in the scriptures.
Definition: he-goat
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: he goat. See also: Genesis 30:35; 2 Chronicles 17:11; Proverbs 30:31.
וּ֝/מֶ֗לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אַלְק֥וּם
ʼalqûwm
H510
"army"
Adv
The original Hebrew word means no uprising or resistance, like a calm army. It appears in the Bible as a state of peace. In this sense, it means no rebellion.
Definition: 1) (TWOT) (neg adv) no, not, nor, neither 2) (BDB) band of soldiers 3) (CLBL) no rebellion, no uprising (lit.)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: no rising up. See also: Proverbs 30:31.
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 30:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 30:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:31
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 30:31
Context — The Words of Agur
29There are three things that are stately in their stride, and four that are impressive in their walk:
30a lion, mighty among beasts, refusing to retreat before anything;
31a strutting rooster; a he-goat; and a king with his army around him.
32If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth. 33For as the churning of milk yields butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so the stirring of anger brings forth strife.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 3:15–18 | Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:2 | The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:14 | The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. |
Proverbs 30:31 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 30:31, uses three powerful images - a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army - to teach us about the importance of humility, wisdom, and righteous leadership. Just as a king is stronger with his army around him, we are stronger when we surround ourselves with good influences and stay humble, as taught in Proverbs 27:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:58. By avoiding the dangers of pride, like the strutting rooster, and seeking wisdom, like the he-goat, we can become the leaders and people God intends us to be, as seen in the examples of biblical heroes like David and Jesus. Remember, true strength comes not from pride or self-exaltation, but from humility, wisdom, and a commitment to righteousness, as emphasized in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 5:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the mention of a strutting rooster teach us about pride?
The strutting rooster in Proverbs 30:31 can be seen as a symbol of pride, reminding us of the dangers of arrogance and self-exaltation, as warned in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 13:4.
How does the image of a he-goat relate to our understanding of leadership?
The he-goat in this verse may represent a strong leader, but one that must be tempered with humility and wisdom, as seen in the example of King David in 1 Samuel 30:6 and the teachings of Matthew 20:26-28.
What does the king with his army around him signify in this context?
The king with his army around him in Proverbs 30:31 represents the power and majesty of a just ruler, echoing the descriptions of King Solomon's wisdom and authority in 1 Kings 3:12-13 and the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, in Revelation 19:11-16.
How do these three images - the rooster, the he-goat, and the king - relate to each other in the verse?
Together, these images in Proverbs 30:31 highlight the importance of balance and humility in leadership and personal character, contrasting with the foolishness and evil plotting warned against in Proverbs 30:32, and emphasizing the value of wisdom and righteousness as taught in Proverbs 10:2 and Psalm 37:37.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the strutting rooster, avoid the pitfalls of pride and stay humble in my daily life?
- In what ways can I, as a leader or influencer, embody the strengths of a he-goat while avoiding its potential weaknesses?
- What are some practical steps I can take to surround myself with wise and supportive 'army' like the king in this verse, such as seeking counsel from mentors or peers?
- How do these images challenge or affirm my current understanding of leadership, pride, and humility, and what changes can I make to better reflect biblical values?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:31
A greyhound,.... So Gersom interprets the word; but Jarchi owns he does not know what is meant; and Aben Ezra only says, it is the name of a living creature, but does not say what; but observes, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:31
A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. A greyhound - Hebrew, one girt in the loins.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:31
A greyhound, called in Hebrew, girt in the lions; either because its loins are slender, and as it were girt up into a little compass, and tight or well trussed up: or because of its great agility and swiftness; for the girding of the loins was used for expedition in going or working. Or, as it is rendered by others a horse, to wit, a war-horse, having his armour girt about him, and marching to the battle, which he doth with great majesty and courage, as God himself observes at large, , &c. An he-goat; which marcheth in the head of the flock in grave and stately manner, conducting them with great courage and resolution, and being ready to fight for them, either with beasts or men that oppose him; whence great captains are oft compared to he-goats, as Jeremiah 1 8 Daniel 8:5,21 Zec 10:3. A king, against whom there is no rising up; a mighty and victorious king, whose power none can withstand, who therefore goeth hither and thither, and proceedeth in his affairs with invincible courage and majesty. But this place, with the variation of one Hebrew point, reading ammo for immo, may be rendered, as a very learned man observes, a king, and his people with him; a king when he hath the hearts and hands of his people going along with him in his undertakings.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:31
(31) A greyhound.—It is very doubtful what animal is meant here as being “girt [i.e., slender] in the loins.” Several have been suggested, e.g., the horse, zebra, cock; but the rendering of the Authorised Version is as probable as any. A king, against whom there is no rising up.—Who marches with resistless force, trampling on his conquered foes. (Comp. the description of the march of the Assyrians, Isaiah 37:24 sqq.; comp. also Isaiah 63:1 sqq. and Joe 2:2 sqq.) It has been proposed to translate these words also as “a king with whom is [i.e., followed by] his people,” in much the same sense.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:31
31. A greyhound] The Heb. word, which occurs nowhere else, and means literally, well-girt (or, well-knit) in the loins (R.V. marg.), has been variously rendered, war-horse, cock (ἀλέκτωρἐμπεριπατῶνθηλείαιςεὔψυχος, LXX.; gallus succinctus lumbos, Vulg.), wrestler, Maurer. The R.V. retains greyhound in the text, with “or, war-horse,” in the margin. against whom there is no rising up] The rendering of R.V. marg., when his army is with him, accords better perhaps with the ruling idea of the quatrain, being “stately in march;” though the king on his royal progress, before whom all prostrate themselves, in outward token that “there is no rising up against him,” satisfies well the conditions.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:31
A greyhound - The Hebrew word occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:31
29-31. Three… four… comely — The author here adds the four things of stately or majestic gait. A lion — The most heroic among the beasts, or, at least, so popularly held, and, therefore, called the king of beasts.
Sermons on Proverbs 30:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Homily 20 on Romans by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God, emphasizing the need for a holy and acceptable lifestyle as a reasonable service in |
|
Lord, Walk Me Home! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound faith of the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace, illustrating their willingness to surrender their lives completely to God. He suggests t |