King James Version
What Does Proverbs 30:15 Mean?
“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”
Context
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.
17
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. the valley: or, the brook
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(15) **The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give.—**The word “crying” is not in the Hebrew. The leech is here chosen as the emblem of insatiable greed; if it could speak, its “daughters,” *i.e., *the words it would utter, would be “Give, give.” So it forms an introduction to the quartette of “insatiable things” which follow.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 30:15 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 30:15
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge