King James Version

What Does Proverbs 30:29 Mean?

Proverbs 30:29 in the King James Version says “There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:”

Proverbs 30:29 · KJV

Context

27

The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; by: Heb. gathered together

28

The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

29

There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

30

A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

31

A greyhound ; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. greyhound: or, horse: Heb. girt in the loins

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There be three things which go well (שְׁלֹשָׁה הֵמָּה מֵיטִיבֵי צָעַד, sheloshah hemmah metivei tza'ad)—שָׁלוֹשׁ (shalosh, 'three') מֵיטִיב (metiv, 'do well, make good') in צַעַד (tza'ad, 'step, march, gait'). This introduces a numerical proverb (three... four) examining dignified, impressive movement.

Yea, four are comely in going (וְאַרְבָּעָה מֵיטִבֵי לָכֶת, ve'arba'ah metivei lakhet)—אַרְבַּע (arba, 'four') expand the list. הָלַךְ (halakh, 'to walk, go') done מֵיטִיב ('well, excellently'). The structure creates expectation: what four things move with dignity? Verses 30-31 answer: lion, greyhound, he-goat, and king. The lesson: certain creatures and persons possess natural majesty in motion. Spiritually, believers should 'walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called' (Ephesians 4:1), exhibiting dignity befitting God's children.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Numerical proverbs (x... x+1) appear throughout Proverbs (6:16-19, 30:15-16, 18-19, 21-23, 24-28, 29-31) and other wisdom literature (Job 5:19, Amos 1-2). This literary device creates anticipation and emphasizes the final item. The form was common in ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your 'walk' (lifestyle, conduct) reflect the dignity of being God's child?
  2. What would it mean to move through life with the composure and confidence the proverb describes?
  3. Who models for you a 'comely' way of living that exhibits grace under pressure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה1 of 7

“There be three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

הֵ֭מָּה2 of 7
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מֵיטִ֥בֵי3 of 7

“well”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

צָ֑עַד4 of 7

“things which go”

H6806

a pace or regular step

וְ֝אַרְבָּעָ֗ה5 of 7

“yea four”

H702

four

מֵיטִ֥בֵי6 of 7

“well”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

לָֽכֶת׃7 of 7
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 30:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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