Proverbs 30:25

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Proverbs 30:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

The ants are a people not strong, Yet they provide their food in the summer;

Bible in Basic English BBE

The ants are a people not strong, but they put by a store of food in the summer;

Free Bible Version FBV

Ants—they're not strong, but they work hard all summer storing up food.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The pismires a people not strong, yet prepare they their meate in sommer:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

The ants [are] a people not strong, And they prepare in summer their food,

World English Bible WEB

The ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The ants, a feeble people, which provide themselves food in the harvest:

Translation for Translators T4T

Ants are not strong, but they store up food during the summer in order to have it during the winter.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:25

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 30:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הַ֭/נְּמָלִים עַ֣ם לֹא עָ֑ז וַ/יָּכִ֖ינוּ בַ/קַּ֣יִץ לַחְמָֽ/ם

הַ֭/נְּמָלִים nᵉmâlâh H5244 ant Art | N-fp

עַ֣ם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

עָ֑ז ʻaz H5794 strong Adj

וַ/יָּכִ֖ינוּ kûwn H3559 to establish Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

בַ/קַּ֣יִץ qayits H7019 summer Prep | N-ms

לַחְמָֽ/ם lechem H3899 food N-cs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:25

הַ֭/נְּמָלִים nᵉmâlâh H5244 "ant" Art | N-fp

The Hebrew word for ant, likely due to its distinctive body shape. It is mentioned in Proverbs 6:6 and 30:25, where Solomon uses the ant as an example of diligence and hard work.

Definition: ant

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: ant. See also: Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 30:25.

עַ֣ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

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.

עָ֑ז ʻaz H5794 "strong" Adj

Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.

Definition: strong, mighty, fierce

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. See also: Genesis 49:3; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 18:18.

וַ/יָּכִ֖ינוּ kûwn H3559 "to establish" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.

Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.

בַ/קַּ֣יִץ qayits H7019 "summer" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for summer refers to the harvest season or the fruit of that season, and is also used to describe the dry summer months, as seen in its Aramaic equivalent.

Definition: 1) summer, summer-fruit 1a) summer 1b) summer-fruit Aramaic equivalent: qa.yit (קַ֫יִט "summer" H7007)

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: summer (fruit, house). See also: Genesis 8:22; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 32:4.

לַחְמָֽ/ם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

Study Notes — Proverbs 30:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Proverbs 30:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:25
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:25
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:25
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:25
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:25
Sermons on Proverbs 30:25

Context — The Words of Agur

23an unloved woman who marries, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress. 24Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:

25The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

26the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks; 27the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation;

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 6:6–8	Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 30:25 Summary

[The ants in Proverbs 30:25 are a great example of how even the smallest creatures can make a big impact when they work together and plan ahead. Just like the ants, we can use our own unique strengths and abilities to accomplish great things for God. By looking to the ants as an example, we can learn the importance of hard work, preparation, and planning for the future, as seen in Proverbs 21:5. As we strive to be more like the ants, we can also remember that our spiritual strength comes from God, as stated in Philippians 4:13.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the ants are creatures of little strength?

This refers to the physical limitations of ants, but despite their small size, they are able to accomplish great things, as seen in Proverbs 30:25, and this is a lesson to us to not underestimate our own abilities, as stated in Judges 7:2-7, where God used a small group of people to achieve a great victory.

Why do the ants store up food in the summer?

The ants store up food in the summer because they are preparing for the future, as seen in Proverbs 30:25, and this is a lesson to us to be wise and plan for the future, as stated in Proverbs 21:5, which says that the plans of the diligent lead to plenty.

What can we learn from the example of the ants?

We can learn the importance of hard work, preparation, and planning for the future, as seen in Proverbs 30:25, and this is reinforced in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which says that if a man will not work, he shall not eat.

How does this verse relate to our spiritual lives?

This verse reminds us to be spiritually prepared, as stated in 1 Peter 3:15, and to store up spiritual food, as seen in Matthew 4:4, which says that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can apply the principle of preparing for the future in my own life, just like the ants in Proverbs 30:25?
How can I use my own 'little strength' to accomplish great things for God, as seen in the example of the ants?
What are some spiritual 'stores' that I can build up to prepare for the challenges of life, and how can I prioritize them in my daily life?
In what ways can I be more like the ants, who work together to achieve a common goal, in my relationships with others in the body of Christ?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:25

The ants [are] a people not strong,.... Far from it; what is weaker than an ant? a multitude of them may be destroyed at once, with the crush of a foot.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:25

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: There be four (things) ... little upon the earth (i:e., among the smallest things upon earth), But ... exceeding

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:25

People; which title is oft given to the unreasonable creatures, both in Scripture, as 2:2, and in Homer, and Virgil, and divers other authors. They prepare their meat in the summer; of which See Poole "", See Poole "", See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:25

Proverbs 30:25 The ants [are] a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;Ver. 25. The ants are a people not strong.] A feeble folk, but notable for their forecast. See Proverbs 6:6-7. Let us be so, but specially in spirituals.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:25

25. the ants] See Proverbs 6:6-8 notes. a people] Comp. Joe 1:6, where the locusts are called a “nation.” So we have in Homer, ἔθνεαχηνῶν, μελισσάων, χοίρων, flocks of geese, swarms of bees, herds of pigs; and in Virgil, gentes equorum, droves of horses; lit. in each case “nations.”

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:25

See the marginal reference note. Note the word “people” applied here to ants, as to locusts in Joe 1:6. The marvel lies in their collective, and, as it were, organized action.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:25

24-28. Four things… little — Here is the enigma of the four small and contemptible things, that are yet esteemed for their wisdom and other qualities. The ants — See Proverbs 6:6; and notes there. The conies — Rabbits.

Sermons on Proverbs 30:25

	Sermon	Description
	Ants Go to Picnics by Walter Wilson	In this sermon by Walter Wilson, he draws parallels between the wisdom of King Solomon's observation of the ant and the lessons we can learn from these tiny creatures. Just as ants
	(Biblical Family) Biblical Manhood - Part 1 by Voddie Baucham	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of biblical manhood and what qualities a man must possess to reflect it. The first quality mentioned is a commitment to God-honoring
	(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It
	Our Response to the Current Economic Crisis? by Alan Cairns	This sermon addresses the response of Christians to the economic meltdown happening globally. It emphasizes the importance of not panicking but instead trusting in God's promises a
	Making It Over the Last Mountain by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of laziness and its consequences. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and not procrastinating. The preacher highlights th
	True Christians in the Workplace Part 2 by Sanjay Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of living out godly values, setting heavenly goals, and making wise decisions in a professional setting. It encourages individuals to seek God
	Walking in the Spirit by George Verwer	In this sermon, Francis Schaefer addresses the issue of university students being brainwashed by societal pressures. He encourages the audience to consider a year of practical evan