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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 30:21–28

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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8 selected · 2 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

19 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 22

  1. Proverbs 19:10Rank 1 from verse 22
    Open

    10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

  2. Ecclesiastes 10:7Rank 2 from verse 22
    Open

    7I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.

  3. 1 Samuel 25:10–11Rank 3 from verse 22
    Open

    10¶ And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

    11Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

  4. 1 Samuel 25:25Rank 4 from verse 22
    Open

    25Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

  5. 1 Samuel 25:3Rank 5 from verse 22
    Open

    3Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.

From verse 23

  1. Proverbs 21:19Rank 1 from verse 23
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    19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

  2. Proverbs 27:15Rank 2 from verse 23
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    15A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

  3. Proverbs 21:9Rank 3 from verse 23
    Open

    9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

  4. Proverbs 29:21Rank 4 from verse 23
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    21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

  5. Proverbs 19:13Rank 5 from verse 23
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    13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

From verse 24

  1. Job 12:7Rank 1 from verse 24
    Open

    7But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:

From verse 25

  1. Proverbs 6:6–8Rank 1 from verse 25
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    6¶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

    7Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

    8Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

From verse 26

  1. Psalms 104:18Rank 1 from verse 26
    Open

    18The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.

  2. Leviticus 11:5Rank 2 from verse 26
    Open

    5And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

From verse 27

  1. Exodus 10:4–6Rank 1 from verse 27
    Open

    4Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:

    5And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:

    6And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.

  2. Joel 1:6–7Rank 2 from verse 27
    Open

    6For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.

    7He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.

  3. Joel 2:25Rank 3 from verse 27
    Open

    25And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

  4. Joel 2:7–11Rank 4 from verse 27
    Open

    7They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:

    8Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.

    9They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.

    10The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

    11And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

  5. Psalms 105:34Rank 5 from verse 27
    Open

    34He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 30:21

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

earth

↗

Sense 1: The world in distinction from heaven. Sense 2: Dry land, ground, soil, or dust. Sense 3: A land, region, or its inhabitants.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

bear

↗

Sense 1: To carry, support, convey, endure, sustain, or be answerable for. Sense 2: To produce or bring forth offspring, fruit, or another result. Sense 3: In ‘bear witness’ or ‘bear record,’ to testify or give witness. Sense 4: A large wild animal.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 30:22

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

servant

↗

One who serves another; a worker, attendant, subject, bondservant, or appointed minister.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fool

↗

Sense 1: A person lacking wisdom or moral understanding. Sense 2: As a verb, to act foolishly or deceive.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

filled

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of fill. Sense 1: To make full or occupy capacity. Sense 2: To satisfy. Sense 3: To occupy. Sense 4: To complete what is lacking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

meat

↗

Sense 1: Food, nourishment, sustenance, or provision. Sense 2: Figuratively, that which nourishes or sustains.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 30:23

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

odious

↗

Hateful, detestable, offensive, loathed, or made an object of strong dislike and hostility.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604

COMBINED MEANING

married

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of marry, meaning to take or join in marriage; to enter the marriage relation.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

handmaid

↗

Sense 1: A female servant or maid. Sense 2: A humble or respectful way for a woman to refer to herself before a superior or before the Lord.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heir

↗

One entitled or appointed to receive an inheritance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

mistress

↗

Sense 1: A female master or woman having authority over a household, servants, or dependants. Sense 2: A woman preeminent in the thing named.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 30:24

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

upon

↗

1. Marks the person, place, thing, or basis to which something is related: on or onto; above or over; toward or against as the target of action, speech, thought, attention, or force; resting on, assigned to, or affecting as a state, gift, burden, duty, guilt, or judgment; supported by or based on; or one placed, added, or repeated on or after another. 2. With a stated time or occasion, or a preceding event, at that time or point, or at or after that event: on, at, when, then, or following it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

earth

↗

Sense 1: The world in distinction from heaven. Sense 2: Dry land, ground, soil, or dust. Sense 3: A land, region, or its inhabitants.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

exceeding

↗

Very great, abundant, intense, extensive, or beyond ordinary measure or degree; exceedingly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 30:25

COMBINED MEANING

people

↗

Persons collectively; a nation, community, or group considered as a body.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

strong

↗

Having great power, might, firmness, courage, capacity, influence, defence, health, intensity, or ability to act, endure, resist, overcome, or support.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

yet

↗

1. Up to or at the present or stated time; still. 2. At some future time. 3. Nevertheless; however. 4. In addition; further.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

meat

↗

Sense 1: Food, nourishment, sustenance, or provision. Sense 2: Figuratively, that which nourishes or sustains.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

summer

↗

Sense 1: The warm season of the year. Sense 2: Fruit ripening or gathered in that season, or a dwelling used in it. Sense 3: As a verb, to pass that season in a place.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 30:26

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

folk

↗

People in general, or any part of them without distinction.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

yet

↗

1. Up to or at the present or stated time; still. 2. At some future time. 3. Nevertheless; however. 4. In addition; further.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

make

↗

To form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

houses

↗

Buildings or dwelling places; by extension, the families, households, estates, possessions, royal lines, or bodies of people associated with them.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 30:27

COMBINED MEANING

king

↗

A sovereign ruler; one exercising royal authority over a kingdom.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

yet

↗

1. Up to or at the present or stated time; still. 2. At some future time. 3. Nevertheless; however. 4. In addition; further.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

forth

↗

1. Outward, away, or forward from a place, person, possession, or former position. 2. In constructions of bearing or producing, into birth, growth, fruit, or another stated result. 3. With verbs such as put, stretch, spread, or reach, outward by extension or exertion. 4. In constructions of showing, speaking, issuing, or displaying, into view, expression, publication, or effect. 5. Onward from a stated time or point, as in from that time forth.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

bands

↗

1. Groups or companies, especially of soldiers or raiders. 2. Bonds, cords, restraints, or ties that bind or join.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 30:28

COMBINED MEANING

spider

↗

A small creature that takes hold with its hands.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

taketh

↗

Third-person singular present form of take: receives, seizes, carries, accepts, chooses, or lays hold of.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hold

↗

Sense 1: To grasp, seize, cling to, carry, wield, support, or keep fast, literally or figuratively. Sense 2: To keep, retain, possess, maintain, continue in, or adhere to. Sense 3: To restrain, confine, or keep back; to contain or have capacity. Sense 4: To regard, account, or judge. Sense 5: To conduct or celebrate an observance. Sense 6: To endure, prevail, or take effect. Sense 7: In hold one's peace or hold one's tongue, to remain silent. Sense 8: As a noun, a grasp or attachment; a place of confinement, refuge, security, or fortification.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

hands

↗

Sense 1: The end parts of the arms used for holding and working. Sense 2: Figures of power, possession, agency, or aid.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

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READ BEFORE AND AFTER

Surrounding Verses

Nearby Scripture remains separate from the selected passage until you add it.

20Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

21For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

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22For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

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23For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

Selected passage

24There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

Selected passage

25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

Selected passage

26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

Selected passage

27The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

Selected passage

28The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.

Selected passage

29There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

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