Proverbs 30:27
Proverbs 30:27 in Multiple Translations
the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation;
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
The locusts have no king, Yet go they forth all of them by bands;
The locusts have no king, but they all go out in bands;
Locusts—they don't have a king, but they all march in line abreast.
The grashopper hath no King, yet goe they forth all by bandes:
A king there is not to the locust, And it goeth out — each one shouting,
The locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks.
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
The locust hath no king, yet they all go out by their bands.
Locusts do not have a king, but they march like the soldiers in an army.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:27
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 30:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֶ֭לֶךְ
אֵ֣ין
לָ/אַרְבֶּ֑ה
וַ/יֵּצֵ֖א
חֹצֵ֣ץ
כֻּלּֽ/וֹ
מֶ֭לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
לָ/אַרְבֶּ֑ה
ʼarbeh
H697
locust
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יֵּצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חֹצֵ֣ץ
châtsats
H2686
to divide
V-Qal
כֻּלּֽ/וֹ
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:27
מֶ֭לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לָ/אַרְבֶּ֑ה
ʼarbeh
H697
"locust"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for locust, which rapidly multiplies, is also used figuratively to describe sudden disappearance or insignificance, as seen in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a kind of locust, locust swarm (coll) 2) (CLBL) 2a) sudden disappearance (fig.) 2b) insignificance (fig.) 2c) activity (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: grasshopper, locust. See also: Exodus 10:4; 2 Chronicles 6:28; Psalms 78:46.
וַ/יֵּצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
חֹצֵ֣ץ
châtsats
H2686
"to divide"
V-Qal
To shoot an arrow is the literal meaning of this word, which involves piercing or severing. In 1 Samuel 31:3, archers are mentioned as using this action. It requires skill and precision.
Definition: 1) to divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Piel) to divide 1c) (Pual) to be cut off, be finished
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: archer, [idiom] bands, cut off in the midst. See also: Judges 5:11; Job 21:21; Proverbs 30:27.
כֻּלּֽ/וֹ
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
Study Notes — Proverbs 30:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 30:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 30:27
Context — The Words of Agur
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;
28and the lizard can be caught in one’s hands, yet it is found in the palaces of kings. 29There are three things that are stately in their stride, and four that are impressive in their walk:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joel 2:25 | I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts— the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust — My great army that I sent against you. |
| 2 | Joel 1:6–7 | For a nation has invaded My land, powerful and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and its fangs are the fangs of a lioness. It has laid waste My grapevine and splintered My fig tree. It has stripped off the bark and thrown it away; the branches have turned white. |
| 3 | Joel 2:7–11 | They charge like mighty men; they scale the walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course. They do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks. They storm the city; they run along the wall; they climb into houses, entering through windows like thieves. Before them the earth quakes; the heavens tremble. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars lose their brightness. The LORD raises His voice in the presence of His army. Indeed, His camp is very large, for mighty are those who obey His command. For the Day of the LORD is great and very dreadful. Who can endure it? |
| 4 | Psalms 105:34 | He spoke, and the locusts came— young locusts without number. |
| 5 | Exodus 10:4–6 | But if you refuse to let My people go, I will bring locusts into your territory tomorrow. They will cover the face of the land so that no one can see it. They will devour whatever is left after the hail and eat every tree that grows in your fields. They will fill your houses and the houses of all your officials and every Egyptian—something neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen since the day they came into this land.’” Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh’s presence. |
| 6 | Joel 1:4 | What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten. |
| 7 | Revelation 9:3–11 | And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The locusts were not given power to kill them, but only to torment them for five months, and their torment was like the stinging of a scorpion. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, but death will escape them. And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads, and faces like the faces of men. They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions. They also had thoraxes like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months. They were ruled by a king, the angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon. |
| 8 | Exodus 10:13–15 | So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and throughout that day and night the LORD sent an east wind across the land. By morning the east wind had brought the locusts. The locusts swarmed across the land and settled over the entire territory of Egypt. Never before had there been so many locusts, and never again will there be. They covered the face of all the land until it was black, and they consumed all the plants on the ground and all the fruit on the trees that the hail had left behind. Nothing green was left on any tree or plant in all the land of Egypt. |
Proverbs 30:27 Summary
This verse is saying that even though locusts do not have a king to lead them, they are still able to move together in a coordinated way. This is a powerful example of how unity and cooperation can be achieved when individuals work together towards a common goal, as seen in Romans 12:4-5, where it is written that we are all part of one body with many members. It reminds us that we can accomplish great things when we put aside our differences and work together in harmony, just like the locusts. By following God's plan and working together, we can achieve amazing things and bring glory to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation?
