Proverbs 30:14 kjv
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.
Proverbs 30:14 nkjv
There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, And whose fangs are like knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, And the needy from among men.
Proverbs 30:14 niv
those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind.
Proverbs 30:14 esv
There are those whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among mankind.
Proverbs 30:14 nlt
They have teeth like swords
and fangs like knives.
They devour the poor from the earth
and the needy from among humanity.
Proverbs 30 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Pss 10:8-9 | He lies in wait… to catch the poor… he drags them off in his net. | Predator hiding to seize the weak. |
| Pss 12:5 | "Because the poor are plundered… I will now arise," says the LORD. | God intervenes against oppressors. |
| Pss 14:4 | Have all evildoers no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread? | Consuming God's people like food. |
| Pss 53:4 | Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread? | Same theme of destructive consumption. |
| Prov 22:22-23 | Do not rob the poor because he is poor... for the LORD will plead their cause. | Warning against exploiting the poor, God's defense. |
| Prov 28:15 | A wicked ruler oppressing a poor people is like a roaring lion. | Wicked leaders likened to dangerous beasts. |
| Isa 3:14-15 | "You have devoured the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses." | Leaders destroying the poor for gain. |
| Isa 10:1-2 | Woe to those who make unrighteous decrees… to rob the needy of justice. | Unjust laws designed to strip the poor. |
| Isa 58:6-7 | Is not this the fast… to loose the bonds of wickedness… to let the oppressed go free? | True righteousness involves aiding the oppressed. |
| Jer 5:26-28 | Among my people are wicked men who lie in wait… they ensnare men… they oppress. | Trapping and exploiting the vulnerable. |
| Ezek 22:29 | The people of the land have practiced oppression… and defrauded the poor. | Widespread injustice against the needy. |
| Amos 2:6-7 | "For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke it... for they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals." | Profiteering off the most vulnerable. |
| Amos 4:1 | You cows of Bashan who are in the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy. | Metaphorical condemnation of ruthless women. |
| Amos 8:4-6 | Hear this, you who trample the needy and bring the poor of the land to an end! | Seeking profit by harming the impoverished. |
| Mic 2:1-2 | Woe to those who devise mischief… and practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. | Grabbing wealth through exploitation. |
| Mic 3:2-3 | "You who hate good and love evil, who tear the skin from my people and their flesh from their bones… who devour my people’s flesh." | Extreme, cannibalistic depiction of oppressors. |
| Zeph 3:3 | Her officials within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves. | Corrupt leaders as predatory animals. |
| Mal 3:5 | I will draw near to you for judgment... against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and who turn aside the sojourner. | God's judgment on those who defraud the weak. |
| Jas 2:6-7 | You have dishonored the poor man… Do not the rich oppress you? | Rich oppressing the poor within the community. |
| Jas 5:4 | Behold, the wages of the laborers… which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you. | Exploitation of workers crying out for justice. |
| Luke 16:19-21 | The rich man feasted sumptuously while Lazarus, full of sores, lay at his gate. | Indifference and neglect towards the poor's suffering. |
| Mark 12:40 | "They devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers." | Religious hypocrisy paired with exploitation. |
Proverbs 30 verses
Proverbs 30 14 Meaning
Proverbs 30:14 describes a particular "generation" or type of people characterized by extreme greed and ruthless exploitation of the vulnerable. Their actions are likened to fierce predators using sharp teeth to utterly consume the poor and needy from society, leaving nothing behind. It highlights the destructive and immoral nature of those who prey on the weak for their own gain.
Proverbs 30 14 Context
Proverbs chapter 30 contains the "words of Agur," distinct from Solomon's proverbs. This section often includes numerical sayings and observations about various human types and their behaviors. Verses 11-14 collectively describe four types of "generations" (not literal family lines but groups of people embodying certain characteristics) who are particularly wicked. Verse 14 is the culmination of this series, highlighting the predatory nature of the last "generation." It follows descriptions of those who curse their parents (v. 11), are self-righteous (v. 12), and are proud (v. 13). Verse 14 extends the imagery to an extreme, depicting a ruthless and all-consuming exploitation of society's most vulnerable, serving as a stark warning against such evil.
