Proverbs 30:11
Proverbs 30:11 in Multiple Translations
There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.
There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
There is a generation that curse their father, And bless not their mother.
There is a generation who put a curse on their father, and do not give a blessing to their mother.
There are some who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.
There is a generation that curseth their father, and doeth not blesse their mother.
A generation [is], that lightly esteemeth their father, And their mother doth not bless.
There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn’t bless their mother.
There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
I will list four kinds of evil things that people do: Some people curse their fathers and do not ask God to bless their mothers.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 30:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דּ֭וֹר
אָבִ֣י/ו
יְקַלֵּ֑ל
וְ/אֶת
אִ֝מּ֗/וֹ
לֹ֣א
יְבָרֵֽךְ
דּ֭וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
N-ms
אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
יְקַלֵּ֑ל
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אִ֝מּ֗/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְבָרֵֽךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:11
דּ֭וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
יְקַלֵּ֑ל
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אִ֝מּ֗/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְבָרֵֽךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 30:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 30:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:11
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 30:11
Context — The Words of Agur
9Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.
10Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will bear the guilt.
11There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.
12There is a generation of those who are pure in their own eyes and yet unwashed of their filth. 13There is a generation—how haughty are their eyes and pretentious are their glances—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:20 | Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. |
| 2 | Proverbs 30:17 | As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it. |
| 3 | Exodus 21:17 | Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death. |
| 4 | Proverbs 30:12–14 | There is a generation of those who are pure in their own eyes and yet unwashed of their filth. There is a generation—how haughty are their eyes and pretentious are their glances— there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 27:16 | ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 6 | Leviticus 20:9 | If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 21:20–21 | and say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid. |
| 8 | 1 Timothy 5:8 | If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. |
| 9 | 1 Timothy 5:4 | But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. |
| 10 | Matthew 15:4–6 | For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. |
Proverbs 30:11 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 30:11, is talking about people who do not respect or obey their parents, which is against God's command to honor our parents, as seen in Exodus 20:12. When we disobey or disrespect our parents, it can have serious consequences, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 27:16. We should strive to show love, respect, and obedience to our parents, just as God teaches us in Ephesians 6:1-3, and this will bring blessings and happiness to our lives. By honoring our parents, we are also showing respect to God and His commandments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to curse one's father and not bless one's mother?
To curse one's father and not bless one's mother, as mentioned in Proverbs 30:11, means to disrespect, disobey, and show contempt towards one's parents, which is a serious offense against God's command to honor one's parents, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3.
Why is this generation described in such a negative light?
This generation is described in a negative light because their actions and attitudes are in direct opposition to God's commandments and principles, such as the fifth commandment to honor one's parents, and the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 15:4 to honor one's father and mother.
How does this verse relate to modern society?
Unfortunately, the phenomenon described in Proverbs 30:11 is still prevalent in modern society, where many people show disrespect and disobedience towards their parents, and this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring one's parents, as taught in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20.
What is the consequence of cursing one's father and not blessing one's mother?
The consequence of cursing one's father and not blessing one's mother can be severe, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:16, where it is written that anyone who curses their father or mother will be under God's curse, and in Proverbs 20:20, where it is written that anyone who curses their father or mother will have their lamp extinguished in darkness.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I show respect and honor to my parents, even if we disagree or have a difficult relationship?
- How can I ensure that I am not contributing to a culture of disrespect towards parents and authority figures?
- What are some ways that I can bless and show appreciation to my parents, even if they are no longer with me?
- How can I teach my children the importance of honoring their parents, and what example can I set for them in this area?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:11
[There is] a generation [that] curseth their father,.... A sort of men that neither fear God nor regard men; and are so inhuman as to be without natural affections to their parents; have no reverence
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:11
There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
A generation; a sort of men, abominable both to God and men; which is implied concerning these and the following kinds of sinners, . Their father, and mother too, as it follows; ungrateful and unnatural monsters.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
Proverbs 30:11 [There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.Ver. 11. There is a generation that curseth their father.] An evil and an adulterous generation, doubtless; a bastardly brood, as were those in the gospel; "a generation of vipers," that make their way into the world by their dams’ death. These monsters of men are doomed to destruction. Hell gapes for them, as also it doth for such as revile or denigrate their masters, magistrates, ministers, benefactors, ancients. There is a certain plant which our herbalists call Herbam impiam, or wicked cudweed, whose younger branches still yield flowers to overtop the older. Such weeds grow too rife abroad; it is an ill soil that produceth them. But of this before. γενεαμοιχαλις. γενεααχιδνων. The common name for the genus Gnaphalium of composite plants, having chaffy scales surrounding the flower heads; originally proper to G. sylvaticum; extended to other plants, of allied genera, or similar appearance.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
(11) There is a generation . . .—The words “there is” are not in the Hebrew, so it is left in doubt what is the predicate of these four evil “generations,” whether Agur means by them to describe the men of his own time, or to say that such are unbearable. (Comp. Proverbs 30:21.) The same characters are to be found in the description of men of the “last days” (2 Timothy 3:1 sqq).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
Verse 11. There is a generation] There are such persons in the world. In this and the three following verses the wise man points out four grand evils that prevailed in his time. The first, Those who not only did not honour, but who evil-treated, their parents.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:11
11–14. Four generations, or classes of men that are detestable.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:11
As the teacher had uttered what he most desired, so now he tells what he most abhorred; and in true-harmony with the teaching of the Ten Commandments places in the foremost rank those who rise against the Fifth.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:11
11-14. The four classes here mentioned Agur assumes will at once be disapproved. To describe them is enough. They need no formal condemnation. Generation — Race, class. Doth not bless — Does not respect or speak well of.
Sermons on Proverbs 30:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Keys for a Successful Family Life - Part 1 by Don Courville | This sermon emphasizes the power of blessings over curses, highlighting the importance of praying blessings over others, breaking curses with blessings, and seeking God's blessings |
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Teaching Your Children - Seven Sins to Avoid by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for families to prioritize waiting on the Lord amidst a distracting world. He shares a vision of families at home, waiting on God, and s |
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Defiling the Temple of God by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical issue of defiling the temple of God, which he clarifies is not about physical buildings but about the hearts of believers. He reflects on Pro |
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(Proverbs) ch.19:5 - 20:6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the consequences of lying and the importance of following God's laws. He emphasizes that no one can escape the punishment for their sins, as |
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The Ostrich by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delivers a sermon on the unique characteristics of the ostrich, highlighting its large size, inability to fly despite having large wings, and its swift running abil |
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On Obedience to Parents by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes the biblical command for children to obey their parents, highlighting that this principle is universally recognized and rooted in both natural law and divine |
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The Raven by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook reflects on the significance of the raven in the Bible, from Noah sending out the raven after the flood to the provision of food for the prophet Elijah. The raven, |