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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 30:14 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/30-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/20_Pro_30_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 30:14 - The Words of Agur" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/30-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/30-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/30.htm">Chapter 30</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/30-13.htm" title="Proverbs 30:13">◄</a> Proverbs 30:14 <a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm" title="Proverbs 30:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" 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 />those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/30.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives. They devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/30.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />There are those whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/30.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>There is</i> a generation, whose teeth <i>are as</i> swords, and their jaw teeth <i>as</i> knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from <i>among</i> men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/30.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>There is</i> a generation whose teeth <i>are like</i> swords, And whose fangs <i>are like</i> knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, And the needy from <i>among</i> men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/30.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is a kind <i>of person</i> whose teeth are <i>like</i> swords And his jaw teeth <i>like</i> knives, To devour the poor from the earth And the needy from among mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/30.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />There is a kind of man whose teeth are like swords And his jaw teeth like knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth And the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/30.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />There is a kind of <i>man</i> whose teeth are <i>like</i> swords, And his jaw teeth <i>like</i> knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth, And the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/30.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />There is a generation whose teeth are <i>like</i> swords And its fangs <i>like</i> knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth And the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/30.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There is a generation (class of people) whose teeth are like swords And whose jaw teeth are like knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth And the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/30.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is a generation whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, devouring the oppressed from the land and the needy from among mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/30.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is a generation whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, devouring the oppressed from the land and the needy from among mankind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/30.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/30.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />others are so greedy that they gobble up the poor and homeless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/30.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/30.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A certain kind of person, whose teeth are like swords and whose jaws are [like] knives, devours oppressed people from the earth and people from among humanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/30.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There are people who take cruel advantage of the poor and needy; that is the way they make their living. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/30.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Some people have swords for teeth and knives for fangs to devour the afflicted from the earth and the needy from among mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/30.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/30.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />There is a generation whose teeth are like swords and whose molars are like knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among the human race. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/30.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/30.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw-teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/30.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/30.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A generation—their teeth [are] swords, "" And their jaw-teeth [are] knives, "" To consume the poor from earth, "" And the needy from [among] men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/30.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A generation -- swords are their teeth, And knives -- their jaw-teeth, To consume the poor from earth, And the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/30.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A generation, its teeth swords, and its biter's teeth, knives, to devour the poor from the land, and the needy from man.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/30.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A generation, that for teeth hath swords, and grindeth with their jaw teeth, to devour the needy from off the earth, and the poor from among men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/30.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />There is a generation which has swords in place of teeth, and which commands their molars to devour the indigent from the earth and the poor from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/30.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />There are some—their teeth are swords, their teeth are knives, Devouring the needy from the earth, and the poor from the human race. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/30.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />there are those whose teeth are swords, whose teeth are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among mortals.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/30.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />There is a generation, whose teeth are like swords, and their jaw teeth like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth and the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/30.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A generation whose swords are its teeth, and daggers its molars, to consume the poor of earth and the afflicted of men.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/30.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their great teeth as knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/30.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A wicked generation have swords <i>for</i> teeth and jaw-teeth <i>as</i> knives, so as to destroy and devour the lowly from the earth, and the poor of them from among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/30-14.