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class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/30.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/30.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/30.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/30.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The eye <i>that</i> mocketh at <i>his</i> father, and despiseth to obey <i>his</i> mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/30.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The eye <i>that</i> mocks <i>his</i> father, And scorns obedience to <i>his</i> mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/30.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father And scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/30.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father And scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/30.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father, And scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/30.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father And despises obedience to a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/30.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father And scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young vultures will devour it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/30.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As for the eye that ridicules a father and despises obedience to a mother, may ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/30.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As for the eye that ridicules a father and despises obedience to a mother, may ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures eat it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/30.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The eye that mocketh at his father, And despiseth to obey his mother, The ravens of the valley shall pick it out, And the young eagles shall eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/30.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't make fun of your father or disobey your mother--crows will peck out your eyes, and buzzards will eat the rest of you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/30.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/30.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The eye that makes fun of a father and hates to obey a mother will be plucked out by ravens in the valley and eaten by young vultures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/30.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you make fun of your father or despise your mother in her old age, you ought to be eaten by vultures or have your eyes picked out by wild ravens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/30.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father and looks with a disobedient attitude at a mother— the valley ravens will pluck it out; and vultures will eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/30.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The eye that mocks at a father and despises obeying a mother--the ravens of the valley will peck it out and the young vultures will eat it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/30.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother: the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/30.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The eye that mocketh at its father, and despiseth to obey its mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/30.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/30.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/30.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />An eye that mocks at a father, "" And despises to obey a mother, "" Ravens of the valley dig it out, "" And young eagles eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/30.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> An eye that mocketh at a father, And despiseth to obey a mother, Dig it out do ravens of the valley, And eat it do young eagles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/30.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The eye shall mock to his father, and despise to obey the mother, the ravens of the valley shall bore it out and the sons of the eagle shall eat it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/30.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The eye that mocketh at his father, and that despiseth the labour of his mother in bearing him, let the ravens of the brooks pick it out, and the young eagles eat it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/30.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The eye of one who mocks his father and who despises the childbearing of his mother, let the ravens of the torrent tear it out, and let the sons of the eagles consume it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/30.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father, or scorns the homage due a mother, Will be plucked out by brook ravens; devoured by a brood of vultures. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/30.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/30.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The eye that mocks at his father and despises the old age of his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young vultures shall eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/30.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Ravens of the valley will tear out the eye that laughs at its father and despises the old age of its mother, and the young Eagles will eat it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/30.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The eye that mocketh at his father, And despiseth to obey his mother, The ravens of the valley shall pick it out, And the young vultures shall eat it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/30.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The eye that laughs to scorn a father, and dishonours the old age of a mother, let the ravens of the valleys pick it out, and let the young eagles devour it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/30-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=6283" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm">The Words of Agur</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>Sheol, the barren womb, land never satisfied with water, and fire that never says, ‘Enough!’ <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘a·yin (N-cs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">As for the eye</a> <a href="/hebrew/3932.htm" title="3932: til·‘aḡ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To mock, deride, stammer. A primitive root; to deride; by implication to speak unintelligibly.">that mocks</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: lə·’āḇ (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">a father</a> <a href="/hebrew/936.htm" title="936: wə·ṯā·ḇūz (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3fs) -- To despise. A primitive root; to disrespect.">and scorns</a> <a href="/hebrew/3349.htm" title="3349: lîq·qă·haṯ- (Prep-l:: N-fsc) -- Obedience. From the same as Yaqeh; obedience.">obedience</a> <a href="/hebrew/517.htm" title="517: ’êm (N-fs) -- A mother. A primitive word; a mother; in a wide sense (like 'ab).">to a mother,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6158.htm" title="6158: ‘ō·rə·ḇê- (N-mpc) -- A raven. Or mowreb; from arab; a raven.">may the ravens</a> <a href="/hebrew/5158.htm" title="5158: na·ḥal (N-ms) -- Or nachlah; or nachalah; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; a valley; also a shaft.">of the valley</a> <a href="/hebrew/5365.htm" title="5365: yiq·qə·rū·hā (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: 3fs) -- To bore, pick, dig. A primitive root; to bore.">pluck it out</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and young</a> <a href="/hebrew/5404.htm" title="5404: nā·šer (N-ms) -- An eagle. From an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle.">vultures</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: wə·yō·ḵə·lū·hā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3mp:: 3fs) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">devour