King James Version

What Does Proverbs 30:14 Mean?

Proverbs 30:14 in the King James Version says “There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, ...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Proverbs 30:14 · KJV

Context

12

There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

13

There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

14

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.

15

The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: It is: Heb. Wealth

16

The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The second corrupt generation weaponizes their mouths—shinayim (שִׁנַּיִם, teeth) as charavot (חֲרָבוֹת, swords) and malt'khot (מַלְתְּכוֹת, jaw teeth) as ma'akhalot (מַאֲכָלוֹת, knives). This vivid metaphor describes predatory exploitation: violent speech and ruthless oppression that destroys the vulnerable.

"To devour" (le'ekol, לֶאֱכֹל) means to consume, eat up, annihilate. The targets are aniyim (עֲנִיִּים, the poor, afflicted) and evyonim (אֶבְיֹנִים, the needy, destitute). Throughout Scripture, God fiercely defends these groups (Exodus 22:21-24, Psalm 82:3-4, Isaiah 10:1-3). This generation—oppressive creditors, corrupt judges, violent landlords, exploitative employers—uses legal and economic power as weapons to crush those who cannot fight back. Amos condemned those who "swallow up the needy" (8:4). James rebuked the rich who "have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter" (5:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern economies operated without modern financial regulations or social safety nets. Debt slavery was common; creditors could seize persons as collateral (2 Kings 4:1). Judges could be bribed (Isaiah 1:23); courts favored the wealthy. Powerful landowners consolidated holdings by dispossessing small farmers during famines. Against this backdrop, Israel's law provided unique protections: prohibitions on usury (Exodus 22:25), jubilee year debt forgiveness (Leviticus 25), gleaning rights for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10), and multiple warnings that exploiting the vulnerable invites divine judgment. Yet Israel repeatedly violated these commands. Prophets from Amos to Malachi condemned economic oppression as covenant breaking that would bring exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern economic and legal systems sometimes function as 'teeth like swords' that devour the poor—and how should Christians respond?
  2. In what subtle ways might you use power, privilege, or speech as weapons rather than instruments of justice and mercy?
  3. How does Jesus's Beatitude 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3) and His warning to the rich (Luke 6:24-25) challenge worldly attitudes toward wealth and poverty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
דּ֤וֹר׀1 of 10

“There is a generation”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

חֲרָב֣וֹת2 of 10

“are as swords”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

שִׁנָּיו֮3 of 10

“whose teeth”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

וּֽמַאֲכָל֪וֹת4 of 10

“as knives”

H3979

something to eat with, i.e., a knife

מְֽתַלְּעֹ֫תָ֥יו5 of 10

“and their jaw teeth”

H4973

properly, a biter, i.e., a tooth

לֶאֱכֹ֣ל6 of 10

“to devour”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

עֲנִיִּ֣ים7 of 10

“the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

מֵאֶ֑רֶץ8 of 10

“from off the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְ֝אֶבְיוֹנִ֗ים9 of 10

“and the needy”

H34

destitute

מֵאָדָֽם׃10 of 10

“from among men”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 30:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 30:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 57:4Psalms 3:7Psalms 14:4Job 29:17Revelation 9:8Psalms 58:6

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