King James Version

What Does Proverbs 30:7 Mean?

Proverbs 30:7 in the King James Version says “Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: deny: Heb. withhold not from me” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: deny: Heb. withhold not from me”

Proverbs 30:7 · KJV

Context

5

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. pure: Heb. purified

6

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

7

Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: deny: Heb. withhold not from me

8

Remove far from me vanity and lies : give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: convenient: Heb. of my allowance

9

Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. deny: Heb. belie thee

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die—Agur's prayer introduces one of Scripture's most profound petitions about truth and contentment (vv. 7-9). The Hebrew shāʾal (שָׁאַל, required) means earnestly asked or requested. Deny me them not shows urgency—these requests matter supremely.

The 'two things' structure creates literary anticipation, building toward verses 8-9's revelation. This prayer models what to prioritize in communion with God—not primarily circumstances, but character (integrity and contentment). It echoes Jesus's teaching to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Agur's self-description as ignorant (30:2-3) precedes this prayer, showing that true wisdom begins with humble acknowledgment of need. Ancient Near Eastern literature often used numbered sequences ('three things...four') for rhetorical emphasis.

Reflection Questions

  1. If you could ask God for only two things before you died, what would they be—and why?
  2. How does Agur's prayer priorities compare with what you actually pray about most often?
  3. What does it mean to pray with Agur's urgency for godly character over comfortable circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
שְׁ֭תַּיִם1 of 8

“Two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שָׁאַ֣לְתִּי2 of 8

“things have I required”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

מֵאִתָּ֑ךְ3 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַל4 of 8
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּמְנַ֥ע5 of 8

“of thee deny”

H4513

to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury

מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי6 of 8
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בְּטֶ֣רֶם7 of 8
H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

אָמֽוּת׃8 of 8

“me them not before I die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 30:7 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 30:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 27:4Luke 10:422 Kings 2:91 Kings 3:5-9Psalms 21:2

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