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=6249" 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">13</span>There is a generation—how haughty are their eyes and pretentious are their glances— <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1755.htm" title="1755: dō·wr (N-ms) -- Period, generation, dwelling. Or dor; from duwr; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. An age or generation; also a dwelling.">there is a generation</a> <a href="/hebrew/8127.htm" title="8127: šin·nāw (N-cdc:: 3ms) -- Tooth, ivory. From shanan; a tooth; specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff.">whose teeth</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥă·rā·ḇō·wṯ (N-fp) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">are swords</a> <a href="/hebrew/4973.htm" title="4973: mə·ṯal·lə·‘ō·ṯāw (N-fpc:: 3ms) -- Teeth. Contr. From yala'; properly, a biter, i.e. A tooth.">and whose jaws</a> <a href="/hebrew/3979.htm" title="3979: ū·ma·’ă·ḵā·lō·wṯ (Conj-w:: N-fp) -- A knife. From 'akal; something to eat with,i.e. A knife.">are knives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵōl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">devouring</a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: ‘ă·nî·yîm (Adj-mp) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">the oppressed</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: mê·’e·reṣ (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">from the earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/34.htm" title="34: wə·’eḇ·yō·w·nîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- In want, needy, poor. From 'abah, in the sense of want; destitute.">and the needy</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: mê·’ā·ḏām (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">from among men.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’:…<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="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1-2</a></span><br />What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? / You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-1.htm">Micah 3:1-3</a></span><br />Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. / You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/14-4.htm">Psalm 14:4</a></span><br />Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-14.htm">Isaiah 3:14-15</a></span><br />The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. / Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Ezekiel 22:27</a></span><br />Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4</a></span><br />Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Habakkuk 2:5</a></span><br />and wealth indeed betrays him. He is an arrogant man never at rest. He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and like Death, he is never satisfied. He gathers all the nations to himself and collects all the peoples as his own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26-28</a></span><br />For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. / Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. / They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Luke 11:39</a></span><br />Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-7.htm">Isaiah 59:7</a></span><br />Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-15.htm">Romans 3:15-17</a></span><br />“Their feet are swift to shed blood; / ruin and misery lie in their wake, / and the way of peace they have not known.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8-10</a></span><br />He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. / He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. / They are crushed and beaten down; the helpless fall prey to his strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/3-3.htm">Zephaniah 3:3</a></span><br />Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.</p><p class="hdg">whose</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></b></br> There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise <i>is</i> health.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/29-17.htm">Job 29:17</a></b></br> And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-7.htm">Psalm 3:7</a></b></br> Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies <i>upon</i> the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.</p><p class="hdg">to devour</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16</a></b></br> He that oppresseth the poor to increase his <i>riches, and</i> he that giveth to the rich, <i>shall</i> surely <i>come</i> to want.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Proverbs 28:3</a></b></br> A poor man that oppresseth the poor <i>is like</i> a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8,9</a></b></br> He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/102-3.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/80-13.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-4.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-13.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/3-7.htm">Jaw</a> <a href="/psalms/141-9.htm">Jaws</a> <a href="/psalms/58-6.htm">Jaw-Teeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-12.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/ezra/1-9.htm">Knives</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Need</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-9.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/psalms/149-6.htm">Swords</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-26.htm">Teeth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-3.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-7.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-16.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Great</a> <a href="/judges/15-16.htm">Jaw</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-12.htm">Jaws</a> <a href="/joel/1-6.htm">Jaw-Teeth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-5.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-18.htm">Knives</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-7.htm">Need</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-25.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/songs/3-8.htm">Swords</a> <a href="/songs/4-2.htm">Teeth</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>there is a generation</b><br>This phrase introduces a specific group of people characterized by their behavior and attitudes. In biblical terms, "generation" often refers to a group of people living at the same time or sharing similar characteristics. This can be seen in other scriptures such as <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39</a>, where Jesus refers to a "wicked and adulterous generation." The use of "generation" here suggests a recurring pattern of behavior that transcends time, indicating a moral or spiritual decline.<p><b>whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives</b><br>This vivid imagery describes the destructive and violent nature of this generation. The metaphor of teeth as swords and jaws as knives suggests aggression and a predatory nature. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such imagery would resonate with the audience familiar with the brutality of warfare and the predatory behavior of wild animals. This metaphor is similar to descriptions found in Psalms and other wisdom literature, where the wicked are often depicted as having sharp tongues or destructive speech (<a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a>).<p><b>devouring the oppressed from the earth</b><br>The term "devouring" indicates a complete and ruthless consumption, leaving nothing behind. This reflects the exploitation and oppression of the vulnerable, a theme frequently addressed in the Old Testament. The oppressed are often those who are marginalized, such as the poor, widows, and orphans. This aligns with the prophetic literature, where God expresses His concern for justice and the protection of the oppressed (<a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a>, <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>).