Proverbs Chapter 30 · Verse 7
Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
Original Language Analysis
שָׁאַ֣לְתִּי
things have I required
H7592
שָׁאַ֣לְתִּי
things have I required
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
2 of 8
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
מֵאִתָּ֑ךְ
H853
מֵאִתָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּמְנַ֥ע
of thee deny
H4513
תִּמְנַ֥ע
of thee deny
Strong's:
H4513
Word #:
5 of 8
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי
H4480
מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Psalms 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.Luke 10:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.2 Kings 2:9And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.Psalms 21:2Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.
Historical Context
Agur's self-description as ignorant (30:2-3) precedes this prayer, showing that true wisdom begins with humble acknowledgment of need. Ancient Near Eastern literature often used numbered sequences ('three things...four') for rhetorical emphasis.
Questions for Reflection
- If you could ask God for only two things before you died, what would they be—and why?
- How does Agur's prayer priorities compare with what you actually pray about most often?
- What does it mean to pray with Agur's urgency for godly character over comfortable circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die—Agur's prayer introduces one of Scripture's most profound petitions about truth and contentment (vv. 7-9). The Hebrew shāʾal (שָׁאַל, required) means earnestly asked or requested. Deny me them not shows urgency—these requests matter supremely.
The 'two things' structure creates literary anticipation, building toward verses 8-9's revelation. This prayer models what to prioritize in communion with God—not primarily circumstances, but character (integrity and contentment). It echoes Jesus's teaching to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).