This phrase highlights the amazing organization and unity of locusts, even without a central leader, much like the body of Christ works together in harmony, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14. It showcases how God's creation can demonstrate order and cooperation without needing a single ruler.
How can this verse apply to our lives as Christians?
This verse encourages us to consider how we can work together in unity and purpose, just like the locusts, to fulfill God's plan, as seen in Psalm 133:1, where it is written that unity is good and pleasant. It reminds us that our individual roles and gifts are important for the greater good of the kingdom of God.
Is this verse suggesting that we should not have leaders or authority?
No, this verse is not promoting the idea of having no leaders or authority; rather, it is emphasizing the remarkable ability of locusts to move in formation without a king, illustrating that unity and cooperation can be achieved through a shared purpose, as is also demonstrated in the early church in Acts 2:42-47, where believers worked together in harmony under the guidance of the apostles.
What can we learn from the locusts' ability to advance in formation?
The locusts' ability to advance in formation teaches us about the importance of unity, cooperation, and following a shared purpose, which are all essential principles for the body of Christ, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:16, where it is written that we are to grow and build each other up in love.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can work together with my fellow believers to achieve a common goal, just like the locusts advancing in formation?
- How can I use my unique gifts and talents to contribute to the unity and purpose of the body of Christ?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a shared purpose with my fellow Christians, and how can we support and encourage one another in our walk with God?
- What are some areas in my life where I can practice unity and cooperation with others, and how can I apply the principles from this verse to those situations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:27
The locusts have no king,.... These are small creatures also, yet very devouring ones; and consume the fruits of the earth, wherever they come and light; see Exodus 10:13; they are very numerous, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:27
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands - literally, divided (Maurer); Joe 2:7-8; or, as the Chaldaic and
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:27
Have no king to rule and order them. By bands; in great numbers, and in several companies, and in exact order, as is observed in Scripture, as 7:12 2:7, and by other writers.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:27
Proverbs 30:27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;Ver. 27. The locusts have no king.] They are all belly, which is joined to their mouths, and endeth at their tails; hence they make such havoc where they come in those Eastern countries. See Joe 2:11, where they are called "God’ s great army." For though they have no king to command them, yet they go forth by bands, and march all in a company, to teach men concord and combination in lawful affairs and attempts. For, “ Coniuncti pollent etiam vehementer inertes. ” Those locusts in the Revelation (whereby is meant the Popish clergy), have their king Abaddon, the Pope, to whom they appeal from their lawful sovereign; yea, the rebellion of a clergyman against his prince is not treason, saith Sa the Jesuit, quia non est principi subiectus, because he is the Pope’ s subject. And when the English clergy whipped King Henry II for a penance for Becket’ s death, one of the Pope’ s legates said unto him, Domine, noli minari, &c.: Sir, never threaten us, for we fear no menaces of men, as being of such a court as use to command kings and emperors. Jacob. Revius, De Vit. Pontiff
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:27
27. by bands] Lit. divided, i.e. not jostling one another like an unorganised rabble, but arranged in well-ordered ranks. Comp. the description of the ordered march of the locusts: “They break not their ranks, neither doth one thrust another.” Joe 2:7-8.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:27
Compare Joe 2:7-8; the most striking fact in the flight of the locust-swarms was their apparent order and discipline, sweeping over the land like the invasion of a great army.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:27
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 30:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(One Body in Christ) 6. Power Through Unity by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the power of unity within the Body of Christ, illustrating that two or more believers working together can achieve far more than individuals acting alone. He |
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Be Diligent to Preserve the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the vital importance of unity within the Body of Christ, illustrating that together, believers can achieve far more than they can alone. He draws on biblical |
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The Locust by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delves into the destructive nature of locusts as described in the Bible, particularly during the plague in Egypt where they devoured all vegetation, leaving the lan |
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A Word for the Down-Hearted by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are feeling discouraged and downhearted. God speaks to His people, urging them to listen to Him amidst the various voices they have |
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Revival - Part 1 by L.E. Maxwell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a sense of wonder and awe towards God. He explains that when people lose this sense of wonder, they are in need of |
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Failure & Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preparing for a year-end conference in Ajmer, India. He expresses his concern about being in high demand and the pressure to de |
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Audio Sermon: Backsliding by William MacDonald | This sermon delves into the theme of backsliding, exploring the consequences and the way back to God's grace. It emphasizes the importance of confession, forsaking sin, and seeking |