Proverbs 30 14 Word analysis
- There are those (דּוֹר): Although "dor" (דּוֹר) literally means "generation," in this context, within the series of Prov 30:11-14, it refers to a distinct class or type of people defined by a particular moral character and behavior, rather than a lineage. It highlights a recurring human disposition towards wickedness.
- whose teeth (שִׁנַּיִם, shinayim): Literally "teeth." This term evokes common animal teeth, but combined with the imagery of "swords" and "knives," it suggests an instrument of cutting, tearing, and aggressive consumption. In ancient Near Eastern thought, teeth were often associated with destructive power (Job 29:17; Ps 58:6).
- are like swords (חֲרָבוֹת, ḥaravot): "Swords" (plural) emphasizes sharpness, piercing, and deadly force. The comparison elevates ordinary teeth to weapons of lethal intent, signifying deliberate harm and violence.
- whose fangs (מַתְלָעוֹת, matla'ôt): Often translated "jaw teeth" or "molars/canines." This term points to the most formidable and tearing teeth of a predator, those used for ripping and grinding. It amplifies the image of ferocious devouring power beyond mere biting.
- are like knives (מַאֲכָלוֹת, ma'ăḵālôt): "Knives," specifically carving or butchering knives. This adds to the imagery of precision and efficiency in their destructive acts. These are not merely wild tearing actions, but calculated, effective methods of dismembering or consuming.
- to devour (לֶאֱכֹל, le'ĕḵōl): Literally "to eat" or "to consume." Here, it carries the strong connotation of total destruction and consumption, leaving nothing left of the victim. It signifies a complete absorption of their livelihood, assets, and even their very being into the oppressor.
- the poor (עֲנִיִּים, ʿaniyyim): Refers to the afflicted, humble, meek, and materially impoverished. These are individuals who lack resources and power, often due to social circumstances or misfortune, making them especially vulnerable targets.
- from the earth (מֵאֶרֶץ, me'aretz): Implies removal from their place of living, their livelihood, or even their existence upon the land. It suggests an eradication or displacement, leaving them without footing or future.
- the needy (אֶבְיוֹנִים, ʾevyonim): Refers to those who are destitute, craving, utterly dependent, and unable to help themselves. This reinforces the extreme vulnerability of the victims and the profound lack of compassion in their oppressors.
- from among mankind (מֵאָדָם, me'adam): Signifies their removal from the community, society, or the human collective. It highlights the social dimension of their destruction, making them outcasts or utterly consumed from the sight of others.
Proverbs 30 14 Bonus section
The metaphor of the mouth, teeth, and devouring in this verse extends beyond mere physical consumption to encapsulate complete financial ruin, social degradation, and the stripping away of dignity from the poor. The imagery underscores the intent of these oppressors: not just to take a share, but to utterly annihilate the economic and social standing of the vulnerable. This aligns with many prophetic pronouncements against social injustice, where the strong literally "eat up" the weak through economic policies, corrupt legal systems, and sheer brutality. The emphasis on "from the earth" and "from among mankind" signifies total displacement and dehumanization, leaving the victims bereft of any societal presence or future.
Proverbs 30 14 Commentary
Proverbs 30:14 uses powerful, visceral animalistic imagery to depict a particular class of ruthless exploiters. They are not just unjust, but fundamentally predatory, their instruments of acquisition (symbolized by teeth like swords and knives) are geared for violent, complete destruction of the vulnerable. This verse acts as a severe condemnation of those who deliberately and savagely consume the substance and life of the poor and needy. It speaks to a deep moral perversion where compassion is absent, replaced by a consuming hunger for personal gain at any cost. This behavior runs contrary to the very heart of biblical justice and community care, illustrating an active malice that eradicates the less fortunate from society.