Proverbs 30:1
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
Original Language Analysis
דִּבְרֵ֤י׀
The words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֤י׀
The words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 10
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בִּן
the son
H1121
בִּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַמַּ֫שָּׂ֥א
even the prophecy
H4853
הַמַּ֫שָּׂ֥א
even the prophecy
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
5 of 10
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
הַ֭גֶּבֶר
the man
H1397
הַ֭גֶּבֶר
the man
Strong's:
H1397
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
לְאִ֖יתִיאֵ֣ל
even unto Ithiel
H384
לְאִ֖יתִיאֵ֣ל
even unto Ithiel
Strong's:
H384
Word #:
8 of 10
ithiel, the name of an israelite, also of a symbolical person
Historical Context
Agur's non-Israelite name may indicate a non-Jewish wise man whose God-inspired wisdom was preserved in Israel's Scripture, demonstrating God's truth extends beyond ethnic boundaries while being preserved in Israel's canon.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the inclusion of obscure authors like Agur demonstrate Scripture's divine inspiration and human diversity?
- What does Agur's humility teach about approaching God's truth?
- How should you value every part of Scripture, even from unfamiliar voices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The words of Agur son of Jakeh—'the prophecy' (Hebrew 'massa'—oracle/burden). Agur's identity is debated, but his words carry divine authority as Scripture. His oracle to Ithiel and Ucal begins with profound humility (verses 2-3). This demonstrates that God's Word comes through various human authors under divine inspiration. Reformed theology affirms both divine authorship and human instrumentality in Scripture. Even obscure authors like Agur contribute to the canon under God's providence.