<p><b>and the needy from among men</b><br>The "needy" refers to those lacking basic necessities and support. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, the community was expected to care for the needy, as seen in the laws given in the Torah (<a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a>). The failure to do so is a sign of societal decay and moral failure. This phrase underscores the callousness of the generation described, as they not only ignore but actively harm those who are most vulnerable. This is contrary to the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized caring for the least among us (<a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/agur.htm">Agur</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm">Proverbs 30</a>, Agur son of Jakeh, is a figure about whom little is known, but he is credited with this collection of sayings that reflect wisdom and observation of human behavior.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oppressed_and_needy.htm">The Oppressed and Needy</a></b><br>These are the vulnerable individuals in society who are often exploited or harmed by those in power or with malicious intent.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_generation.htm">The Generation</a></b><br>This refers to a group or type of people characterized by their destructive and oppressive behavior, as described in the proverb.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words_and_actions.htm">The Power of Words and Actions</a></b><br>Just as swords and knives can cause physical harm, our words and actions can deeply wound others. We must be mindful of how we treat those around us, especially the vulnerable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_and_resisting_oppression.htm">Recognizing and Resisting Oppression</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to stand against injustice and support the oppressed. This involves recognizing systems and behaviors that harm others and actively working to change them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generational_sin_and_responsibility.htm">Generational Sin and Responsibility</a></b><br>Each generation has its own challenges and sins. We must be aware of the tendencies of our time and strive to break cycles of oppression and exploitation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_the_needy.htm">Compassion for the Needy</a></b><br>The Bible consistently calls us to care for the poor and needy. Our faith should be evident in how we support and uplift those who are marginalized.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination_and_repentance.htm">Self-Examination and Repentance</a></b><br>We should examine our own lives for any tendencies to harm or exploit others, seeking repentance and transformation through Christ.<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/did_israel_practice_individual_accountability.htm">Ezekiel 18 - Does any historical or archaeological evidence indicate that Israel ever fully practiced individual accountability rather than communal guilt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_medicine_back_'tranquil_heart'_claim.htm">Proverbs 14:30: Does modern medicine's understanding of mental health fully support the claim that 'a tranquil heart gives life to the flesh'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_19_14_limit_free_will.htm">Proverbs 19:14 credits God alone for providing a prudent spouse--does this diminish human choice or contradict free will elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_blasphemy.htm">How does the Bible describe lions' strength and power?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/30.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives.</span> The fourth evil is insatiable cupidity, which leads to oppression and injurious treatment of the helpless and poor, which makes men as cruel and remorseless in destroying others and despoiling them of their substance, as the very steel which they use in their operations. Similarly, the psalmist speaks of his enemies as men "whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword" (<a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a>; comp. <a href="/isaiah/9-12.htm">Isaiah 9:12</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/5-17.htm">Jeremiah 5:17</a>). <span class="cmt_word">To devour the poor from off the earth;</span> <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. so as to be no more seen in the world. <a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4</a>, "Hear this, O ye that would swallow up the needy, and cause the poor of the land to fail" (comp. <a href="/psalms/14-4.htm">Psalm 14:4</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/30-14.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">there is a generation</span><br /><span class="heb">דּ֤וֹר ׀</span> <span class="translit">(dō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1755.htm">Strong's 1755: </a> </span><span class="str2">A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whose teeth</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁנָּיו֮</span> <span class="translit">(šin·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8127.htm">Strong's 8127: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tooth, ivory, a cliff</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are swords</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲרָב֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·rā·ḇō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and whose jaws</span><br /><span class="heb">מְֽתַלְּעֹ֫תָ֥יו</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ṯal·lə·‘ō·ṯāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4973.htm">Strong's 4973: </a> </span><span class="str2">A biter, a tooth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are knives,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּֽמַאֲכָל֪וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ma·’ă·ḵā·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3979.htm">Strong's 3979: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something to eat with, a knife</span><br /><br /><span class="word">devouring</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶאֱכֹ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(le·’ĕ·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the oppressed</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲנִיִּ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·nî·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the earth,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאֶ֑רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’e·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the needy</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝אֶבְיוֹנִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eḇ·yō·w·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_34.htm">Strong's 34: </a> </span><span class="str2">In want, needy, poor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from [among] men.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאָדָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/30-14.htm">Proverbs 30:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/30-14.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 30:14 There is a generation whose teeth (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/30-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 30:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 30:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 30:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 30:15" /></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>