Proverbs 30:31 kjv

A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

Proverbs 30:31 nkjv

A greyhound, A male goat also, And a king whose troops are with him.

Proverbs 30:31 niv

a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king secure against revolt.

Proverbs 30:31 esv

the strutting rooster, the he-goat, and a king whose army is with him.

Proverbs 30:31 nlt

the strutting rooster,
the male goat,
a king as he leads his army.

Proverbs 30 verses

Proverbs 30 31 Meaning

Proverbs 30:31 describes four creatures that walk with striking dignity or strength. This specific verse refers to "the stately stride of a horse, a he-goat, and a king whose authority is unchallengeable." The passage attributes the king's dignified, majestic bearing not to external show or a visible army, but to his inherent, unassailable authority against which no one can rise. This walk signifies internal stability, divine appointment, and unthreatened sovereignty, making him the pinnacle example among the four for exhibiting power and dignity without outward aggression.

Proverbs 30 31 Context

Proverbs chapter 30 is attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, a collection distinct from Solomon's proverbs. This chapter includes several numerical sayings (e.g., "three things, yes, four"), a common wisdom literature device that adds emphasis and highlights a climax. Verses 29-31 list "four things that are stately in their stride," culminating in "the king against whom there is no rising up." This section, coming after observations of nature demonstrating simple, profound wisdom (ants, badgers, locusts, lizard), applies a similar principle to majestic or powerful entities, with the king being the ultimate embodiment of dignity that arises from his secure authority. The cultural context would deeply respect established, legitimate kingship as divinely ordained and symbolizing order and justice.

Proverbs 30 31 Word analysis

• There are four things: A common literary device in wisdom literature to draw attention and build up to a climactic point. It suggests completeness and observed truths.
• that are stately in their march: The Hebrew phrase used indicates a graceful, dignified, and purposeful walk or bearing, characterized by confidence and an absence of haste. It signifies inherent nobility and authority.
• a lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any: Included here to link its powerful, confident presence with the subsequent examples. Its majesty is inherent.
• a he-goat, majestic in its stride: Hebrew: תַּיִשׁ (tayish), a male goat. Known for its strong, leading gait as it leads the flock, signifying leadership and proud bearing.
• and a king against whom there is no rising up: This is the culmination.
  • a king: Hebrew: מֶלֶךְ (melekh). A ruler, sovereign.
  • against whom there is no rising up: The Hebrew word is אַלְקוּם ('alqūm). This rare word's exact etymology is debated among scholars, but the consensus view from various linguistic and textual analyses connects it to the idea of "no standing against him" or "no rising up." It speaks to an absolute, unchallengeable authority and secure dominion. This king's dignified walk comes from his inherent, unthreatened sovereignty, not from an ostentatious display of power or a visible host of soldiers. It contrasts with a king who might need an army to assert his position. This implies a king whose rule is so firmly established, perhaps divinely ordained, that opposition is unthinkable or futile. His majestic presence stems from inner security and indisputable legitimacy.

Proverbs 30 31 Bonus section

The specific Hebrew word אַלְקוּם ('alqūm) for "against whom there is no rising up" is unique in the Old Testament, making its interpretation crucial. While the KJV rendered it as "king that leadeth his army," the more accurate and scholarly accepted translation today, supported by ancient versions and linguistic analysis, points to the meaning "against whom there is no rising" or "irresistible." This distinction is significant: it moves the focus from a king who needs an army to a king whose authority is so deeply secure that opposition is rendered impossible or unnecessary. This echoes divine authority, where God’s kingdom is forever and unchallenged. This also aligns with the preceding examples (lion, horse, he-goat) which embody innate, self-contained power and presence rather than requiring external support to establish their dignity.

Proverbs 30 31 Commentary

Proverbs 30:31 concludes a series of observations about creatures demonstrating inherent dignity and wisdom through their natural characteristics. The horse, symbolizing strength and confidence, and the he-goat, leading its flock with proud steps, set the stage for the ultimate example: a king. Unlike the others whose majesty comes from physical prowess or leading a group, the king's unchallengeable walk is born from his unquestionable authority. This isn't a king needing an army to show his power; it's a king whose very being exudes such sovereignty that no one dares oppose him. His "stately march" is an outward expression of his secure, God-given or divinely permitted, reign. It speaks to a quality of leadership that is not loud or arrogant but quietly confident and deeply established, inspiring respect and deterring rebellion simply by its presence. This passage implicitly points to true kingship residing in ultimate, undisputed authority and inherent dignity rather than external displays of might.