it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>There are three things too wonderful for me, four that I cannot understand:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-17.htm">Exodus 21:17</a></span><br />Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/21-18.htm">Deuteronomy 21:18-21</a></span><br />If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined, / his father and mother are to lay hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his hometown, / 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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/20-9.htm">Leviticus 20:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-4.htm">Matthew 15:4</a></span><br />For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-10.htm">Mark 7:10</a></span><br />For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm">Proverbs 20:20</a></span><br />Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-22.htm">Proverbs 23:22</a></span><br />Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Ephesians 6:1-3</a></span><br />Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Colossians 3:20</a></span><br />Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">2 Timothy 3:2</a></span><br />For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm">Isaiah 1:2</a></span><br />Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-7.htm">Ezekiel 22:7</a></span><br />Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-6.htm">Micah 7:6</a></span><br />For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-21.htm">Matthew 10:21</a></span><br />Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-53.htm">Luke 12:53</a></span><br />They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The eye that mocks at his father, and despises to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.</p><p class="hdg">eye</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/30-11.htm">Proverbs 30:11</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> a generation <i>that</i> curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm">Proverbs 20:20</a></b></br> Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-22.htm">Proverbs 23:22</a></b></br> Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.</p><p class="hdg">the ravens</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-44.htm">1 Samuel 17:44</a></b></br> And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/21-10.htm">2 Samuel 21:10</a></b></br> And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.</p><p class="hdg">valley or brook </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Despiseth</a> <a href="/psalms/119-85.htm">Dig</a> <a href="/job/9-26.htm">Eagles</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Mocketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Mocks</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-11.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/psalms/81-15.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-13.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/psalms/80-12.htm">Pick</a> <a href="/psalms/78-31.htm">Picked</a> <a href="/psalms/147-9.htm">Ravens</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-22.htm">Rooted</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">Scorns</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-19.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/psalms/108-7.htm">Valley</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-26.htm">Value</a> <a href="/job/15-23.htm">Vultures</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/33-15.htm">Despiseth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-7.htm">Dig</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Eagles</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-20.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-33.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-7.htm">Mocketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-22.htm">Mocks</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-1.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/luke/23-56.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-16.htm">Pick</a> <a href="/daniel/11-15.htm">Picked</a> <a href="/luke/12-24.htm">Ravens</a> <a href="/amos/9-15.htm">Rooted</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-22.htm">Scorns</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-9.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/songs/6-11.htm">Valley</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-11.htm">Value</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-15.htm">Vultures</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 30</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Agur's confession of his faith</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">The two points of his prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-10.htm">The meanest are not to be wronged</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-11.htm">Four wicked generations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm">Four things insatiable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-24.htm">four things exceeding wise</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-29.htm">Four things stately</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-32.htm">Wrath is to be prevented</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/30.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/30.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As for the eye that mocks a father</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents, a commandment deeply rooted in biblical tradition (<a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a>). The "eye" symbolizes perception and attitude, suggesting that disrespect begins with how one views authority. In ancient Israel, family structure was patriarchal, and the father was seen as a representative of God's authority. Mocking a father was not just a personal offense but a challenge to the divine order.<p><b>and scorns obedience to a mother</b><br>The mother, while often seen as the nurturer, also held a position of authority within the family. Scorning obedience to her was equally serious, reflecting a heart of rebellion. Proverbs frequently highlights the wisdom of listening to parental instruction (<a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Proverbs 1:8</a>). In the cultural context, both parents were to be revered, and their guidance was considered a source of wisdom and blessing.<p><b>may the ravens of the valley pluck it out</b><br>Ravens are often associated with desolation and judgment in the Bible (<a href="/isaiah/34-11.htm">Isaiah 34:11</a>). The "valley" may symbolize a place of vulnerability or exposure. This imagery serves as a warning of the severe consequences of disrespecting parents. The act of plucking out the eye signifies the removal of the source of contempt, a metaphor for divine retribution.<p><b>and young vultures devour it</b><br>Vultures are scavengers, often linked with death and decay. Their presence in this proverb underscores the finality and severity of the judgment. In biblical symbolism, vultures consuming the flesh is a picture of disgrace and divine judgment (<a href="/revelation/19-17.htm">Revelation 19:17-18</a>). This serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual and moral consequences of rebellion against parental authority.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_eye.htm">The Eye</a></b><br>Symbolizes the attitude and perspective of a person, particularly in how they view authority and parental guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/father_and_mother.htm">Father and Mother</a></b><br>Represents parental authority and the God-given role of parents in guiding and instructing their children.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/ravens_of_the_valley.htm">Ravens of the Valley</a></b><br>Birds often associated with desolation and judgment in biblical literature, symbolizing divine retribution.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/y/young_vultures.htm">Young Vultures</a></b><br>Scavengers that consume the dead, representing the ultimate consequence of disrespect and rebellion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_valley.htm">The Valley</a></b><br>A place of vulnerability and exposure, often used metaphorically for life's challenges and trials.