King James Version

What Does Proverbs 30:9 Mean?

Proverbs 30:9 in the King James Version says “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 va...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Proverbs 30:9 · KJV

Context

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

10

Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. Accuse: Heb. Hurt not with thy tongue

11

There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

Read Proverbs 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lest I be full, and deny thee—The danger of riches: sābaʿ (שָׂבַע, be full/satisfied) leads to kāḥash (כָּחַשׁ, deny/disown). And say, Who is the LORD?—Practical atheism, not intellectual denial but functional independence. Israel's history proved this pattern (Deuteronomy 8:12-14, Hosea 13:6). Or lest I be poor, and steal—The danger of poverty: gānab (גָּנַב, steal) and take the name of my God in vain (tāp̱aś, תָּפַשׂ, profane)—desperation leading to sin that dishonors God's reputation.

Both extremes threaten one's testimony. Agur's realism about human weakness before temptation shows wisdom. The prayer acknowledges that circumstances affect sanctification, though they don't excuse sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Israelites' wilderness testing (Deuteronomy 8) proved that prosperity often breeds forgetfulness of God. Conversely, economic desperation drove some to crimes that brought reproach on their faith (Leviticus 19:11-12, linking theft to profaning God's name).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does financial security tempt you to live as though you don't need God?
  2. How might your response to economic pressure either honor or dishonor God's name before watching unbelievers?
  3. What spiritual disciplines help maintain God-dependence whether in plenty or want (Philippians 4:12)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
פֶּ֥ן1 of 12
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

אֶשְׂבַּ֨ע׀2 of 12

“Lest I be full”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

וְכִחַשְׁתִּי֮3 of 12

“and deny”

H3584

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

וְאָמַ֗רְתִּי4 of 12

“thee and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִ֥י5 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יְה֫וָ֥ה6 of 12

“Who is the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּפֶֽן7 of 12
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

אִוָּרֵ֥שׁ8 of 12

“or lest I be poor”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וְגָנַ֑בְתִּי9 of 12

“and steal”

H1589

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

וְ֝תָפַ֗שְׂתִּי10 of 12

“and take”

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

שֵׁ֣ם11 of 12

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֱלֹהָֽי׃12 of 12

“of my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 30:9 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 30:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 13:6Deuteronomy 31:20Ezekiel 16:49-50Deuteronomy 8:10-14Job 31:24-28Deuteronomy 32:15

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