Proverbs 30:30 kjv
A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
Proverbs 30:30 nkjv
A lion, which is mighty among beasts And does not turn away from any;
Proverbs 30:30 niv
a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;
Proverbs 30:30 esv
the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any;
Proverbs 30:30 nlt
the lion, king of animals, who won't turn aside for anything,
Proverbs 30 30 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 49:9 | "Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down, he couched as a lion..." | Foreshadows Christ, the Lion of Judah; symbolizes Judah's tribal strength. |
| Num 23:24 | "Behold, a people that riseth up as a lioness, and as a young lion doth he lift himself up..." | Compares Israel's rising power to a lion's might. |
| Num 24:9 | "He couches, he lies down as a lion; and as a lioness, who shall rouse him up?" | Describes Israel's unchallengeable might and peace. |
| Job 38:39-41 | "Can you hunt the prey for the lion, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions..." | God's sovereign care over His creation, including the powerful lion. |
| Ps 7:2 | "...lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, dragging me away, with no one to rescue." | Metaphor for the destructive power of enemies. |
| Ps 10:9 | "He lurks in ambush like a lion in his lair; he lurks that he may seize the poor..." | Portrays the predatory nature of the wicked against the vulnerable. |
| Ps 22:13 | "They gape at me with their mouths like a ravening and roaring lion." | Describes the ferocity and taunts of adversaries. |
| Ps 57:4 | "My soul is among lions; I lie among those who are aflame—the children of man, whose teeth are spears..." | Illustrates being surrounded by dangerous and hostile people. |
| Ps 104:21 | "The young lions roar after their prey and seek their food from God." | Highlights God's provision even for wild, powerful creatures. |
| Prov 28:1 | "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." | Contrast: Righteous have courage like a lion; the wicked are timid. |
| Isa 31:4 | "For thus the LORD said to me: 'As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey...so the LORD of hosts will come down to fight...'" | God's fierce protection and unwavering commitment to His people. |
| Hos 5:14 | "For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah..." | God's judgment manifested as fierce and inescapable. |
| Hos 13:7 | "So I will be to them like a lion; like a leopard I will lurk by the way." | God's pursuit of judgment against unfaithful Israel. |
| Amos 3:8 | "The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?" | God's divine roar signifies coming judgment and demands a prophetic response. |
| Mic 5:8 | "Then the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion..." | Describes Israel's powerful and decisive impact on surrounding nations in the end times. |
| Zech 11:3 | "There is a sound of the shepherd's wailing, for their glory is ruined. There is a sound of young lions roaring..." | Lament over the ruin and suffering, possibly a symbol of oppressive leaders. |
| 2 Tim 4:17 | "...that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth." | Paul's deliverance from severe danger, symbolizing powerful adversaries. |
| Heb 11:33 | "who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions..." | Examples of faith triumphing over formidable threats, like Daniel in the den. |
| 1 Pet 5:8 | "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." | Warns believers of Satan's fierce, destructive intent. |
| Rev 5:5 | "And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered...'" | Refers to Jesus Christ, embodying the ultimate strength, triumph, and royalty. |
Proverbs 30 verses
Proverbs 30 30 Meaning
Proverbs 30:30 extols the characteristics of a lion, highlighting its unparalleled strength and unwavering courage. It presents the lion as a creature that, due to its inherent might, neither retreats nor shows fear in the presence of any other being. This verse, part of Agur's collection of sayings, illustrates an awe-inspiring example of power and majestic self-possession in God's creation.
Proverbs 30 30 Context
Proverbs 30 is attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, an enigmatic figure whose sayings constitute a distinct section within the book of Proverbs (30:1-33). This chapter shifts from the earlier Solomonic proverbs, introducing new authors and a unique structure. Verses 29-31 list "four things which are stately in their march," observing distinct characteristics of specific animals and a king. The lion is the first and primary example of these four, establishing a theme of inherent power, majesty, and unyielding progress. The surrounding verses provide additional observations of the created world, demonstrating Agur's keen eye for natural order and God's design. Historically, lions were indigenous to ancient Israel and surrounding regions, often symbolizing strength, courage, royalty, and danger, deeply ingrained in the culture and iconography of the Near East.
