Proverbs 30:29 kjv

There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

Proverbs 30:29 nkjv

There are three things which are majestic in pace, Yes, four which are stately in walk:

Proverbs 30:29 niv

"There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:

Proverbs 30:29 esv

Three things are stately in their tread; four are stately in their stride:

Proverbs 30:29 nlt

There are three things that walk with stately stride ?
no, four that strut about:

Proverbs 30 verses

Proverbs 30 29 Meaning

This verse introduces a numerical proverb, a common literary device in wisdom literature, highlighting four specific entities—three of which are well-noted, and a fourth that completes or emphasizes the preceding observations. The phrase "stately in their stride" or "comely in going" describes a majestic, dignified, and confident manner of movement, whether an animal's walk or a human's bearing. It sets the stage for the specific examples that follow in Proverbs 30:30-31, illustrating remarkable presence and self-assuredness.

Proverbs 30 29 Context

Proverbs chapter 30 is presented as "the words of Agur son of Jakeh" (Pr 30:1), distinguishing it from the preceding Solomonic collections. This chapter contains a series of wisdom sayings, observations, and rhetorical questions, often structured with numerical patterns. Verse 29 specifically introduces a distinct section (Pr 30:29-31) that focuses on various entities known for their characteristic, admirable strides and dignified movements. This particular saying, by drawing attention to remarkable forms of locomotion, invites the reader to contemplate inherent dignity, strength, and presence observed in the natural world, ultimately drawing a parallel to the authoritative presence of a king. It serves as an example of drawing profound wisdom lessons from keen observation of everyday life and creation.

Proverbs 30 29 Word analysis

• Three: שְׁלֹשָׁה (shĕlōšâ). This numerical element initiates the "x, yea x+1" proverbial structure. This rhetorical device builds anticipation, highlights the completeness of the enumeration, and often assigns special emphasis or climactic significance to the final item in the list. It is a common feature in both biblical and ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, designed to aid memorability and direct focus.
• Things: (Implied in Hebrew). The Hebrew text directly describes the number with the action, assuming the 'things' are the subjects of the subsequent description in Pr 30:30-31.
• Which go well / stately in their stride / comely in going: This translates two distinct Hebrew phrases: מֵיטִיבֵי צָעַד (mêṭîḇê ṣā‘ad) and מֵיטִיבֵי לָכֶת (mêṭîḇê lāḵet).
  • מֵיטִיבֵי (mêṭîḇê): This is a Hiphil participle plural construct from the root יָטַב (yāṭaḇ), meaning "to be good," "to do well," or "to make beautiful/pleasing." In this context, it describes the quality of their movement as excellent, admirable, graceful, or stately. It suggests an innate virtue or a polished performance.
  • צָעַד (ṣā‘ad): This is a verb and noun that refers to a specific type of movement: "to march," "to stride," "to step boldly and powerfully." It implies a deliberate, majestic, and often unhurried progress, indicative of self-assurance and strength. It speaks of a commanding presence.
  • לָכֶת (lāḵet): This is an infinitive construct of the verb הָלַךְ (hālak), which means "to go" or "to walk" in a more general sense. While more encompassing than צָעַד, in combination with מֵיטִיבֵי, it still conveys admirable, graceful, and purposeful motion. The use of both "stride" and "walk/go" may emphasize that both deliberate, powerful steps and general dignified movement are qualities to be admired.
• Yea, four: וְאַרְבָּעָה (wĕ’arbā‘â). The conjunctive "yea" (or "and") links the "four" as the completing, and often climactic, item to the preceding "three." This marks the full complement of the list and underscores its significance, inviting focused attention on the final example.

Proverbs 30 29 Bonus section

The "three...yea, four" numerical proverb structure found here is a widespread literary convention in ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, showcasing a common method for articulating observations and insights across cultures. This pattern builds rhetorical intensity, drawing the listener's attention from a significant quantity (the first number) to an additional, often climactic or illustrative point (the second number). In this context, the climax in Proverbs 30:31, featuring the "king," implicitly suggests that the dignified, unshakeable bearing observed in formidable animals is an essential quality for human leadership that rules without effective opposition. The Hebrew distinction between a "stride" (צָעַד - a more decisive, purposeful step) and a general "walk" (לָכֶת - motion as a whole) within the same phrase further refines the type of admirable movement being commended, implying excellence in both focused action and overall conduct.

Proverbs 30 29 Commentary

Proverbs 30:29 serves as an astute observation of character manifested through physical bearing. Agur identifies a shared quality among certain creatures and a particular kind of leader: a majestic, self-assured, and dignified manner of movement. This is not about speed or raw power, but about the grace and confidence with which one carries oneself. The "stately stride" embodies an internal poise, purpose, and unshakeable presence that commands respect without needing to exert dominance through force. It encourages observation of these admirable traits in creation, culminating in the king, highlighting that true leadership embodies not just authority but also a commendable, stable, and secure presence. For believers, this evokes the call to "walk worthy" of their calling, living with integrity, purpose, and confidence that comes from God.