Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 30:30

ESV the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any;
NIV a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;
NASB The lion, which is mighty among animals And does not retreat from anything,
CSB a lion, which is mightiest among beasts and doesn’t retreat before anything;
NLT the lion, king of animals, who won’t turn aside for anything,
KJV A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
NKJV A lion, which is mighty among beasts And does not turn away from any;

What does Proverbs 30:30 mean?

Agur cites the lion as the most intimidating of animals. In the modern world, the term "apex predator" refers to an animal which is not hunted by any others. In general, lions don't concede territory or food to other beasts. During the Old Testament era, lions were native to Canaan. Wise people take care to avoid these creatures (1 Peter 5:8). This is the first of four examples of things that have a "stately" way about their movement (Proverbs 30:29). Later examples similarly refer to confidence, but with less justification (Proverbs 30:31).

Lions are impressive predators, so dealing with them immediately implies impressive ability. Samson's encounter with a lion was among his most impressive feats (Judges 14:5–6). David's rescue of a lamb from a lion foreshadowed his military skill (1 Samuel 17:34–36). The roar of a lion was symbolic of great terror (Proverbs 19:12; Amos 3:8; Ezekiel 22:25).

In Revelation 5:5 Jesus is called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah." He alone is mighty and deserving enough to open the seven-sealed scroll which brings judgments to the world. Just as the lion does not retreat from any adversary, so Jesus faced even death, the last enemy, and conquered it (Romans 4:24–25; 1 Corinthians 15:3–5, 25–27, 55–57). Hebrews 7:25 declares: "He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
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