Proverbs 30 30 Word analysis
- The lion (לָיִשׁ layish): Refers to a mature, adult lion, often emphasizing its strength and ferocity. The term differentiates from 'ari (young lion or generic lion) or kephir (young male lion, often roaring for prey). Layish specifically denotes the robust, potent king of the beasts, particularly its prime, undeterred form. Its significance lies in its universally recognized status as a symbol of power and majesty.
- which is strongest (גִּבּוֹר gibbor): This Hebrew word means "mighty," "strong," "hero," or "warrior." It describes supreme physical power and dominance. When applied to the lion, it underscores its unparalleled physical capability among land animals. The lion embodies peak strength in its natural domain, illustrating a profound truth about God's design.
- among beasts (בַבְּהֵמָה babbəhēmāh): Refers to "the cattle," or generally, "domesticated animals," but also includes "wild beasts" in broader biblical usage. Here, it signifies the animal kingdom in general. The lion's might is explicitly contextualized as superior within this domain, highlighting its unchallenged sovereignty in the wilderness.
- and turneth not away (וְלֹא יָשׁוּב wĕlō yāshuv): Literally "and not he turns." The verb shuv (שׁוּב) means to "turn," "return," or "go back." In this context, it vividly conveys the lion's unwavering courage and lack of retreat. It implies that the lion faces challenges head-on, never ceding ground, turning its back, or showing fear. This highlights its intrinsic boldness.
- for any (מִפְּנֵי־כָל mippĕnē-kol): "From the face of all" or "before anyone/anything." The preposition min ("from/out of") combined with panim ("face/presence") indicates "from the presence of." Kol (כֹּל) means "all," "every," or "any." This phrase asserts the absolute nature of the lion's fearlessness – no obstacle, no adversary, nothing can cause it to waver or retreat. Its resolve is absolute.
Words-group analysis:
- "The lion, which is strongest among beasts": This phrase immediately establishes the lion's preeminence within the animal kingdom. It is not just strong, but the strongest, signifying a hierarchy of power instilled by the Creator. It paints a picture of inherent, unparalleled physical prowess.
- "and turneth not away for any": This clause describes the lion's defining characteristic beyond mere physical strength: its indomitable will and courage. It possesses an internal fortitude that makes it impervious to intimidation or retreat, symbolizing unwavering determination and fearless resolve.
Proverbs 30 30 Bonus section
The "four things" listed by Agur in Proverbs 30:29-31—the lion, the greyhound (or strutting rooster, depending on interpretation), the goat, and a king—all share the common characteristic of "stately in their stride." This commonality emphasizes their dignified and commanding presence, embodying inherent authority and self-assuredness in their movement. The lion, as the first on the list, serves as the prime example of this quality, establishing the thematic focus on unwavering strength and self-possession that defies opposition. The inclusion of these natural observations serves to teach broader principles of wisdom and understanding through the marvels of God's creation. Agur, in this respect, mirrors a "natural theologian" who perceives divine attributes in the order and majesty of the world.
Proverbs 30 30 Commentary
Proverbs 30:30 encapsulates the awe-inspiring power and unyielding courage exemplified by the lion. Agur highlights this majestic creature as the epitome of strength and an emblem of fearlessness, not merely in its physical capability but in its very bearing and determination. The phrase "turneth not away for any" speaks volumes about its sovereign confidence; it implies an inherent kingliness that perceives no threat great enough to warrant retreat.
This wisdom saying invites contemplation on the nature of steadfastness. Just as the lion stands firm in its dominion, believers are called to cultivate an unshakeable resolve in their faith, reflecting the steadfastness of God Himself. It encourages us to confront challenges with a bold spirit, trusting in divine strength rather than succumbing to fear. The lion’s resolute posture also reminds us of the character of Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev 5:5), who, in His perfect strength and unwavering commitment, "turned not away" from His mission, even to the point of Calvary, fulfilling His purpose completely.
Practical examples might include a believer facing intense persecution yet not denying their faith, or someone enduring severe hardship without losing hope in God's providence, displaying a lion-like spiritual tenacity.