As for the eye that mocks a fatherThis phrase emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents, a commandment deeply rooted in biblical tradition (
Exodus 20:12). The "eye" symbolizes perception and attitude, suggesting that disrespect begins with how one views authority. In ancient Israel, family structure was patriarchal, and the father was seen as a representative of God's authority. Mocking a father was not just a personal offense but a challenge to the divine order.
and scorns obedience to a mother
The mother, while often seen as the nurturer, also held a position of authority within the family. Scorning obedience to her was equally serious, reflecting a heart of rebellion. Proverbs frequently highlights the wisdom of listening to parental instruction (Proverbs 1:8). In the cultural context, both parents were to be revered, and their guidance was considered a source of wisdom and blessing.
may the ravens of the valley pluck it out
Ravens are often associated with desolation and judgment in the Bible (Isaiah 34:11). The "valley" may symbolize a place of vulnerability or exposure. This imagery serves as a warning of the severe consequences of disrespecting parents. The act of plucking out the eye signifies the removal of the source of contempt, a metaphor for divine retribution.
and young vultures devour it
Vultures are scavengers, often linked with death and decay. Their presence in this proverb underscores the finality and severity of the judgment. In biblical symbolism, vultures consuming the flesh is a picture of disgrace and divine judgment (Revelation 19:17-18). This serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual and moral consequences of rebellion against parental authority.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The EyeSymbolizes the attitude and perspective of a person, particularly in how they view authority and parental guidance.
2.
Father and MotherRepresents parental authority and the God-given role of parents in guiding and instructing their children.
3.
Ravens of the ValleyBirds often associated with desolation and judgment in biblical literature, symbolizing divine retribution.
4.
Young VulturesScavengers that consume the dead, representing the ultimate consequence of disrespect and rebellion.
5.
The ValleyA place of vulnerability and exposure, often used metaphorically for life's challenges and trials.
Teaching Points
Respect for AuthorityThe verse underscores the importance of respecting parental authority as a reflection of our respect for God's order.
Consequences of DisobedienceThe imagery of ravens and vultures serves as a stark warning about the spiritual and sometimes physical consequences of rebellion.
Symbolism of the EyeThe "eye" represents our inner attitudes. We must guard our hearts and minds against contempt and scorn towards those in authority.
Cultural RelevanceIn a culture that often devalues authority, this verse calls Christians to counter-cultural obedience and respect.
Spiritual InsightThe verse invites believers to examine their own attitudes towards authority figures and to seek repentance and transformation where needed.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 30:17?
2.How does Proverbs 30:17 warn against disrespecting parents in today's society?
3.What consequences are described in Proverbs 30:17 for mocking one's father?
4.How can we honor our parents according to biblical teachings?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of respecting parents?
6.How can Proverbs 30:17 guide our behavior towards authority figures?
7.What does Proverbs 30:17 mean by "the eye that mocks a father"?
8.How does Proverbs 30:17 reflect the importance of honoring parents in biblical teachings?
9.What cultural context influenced the imagery of ravens and eagles in Proverbs 30:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 30?
11.What does the Bible say about disrespectful children?
12.What role did Issachar's tribe play in Israel?
13.Is your word the truth?
14.What does the Bible say about disrespectful children?What Does Proverbs 30:17 Mean
The eye that mocks a father• Scripture paints the “eye” as the window into one’s attitude (Psalm 101:5;Proverbs 6:16-17). A mocking gaze is outward evidence of inner contempt for God-given authority.
• Mocking a father violates the Fifth Commandment’s call to “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). Disrespect breaks fellowship with both earthly parents and the heavenly Father (Malachi 1:6).
• Proverbs repeatedly warns against such contempt: “Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness” (Proverbs 20:20).
Scorns obedience to a mother• “Scorns obedience” moves from eye to action, showing rebellion that refuses instruction (Proverbs 1:8-9; 23:22).
• God ties parental authority to His own; rejecting a mother’s guidance is rejecting God’s wisdom (Ephesians 6:1-3).
• Old-covenant Israel treated chronic rebellion severely (Deuteronomy 21:18-21), underscoring how seriously heaven views parental honor.
May the ravens of the valley pluck it out• Ravens feed on carcasses left unburied (1 Kings 17:4-6;1 Samuel 17:46). Being exposed to them implied divine curse—no burial, no honor.
