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Proverbs 30:17

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.

Proverbs 30:17 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Proverbs serves as a warning against disrespecting one's parents. In ancient times, honoring and obeying one's parents was held in high regard as a virtue. The verse emphasizes that those who mock their fathers and refuse to obey their mothers will face harsh consequences. The imagery of the ravens and eagles symbolizes a gruesome fate for those who show disrespect towards their parents. The ravens and eagles feeding on the eyes of the disobedient individual serve as a powerful visual representation of their ultimate downfall. The verse reminds readers of the importance of showing respect and obedience towards one's parents, as failing to do so can lead to severe consequences. It serves as a poignant reminder of the value placed on familial relationships and the repercussions of disregarding them.

Theological Overview

In this verse, "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," we see a stern warning against dishonoring one's parents. The act of mocking and despising one's parents is considered a serious offense in the eyes of God, so much so that it is likened to a punishment of having one's eyes picked out by ravens and eaten by eagles. This vivid imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting our parents, as they are the ones who brought us into this world and cared for us. This verse emphasizes the significance of obedience and the dire consequences of disobedience, showing that God values the relationship between parents and children and expects children to treat their parents with the respect they deserve.

Proverbs 30:17 in other translations

American Standard Version

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.

World English Bible

β€œThe eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother: the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it.

Douay-Rheims

The eye that mocketh at his father, and that despiseth the labour of his mother in bearing him, let the ravens of the brooks pick it out, and the young eagles eat it.

Geneva Bible (1599)

The eye that mocketh his father and despiseth the instruction of his mother, let ye rauens of the valley picke it out, and the yong eagles eate it.