Proverbs 30:26
The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
Original Language Analysis
שְׁ֭פַנִּים
The conies
H8227
שְׁ֭פַנִּים
The conies
Strong's:
H8227
Word #:
1 of 7
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
עַ֣ם
folk
H5971
עַ֣ם
folk
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָצ֑וּם
are but a feeble
H6099
עָצ֑וּם
are but a feeble
Strong's:
H6099
Word #:
4 of 7
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
וַיָּשִׂ֖ימוּ
yet make
H7760
וַיָּשִׂ֖ימוּ
yet make
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
5 of 7
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Historical Context
Rock badgers (hyraxes) inhabit Israel's rocky terrain, particularly around the Dead Sea and wilderness areas. Despite vulnerability to predators (eagles, foxes), they survive by inhabiting inaccessible cliffs. Agur's observations (Proverbs 30) draw on Palestinian natural history to teach spiritual wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- What vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your life require you to seek secure refuge in God?
- How can you emulate the coney's wisdom by making your dwelling in the Rock of Christ?
- Where has God's strength been perfected in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The conies are but a feeble folk (שְׁפַנִּים עַם לֹא־עָצוּם, shefannim am lo-atzum)—שָׁפָן (shafan, 'rock badger, hyrax') are described as עַם (am, 'people, folk') who are לֹא עָצוּם (lo atzum, 'not mighty, not strong'). These small creatures, similar to large rodents, weigh only 4-5 kg yet thrive in harsh terrain.
Yet make they their houses in the rocks (וַיָּשִׂימוּ בַסֶּלַע בֵּיתָם, vayyasimu vasela betam)—they שִׂים (sim, 'set, establish, make') their בַּיִת (bayit, 'house, dwelling') in סֶלַע (sela, 'rock, cliff'). Wisdom compensates for weakness. This section (30:24-28) presents four small creatures who exemplify wisdom: compensating for limitations through clever strategy. The coney's wisdom: seeking secure refuge. Spiritually, believers find refuge in the Rock: 'The name of the LORD is a strong tower' (Proverbs 18:10); 'The LORD is my rock' (Psalm 18:2).