Proverbs 30:21

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Proverbs 30:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

For three things the earth doth tremble, And for four, which it cannot bear:

Bible in Basic English BBE

For three things the earth is moved, and there are four which it will not put up with:

Free Bible Version FBV

Three things make the earth tremble, there are four things it can't support:

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For three things the earth is moued: yea, for foure it cannot susteine it selfe:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For three things hath earth been troubled, And for four — it is not able to bear:

World English Bible WEB

“For three things the earth trembles, and under four, it can’t bear up:

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

By three things the earth is disturbed, and the fourth it cannot bear:

Translation for Translators T4T

There are four things that no one in the world can tolerate:

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:21

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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 30:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB תַּ֣חַת שָׁ֭לוֹשׁ רָ֣גְזָה אֶ֑רֶץ וְ/תַ֥חַת אַ֝רְבַּ֗ע לֹא תוּכַ֥ל שְׂאֵֽת

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

שָׁ֭לוֹשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

רָ֣גְזָה râgaz H7264 to tremble V-Qal-Perf-3fs

אֶ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

וְ/תַ֥חַת tachath H8478 underneath Conj | Prep

אַ֝רְבַּ֗ע ʼarbaʻ H702 four Adj

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

תוּכַ֥ל yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

שְׂאֵֽת nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Inf-a

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:21

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

שָׁ֭לוֹשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

רָ֣גְזָה râgaz H7264 "to tremble" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

In the Bible, this word means to shake or tremble with strong emotions like fear, anger, or excitement. It can also mean to provoke or disturb someone, causing them to become agitated. The KJV Bible translates it in various ways, including 'tremble', 'quake', and 'rage'.

Definition: 1) tremble, quake, rage, quiver, be agitated, be excited, be perturbed 1a)(Qal) to quake, be disquieted, be excited, be perturbed 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to quake, disquiet, enrage, disturb 1c) (Hithpael) to excite oneself

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth. See also: Genesis 45:24; Isaiah 5:25; Psalms 4:5.

אֶ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

וְ/תַ֥חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Conj | Prep

אַ֝רְבַּ֗ע ʼarbaʻ H702 "four" Adj

The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.

Definition: four

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.

לֹא 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.

תוּכַ֥ל yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.

שְׂאֵֽת nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

Study Notes — Proverbs 30:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Proverbs 30:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:21
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:21
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:21
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:21
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:21

Context — The Words of Agur

19the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea, and the way of a man with a maiden. 20This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’

21Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:

22a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food, 23an unloved woman who marries, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress.

Proverbs 30:21 Summary

This verse from Proverbs 30:21 is telling us that there are certain situations or events that can cause big problems or upheavals in our lives and in the world. It's like when something big happens, and it shakes everything up, similar to how the earth can shake during an earthquake, as mentioned in Psalm 46:2-3. The following verses give examples of what these situations might look like, such as a servant becoming a king, which can be a difficult transition, as seen in the story of Saul in 1 Samuel 10:24. By understanding and preparing for these kinds of situations, we can make wiser choices and build more stable lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 24:3-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the earth to tremble in Proverbs 30:21?

The phrase 'the earth trembles' is a metaphor for the significant impact or upheaval caused by certain events or situations, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 46:2-3, where the earth is shaken by God's power.

Why does the verse mention 'three things' and 'four things'?

The numbers three and four in this verse serve to introduce a list of specific examples that illustrate the point being made, much like the use of numbers in Proverbs 6:16-19 to list things the Lord hates.

Is this verse talking about literal earthquakes or something else?

While the language of 'trembles' and 'cannot bear up' might suggest natural disasters, the context of Proverbs 30:21-23 indicates that the verse is using figurative language to describe societal or relational upheavals, similar to how Isaiah 24:19-20 uses earth trembling as a metaphor for judgment.

How does this relate to our everyday lives?

Understanding this verse helps us recognize and prepare for the significant impacts that certain events or behaviors can have on our personal lives and communities, as warned in Proverbs 24:3-4 about the importance of wisdom in building a stable life.

Reflection Questions

What are some 'three things' or 'four things' in my life that could potentially cause significant upheaval if not managed wisely?
How can I apply the wisdom from this verse to my relationships or career to avoid unnecessary turmoil?
In what ways can I use the teachings of Proverbs to better navigate life's challenges and make decisions that lead to stability and peace?
What role does humility and recognizing one's limitations play in preventing the kind of upheaval described in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:21

For three [things] the earth is disquieted,.... The inhabitants of it are made very uneasy; and for four [which] it cannot bear; they are a load and burden upon it, and are intolerable to those that

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:21

For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: For three (things) the earth is disquieted ... for a servant when he reigned (Proverbs 19:10); (and) a fool, when he is

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:21

The earth is disquieted; either, 1. The earth itself trembleth and is moved; so it is an hyperbole. Or rather, 2. The inhabitants of the earth. They do by their insolence and impudence cause great and dreadful disturbances in the places where they live. Which it cannot bear; which are intolerable in human societies.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:21

Proverbs 30:21 For three [things] the earth is disquieted, and for four [which] it cannot bear:Ver. 21. For three things the earth is disquieted.] Such trouble towns are odious creatures; the places where they live, long for a vomit to spew them out. As they live wickedly, so they die wishedly; there is a good world’ s riddance of them, as there was of Nabal, and of those in Job 27:23; Job 27:15, who were buried before half dead, being hissed and kicked off the stage of the world, as Phocas was by Heraclius. And for four which it cannot bear.] The very axle of the world is even ready to crack under them, the earth to open and swallow them up.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:21

Verse 21. For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear] This is another enigma. Four things insupportable to men. 1. A slave, when he becomes ruler. 2. An overfed fool. 3. An ill-tempered woman, when mistress of a family. And, 4. A servant maid, when the rule of the house is committed to her. 1. A slave, when he comes to bear rule, is an unprincipled tyrant. It has been often observed both in America and in the West Indies, when it was judged necessary to arm some of the most confidential slaves, that no regiments were used so cruelly in the drill, c., as those black regiments that had black officers. 2. The overfed fool. The intellectually weak man, who has every thing at his command, has generally manners which none can bear and, if a favourite with his master, he is insupportable to all others. 3. An ill-tempered woman, when she gets embarrassed with domestic cares, is beyond bearing. 4. A servant maid, when, either through the death of the mistress, or the sin of the husband, she is in fact exalted to be head over the family, is so insolent and impudent, as to be hateful to every one, and execrated by all.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:21

21–23. Four things that are intolerable.Two of them are drawn from each sex, and in each case they are unbearable because they are out of place, in a false position.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:21

For four which it cannot bear - Better: four it cannot bear. Here the common element is that of being intolerable, and the four examples are divided equally between the two sexes.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:21

21-23. Three… four — Hence follows another enigma, the four intolerable things. The earth is disquieted — The land is disturbed, thrown into commotion. A servant when he reigneth — When he becomes a ruler.