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a></b><br>The verse underscores the importance of respecting parental authority as a reflection of our respect for God's order.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The imagery of ravens and vultures serves as a stark warning about the spiritual and sometimes physical consequences of rebellion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_eye.htm">Symbolism of the Eye</a></b><br>The "eye" represents our inner attitudes. We must guard our hearts and minds against contempt and scorn towards those in authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_relevance.htm">Cultural Relevance</a></b><br>In a culture that often devalues authority, this verse calls Christians to counter-cultural obedience and respect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_insight.htm">Spiritual Insight</a></b><br>The verse invites believers to examine their own attitudes towards authority figures and to seek repentance and transformation where needed.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_30.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 30</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_god's_purpose_for_marriage.htm">What does the Bible say about disrespectful children?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/issachar's_tribe's_role_in_israel.htm">What role did Issachar's tribe play in Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_radical_theology's_core_beliefs.htm">Is your word the truth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_rude_kids.htm">What does the Bible say about disrespectful children?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/30.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">The ravens of the valley shall pick it out</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, the rebellious son shall die of a "grievous death" (<a href="/jeremiah/16-4.htm" title="They shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried; but they shall be as dung on the face of the earth: and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their carcasses shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.">Jeremiah 16:4</a>). The propensity of ravens to attack the eyes is well known.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/30.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - This is an independent proverb, only connected with the preceding by being founded on an allusion to an animal. <span class="cmt_word">The eye that mocketh at his father.</span> The eye is named as the mind's instrument for expressing scorn and insubordination; it is the index to the inner feeling; and look may be as sinful as action. <span class="cmt_word">And despiseth to obey his mother</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. holds obedience to his mother to be a thing of no importance whatever. The word translated "to obey" (<span class="hebrew">ליקהת</span>) is rendered by St. Jerome <span class="accented">partum</span>; by others, "weakness," or "wrinkles," or "old age," as Septuagint, <span class="greek">γῆρας</span>. But etymology has led most modern commentators to give the sense of "obedience" (see <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">The ravens of the valley shall pick it out.</span> Such an undutiful son shall die a violent death; his corpse shall lie unburied, and the birds of prey shall feed upon him. It is well known that ravens, vultures, and other birds that live on carrion first attack the eyes of their prey; and in our own islands we are told crows and birds of this sort will fix on the eyes of young or sickly animals. Corn. a Lapide quotes Catullus, 'Carm.,' 108:5 - <p><span class="foreign">"Effossos oculos voret atro gutture corvus,<br />Intestina canes, cetera membra lupi."</span> <p><span class="accented">"His eyes, plucked out, let croaking ravens gorge,<br />His bowels dogs, his limbs the greedy wolves."</span> The valley, or brook, reminds one of Elijah's miraculous support (<a href="/1_kings/17-4.htm">1 Kings 17:4</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Young eagles.</span> The <span class="accented">nesher</span> must here mean one of the vulture tribe, as eagles do not feed on carrion (but see <a href="/job/39-30.htm">Job 39:30</a>). St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 18:49) applies the proverb thus: "'The eye that sneereth at his father, and despiseth the travail of his mother, lo! the ravens from the torrents shall pick it out.' For bad men, while they find limit with the judgments of God, do 'sneer at their Father;' and heretics of all sorts, whilst in mocking they contemn the preaching of holy Church and her fruitfulness, what else is this but that they 'despise the travail of their mother'? whom we not unjustly call the mother of them as well, because from the same they come forth, who speak against the same." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/30-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As for the eye</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֤יִן ׀</span> <span class="translit">(‘a·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[that] mocks</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּֽלְעַ֣ג</span> <span class="translit">(til·‘aḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3932.htm">Strong's 3932: </a> </span><span class="str2">To deride, to speak unintelligibly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a father</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאָב֮</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and scorns</span><br /><span class="heb">וְתָב֪וּז</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṯā·ḇūz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_936.htm">Strong's 936: </a> </span><span class="str2">To disrespect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">obedience</span><br /><span class="heb">לִֽיקֲּהַ֫ת־</span> <span class="translit">(lîq·qă·haṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3349.htm">Strong's 3349: </a> </span><span class="str2">Obedience</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to a mother,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(’êm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_517.htm">Strong's 517: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may the ravens</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹרְבֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·rə·ḇê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6158.htm">Strong's 6158: </a> </span><span class="str2">A raven</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the valley</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֑חַל</span> <span class="translit">(na·ḥal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5158.htm">Strong's 5158: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pluck it out</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקְּר֥וּהָ</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·qə·rū·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5365.htm">Strong's 5365: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bore, pick, dig</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and young</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">vultures</span><br /><span class="heb">נָֽשֶׁר׃</span> <span class="translit">(nā·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5404.htm">Strong's 5404: </a> </span><span class="str2">The eagle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">devour it.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽיֹאכְל֥וּהָ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yō·ḵə·lū·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/30-17.htm">Proverbs 30:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/30-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocks at his father (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/30-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 30:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 30:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/30-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 30:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 30:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>