• The graphic picture targets the offending “eye.” The very organ that displayed contempt is singled out for judgment, showing God’s justice is precise (Matthew 5:29 for Jesus’ warning about the eye leading to sin).
• Valleys often served as refuse sites outside city walls; ending there signals utter disgrace (Jeremiah 7:32-33).
And young vultures devour it• Vultures finish what ravens begin, highlighting total, unstoppable judgment (Revelation 19:17-18).
• The pairing of birds amplifies certainty: first pluck, then consume—no escape for the unrepentant mocker (Hebrews 10:29-31).
• Physical destruction pictures ultimate spiritual ruin awaiting those who persist in defying God-ordained authority (Galatians 6:7-8).
summaryProverbs 30:17 delivers a solemn, literal warning: disrespect toward father or mother invites God’s severe judgment. The scornful eye exposes a rebellious heart; God promises that the very eye will face gruesome retribution by carrion birds. Scripture consistently links honoring parents with blessing and longevity, while contempt brings darkness, disgrace, and destruction. Honor given at home is worship offered to God; dishonor is rebellion against Him and reaps consequences as sure as the flight of ravens and vultures.
(17)
The ravens of the valley shall pick it out--
i.e., the rebellious son shall die of a "grievous death" (
Jeremiah 16:4). The propensity of ravens to attack the eyes is well known.
Verse 17. - This is an independent proverb, only connected with the preceding by being founded on an allusion to an animal.
The eye that mocketh at his father. The eye is named as the mind's instrument for expressing scorn and insubordination; it is the index to the inner feeling; and look may be as sinful as action.
And despiseth to obey his mother;
i.
e. holds obedience to his mother to be a thing of no importance whatever. The word translated "to obey" (
ליקהת) is rendered by St. Jerome
partum; by others, "weakness," or "wrinkles," or "old age," as Septuagint,
γῆρας. But etymology has led most modern commentators to give the sense of "obedience" (see
Genesis 49:10).
The ravens of the valley shall pick it out. Such an undutiful son shall die a violent death; his corpse shall lie unburied, and the birds of prey shall feed upon him. It is well known that ravens, vultures, and other birds that live on carrion first attack the eyes of their prey; and in our own islands we are told crows and birds of this sort will fix on the eyes of young or sickly animals. Corn. a Lapide quotes Catullus, 'Carm.,' 108:5 -
"Effossos oculos voret atro gutture corvus,
Intestina canes, cetera membra lupi."
"His eyes, plucked out, let croaking ravens gorge,
His bowels dogs, his limbs the greedy wolves." The valley, or brook, reminds one of Elijah's miraculous support (1 Kings 17:4).Young eagles. Thenesher must here mean one of the vulture tribe, as eagles do not feed on carrion (but seeJob 39:30). St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 18:49) applies the proverb thus: "'The eye that sneereth at his father, and despiseth the travail of his mother, lo! the ravens from the torrents shall pick it out.' For bad men, while they find limit with the judgments of God, do 'sneer at their Father;' and heretics of all sorts, whilst in mocking they contemn the preaching of holy Church and her fruitfulness, what else is this but that they 'despise the travail of their mother'? whom we not unjustly call the mother of them as well, because from the same they come forth, who speak against the same."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
As for the eyeעַ֤יִן ׀(‘a·yin)Noun - common singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain[that] mocksתִּֽלְעַ֣ג(til·‘aḡ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3932:To deride, to speak unintelligiblya fatherלְאָב֮(lə·’āḇ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherand scornsוְתָב֪וּז(wə·ṯā·ḇūz)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 936:To disrespectobedienceלִֽיקֲּהַ֫ת־(lîq·qă·haṯ-)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3349:Obedienceto a mother,אֵ֥ם(’êm)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 517:A mother, )may the ravensעֹרְבֵי־(‘ō·rə·ḇê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6158:A ravenof the valleyנַ֑חַל(na·ḥal)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5158:A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaftpluck it outיִקְּר֥וּהָ(yiq·qə·rū·hā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5365:To bore, pick, digand youngבְנֵי־(ḇə·nê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonvulturesנָֽשֶׁר׃(nā·šer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5404:The eagledevour it.וְֽיֹאכְל֥וּהָ(wə·yō·ḵə·lū·hā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 398:To eat
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocks at his father (Prov. Pro Pr) 
