Proverbs 30:31
A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
Original Language Analysis
זַרְזִ֣יר
H2223
זַרְזִ֣יר
Strong's:
H2223
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, tightly girt, i.e., probably a racer, or some fleet animal (as being slender in the waist)
מָתְנַ֣יִם
A greyhound
H4975
מָתְנַ֣יִם
A greyhound
Strong's:
H4975
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
אוֹ
also
H176
אוֹ
also
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
3 of 7
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
Historical Context
Kings in the ancient Near East cultivated images of majesty and invincibility. Israel's ideal king combined might with justice (Psalm 72). The comparison of righteous leadership to dignified animals echoes prophetic imagery (Ezekiel 34, Jesus as the Good Shepherd). Agur's observations teach that true authority exhibits calm, confident strength.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you lead with calm confidence rather than anxious control or domineering force?
- What does 'walking worthy' of your royal identity as God's child look like practically?
- Who exemplifies for you leadership that combines strength with grace, authority with humility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A greyhound (זַרְזִיר מׇתְנַיִם, zarzir motnayim)—this phrase is difficult; זַרְזִיר (zarzir) appears only here. Translations vary: 'greyhound' (KJV), 'rooster' (ESV), 'strutting rooster' (NIV). מָתְנַיִם (motnayim, 'loins, hips') suggests girded loins, denoting readiness. Whatever the animal, the emphasis is dignified, purposeful movement.
An he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up (וְתָיִשׁ וּמֶלֶךְ אַלְקוּם עִמּוֹ, vetayish umelekh alqum immo)—תַּיִשׁ (tayish, 'he-goat, male goat') leads the flock confidently; מֶלֶךְ (melekh, 'king') אַלְקוּם עִמּוֹ (alqum immo, 'his army/people with him') presents a monarch with loyal subjects. The unifying theme: authority exercised with dignity. Believers are a 'royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9), called to exhibit godly dignity and confident authority as God's representatives.