King James Version

What Does Proverbs 30:17 Mean?

Proverbs 30:17 in the King James Version says “The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and th...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Proverbs 30:17 · KJV

Context

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

18

There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

19

The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. midst: Heb. heart

Read Proverbs 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This standalone proverb interrupts the numerical sayings with graphic warning against parental dishonor. The ayin (עַיִן, eye) that tilag (תִּלְעַג, mocks) at father and tivuz (תָּבוּז, despises) obeying mother will be devoured by orevim (עֹרְבִים, ravens) and benei-nesher (בְּנֵי־נֶשֶׁר, young eagles).

The eye symbolizes attitude—contemptuous glances, rolling eyes, sneering looks that express disdain. Mocking (laag) means to deride, scorn, treat with contempt. Despising obedience involves active rebellion, not passive neglect. The punishment is corpse desecration—being left unburied as carrion for scavengers, the ultimate shame in ancient culture where proper burial was essential (2 Samuel 21:10). This graphic imagery warns that dishonoring parents invites violent death and disgrace. The ravens and eagles suggest battlefield carnage or execution outside city walls, where bodies lay exposed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The fifth commandment—"Honour thy father and thy mother" (Exodus 20:12)—is the first with promise attached. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 prescribed death by stoning for persistently rebellious sons. Exodus 21:17 declared: "He that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death." Ancient Near Eastern cultures universally valued filial piety, but Israel's law uniquely grounded parental authority in divine authority—dishonoring parents was dishonoring God. Jesus condemned Pharisees who used religious technicalities to avoid supporting parents (Mark 7:9-13). Paul repeated the command with promise (Ephesians 6:2-3). This proverb's violent imagery reflects covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:26): "thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air."

Reflection Questions

  1. How does contempt toward parents manifest in subtle ways—not just outright rebellion but dismissive attitudes, mocking humor, or prideful resistance to their counsel?
  2. How does honoring parents relate to honoring God, and how does Christ's perfect submission to His Father (John 5:19) model this for believers?
  3. In what ways can adult children honor parents while maintaining appropriate boundaries and not sinfully enabling destructive behavior?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עַ֤יִן׀1 of 12

“The eye”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

תִּֽלְעַ֣ג2 of 12

“that mocketh”

H3932

to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly

לְאָב֮3 of 12

“at his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְתָבֻ֪ז4 of 12

“and despiseth”

H936

to disrespect

לִֽיקְּהַ֫ת5 of 12

“to obey”

H3349

obedience

אֵ֥ם6 of 12

“his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

יִקְּר֥וּהָ7 of 12

“shall pick it out”

H5365

to bore (penetrate, quarry)

עֹרְבֵי8 of 12

“the ravens”

H6158

a raven (from its dusky hue)

נַ֑חַל9 of 12

“of the valley”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

וְֽיֹאכְל֥וּהָ10 of 12

“shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְנֵי11 of 12

“and the young”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נָֽשֶׁר׃12 of 12

“eagles”

H5404

the eagle (or other large bird of prey)

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 30:17 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 30:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 21:18-21Proverbs 23:22Proverbs 30:112 Samuel 18:14-17Leviticus 20:9Genesis 9:21-27

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