30:1 Agur, son of Yakeh The identity of Agur son of Jakeh is unknown. The name does not occur elsewhere in the Bible. Agur may be a pseudonym for Solomon as the one who stores up (agar) wisdom, but there is no evidence for this. Agur is best understood as an otherwise unnamed wise man.

oracle The Hebrew word used here, massa, can refer to an oracle, or it can be a proper noun. Typically an oracle is a prophetic pronouncement, often of judgment—something generally out of place in Wisdom Literature (compare Num 24:3; Isa 13:1; Mal 1:1). As a proper noun, Massa refers to a tribe in Northern Arabia associated with a son of Ishmael (Gen 25:14; 1 Chr 1:30). Its presence here may indicate that Agur was from Massa.

to Ithiel, and Ucal The meaning of the Hebrew phrase used here, le'ithi'el le'ithi'el we'ukhal, is uncertain. It could refer to the recipients of Agur’s words: Ithiel, Ithiel, and Ucal. It could also be understood as indicating that Agur, the speaker, calls out to God about his weariness, using the same exact phrase twice. It may also be that Agur first addresses Ithiel and then calls out to God about his weariness.

30:3 the Holy One This title for God emphasizes that he is set apart from humanity and is great. See note on Isa 1:4.

The Name Theology of the Old Testament

30:4 Who has gathered the wind The implied answer to these questions is God. Similar rhetorical questions appear in Job (Job 38–41) and Isaiah (Isa 40:12–14). Questions like these emphasize God’s greatness, especially in comparison to the limited knowledge of humankind. See note on Job 38:1–41:34.

has wrapped water in a garment This indicates God’s supreme power. This could indicate Yahweh’s care for the sea—that He clothes it—or simply His ability to overcome it, in that He is so powerful that He could wrap the sea in a piece of clothing (compare note on Job 38:9; note on Prov 8:28).

has established all the ends of the earth People in the ancient Near East viewed the earth as a flat surface (Job 38:13; Isa 11:12; see note on Prov 8:29) supported by pillars (Job 38:4–7; Psa 104:5).

what is the name of his child The meaning of this question is unclear. In Proverbs, a son is always the recipient of the father’s teaching (see Prov 1:8 and note). Elsewhere in the ot, God refers to the nation Israel as His son (Exod 4:22; Hos 11:1). God’s son is left unnamed here, leaving open the possibility that this is an early allusion to the forthcoming Messiah (compare Luke 1:31–33).

Jesus as Wisdom

30:6 Do not add to his words This warning to not alter God’s words is appropriate in light of the limitation of human wisdom when compared to God’s wisdom (Prov 30:2–4). The law also includes a warning not to add to or take away from God’s word (Deut 4:2; 12:32). In the nt, John concludes the book of Revelation with a warning against adding or taking away from his prophecy (Rev 22:18–19).

30:12 is pure The Hebrew word used here, tahor, indicates ceremonial purity (Lev 10:10). Agur describes those who believe themselves to be righteous because they act righteously. These people, however, are hypocrites and an abomination to God (see Prov 15:8 and note; Isa 1:12–17).

30:15 the leech Since leeches attach themselves to people or animals to suck blood, the usage here symbolizes greed.

there are two daughters The two daughters of the leech probably represent its two suckers.

30:16 Sheol This is a reference to the realm of the dead, called she’ol in Hebrew (compare Gen 37:35 and note; Job 14:13 and note). Elsewhere, she’ol is portrayed as greedy and insatiable (Prov 27:20; Hab 2:5).

Old Testament Theology of the Afterlife

30:18 Three of these are too wonderful for me It is not clear what makes the three things described in Prov 30:19 amazing. Many interpreters think it is that none of them is taught their ways: Eagles fly, snakes slither, and ships sail without instruction.

four, I do not understand The formula “number … number+1” is a common literary device in Wisdom Literature. Rather than indicate that three of the listed items are too wonderful, while four are not understood, it means that the listed items are characterized by both of these descriptions. Compare 6:16.

30:19 the way of a man with a young woman A euphemism for sexual intercourse. Romantic love is wondrous and mysterious.

30:21 under four The four things described in vv. 22–23 are upsetting because they are inversions of the proper order of things. See v. 18 and note.

30:22 a slave when he becomes king This proverb seems to refer to a servant usurping the throne. A similar idea is discussed in Ecclesiastes (see Eccl 10:6–7 and note).

30:24 and they are exceedingly wise Agur lists several small creatures that exemplify wisdom. The clever ways in which they overcome weakness demonstrate their wisdom.

Wisdom and Related Terms

30:29 four that are magnificent The confident strides of the lion, the rooster, and the he-goat illustrate the majesty and power of a king. See Prov 30:18 and note.

30:32 put your hand to your mouth Indicates silence (compare Judg 18:19; Job 21:5).