Proverbs 30:15 kjv

The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

Proverbs 30:15 nkjv

The leech has two daughters? Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, Four never say, "Enough!":

Proverbs 30:15 niv

"The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!':

Proverbs 30:15 esv

The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, "Enough":

Proverbs 30:15 nlt

The leech has two suckers
that cry out, "More, more!"
There are three things that are never satisfied ?
no, four that never say, "Enough!":

Proverbs 30 verses

Proverbs 30 15 Meaning

Proverbs 30:15 vividly portrays insatiable desire through the metaphor of a leech constantly demanding. It introduces a numerical proverb, setting up a theme of unrelenting demands and unsatisfied craving that can never utter the word "enough." This illustrates a deep spiritual and human reality: certain appetites or desires, when unchecked or misdirected, become perpetual and never find true contentment or completion. The verse emphasizes the parasitic nature of such demands, which consume without ever being filled.

Proverbs 30 15 Context

Proverbs chapter 30 introduces the "words of Agur son of Jakeh" (v. 1), presenting wisdom that differs in style from other sections of the book. Agur expresses humility regarding his own understanding, yet shares profound observations about divine nature and human conduct. Verses 7-9 offer a personal prayer against vanity and falsehood, asking for neither poverty nor riches, lest he deny God or steal.

Immediately preceding Proverbs 30:15, Agur poses rhetorical questions about the Creator and His attributes, establishing God's incomparable power and truth. Verse 15 marks the beginning of a distinctive literary form within the chapter: numerical proverbs that list "three things" and "four things." This particular style, prevalent in wisdom literature, draws attention to a common principle by accumulating related examples, beginning with a striking illustration before listing other parallel phenomena (which are presented in Proverbs 30:16). The historical and cultural context reflects a deep understanding of natural phenomena, using the leech as a well-known symbol of relentless, blood-sucking persistence. This section observes human nature and certain realities of the created order, revealing an underlying moral or spiritual truth about unchecked desire.

Proverbs 30 15 Word analysis

• The leech (עֲלוּקָה, 'aluqah): A specific blood-sucking worm. In ancient Israel and the wider Near East, leeches were common parasites, known for their tenacious grip and insatiable craving for blood until engorged. It vividly symbolizes parasitic existence and persistent, draining demand. The imagery speaks of something that takes life or substance without ever being satisfied.
• has two daughters: This is a figurative expression, not literal offspring. "Daughters" (בַת, bat) here refers to the insatiable characteristics or incessant demands inherent in the "leech" itself, personifying its nature. It suggests a propagation of desire, indicating that its demands are multiplied or expressed in persistent ways.
• 'Give! Give!' (הָב הָב, hav hav): A repeated imperative, highlighting the continuous, forceful, and non-negotiable demand. This repetition intensifies the sense of urgency and relentless craving. It signifies a profound lack of contentment and a constant striving for more. The sounds mimic the incessant pull.
• There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!' This introduces the "X, X+1" numerical proverb formula. This literary device emphasizes a common trait or principle by presenting it through a small list of escalating examples. It builds anticipation and asserts the pervasive nature of the characteristic (insatiability) being described. The phrases collectively set the thematic stage for a deeper exploration of boundless desires that will be listed in the subsequent verse (v. 16). The final word הֹון (hon) here, though often meaning "wealth," in this context means "it is enough" or "sufficiency," reinforcing the theme of unquenchable craving.

Proverbs 30 15 Bonus section

The "two daughters" of the leech have been variously interpreted throughout history. Some ancient interpretations connected them to specific, negative human passions like anger and malice, or even avarice and envy. More broadly, they symbolize the destructive output or endless expressions of the core "leech" quality—the unrelenting nature of demand and the futility of appeasing certain base appetites. The proverb subtly points towards the nature of idols (in a broad sense) and misplaced devotion; anything pursued as an ultimate end that is not the Lord will inherently prove to be an unquenchable source of desire, demanding endless "give! give!" without ever yielding true satisfaction. This aligns with a biblical worldview that posits genuine peace and fulfillment are found not in the acquisition of external things but in a right relationship with God, who alone provides true sustenance and contentment.

Proverbs 30 15 Commentary

Proverbs 30:15 begins a series of powerful observations about insatiable entities, anchoring it with the visceral image of a leech. The "leech and its two daughters 'Give! Give!'" serve as a potent metaphor for unending greed and consuming appetites. Just as a leech tirelessly extracts blood, so too do certain human desires relentlessly demand fulfillment, yet remain unappeased. This perpetual craving—whether for wealth, power, recognition, or indulgence—never reaches a point of "enough," leading to a continuous state of striving and dissatisfaction. The verse implies a spiritual truth: pursuing earthly desires as the ultimate source of contentment is a futile endeavor, resulting in an empty hunger that can never be truly sated. The numerical proverb structure then expands this concept to other natural phenomena in the subsequent verse, solidifying the idea that some things, including certain human appetites, possess an inherent, unending emptiness unless filled by something truly ultimate and fulfilling.

Practical examples of such relentless cravings include the drive for excessive material gain, leading to debt and spiritual impoverishment; the unquenchable thirst for power, which often isolates and corrupts; or an insatiable hunger for entertainment and distractions that never truly satisfy the soul's deeper longings.