Agur is a biblical figure known primarily from the Book of Proverbs, specifically Proverbs 30. The identity and background of Agur are largely shrouded in mystery, as he is mentioned only in this chapter. The text introduces him as "Agur son of Jakeh," and he is credited with the sayings found in Proverbs 30. The Berean Standard Bible begins this chapter with the words: "The words of Agur son of Jakeh, the oracle: This man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal" (Proverbs 30:1).

Name and Identity

The name "Agur" is of uncertain meaning, though some suggest it may mean "collector" or "gatherer," which could imply a role in gathering wisdom or proverbs. The designation "son of Jakeh" does not provide further clarity, as Jakeh is not mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures. The lack of additional genealogical or historical information has led to various interpretations and speculations about Agur's identity. Some scholars propose that Agur might have been a wise man or sage from outside Israel, while others suggest he could be a pseudonymous or symbolic figure.

Proverbs 30

The chapter attributed to Agur is distinct in style and content from other sections of Proverbs. It begins with a humble acknowledgment of human limitations in understanding divine wisdom: "Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One" (Proverbs 30:2-3). This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which is characterized by a series of numerical sayings and observations about life and nature.

Themes and Teachings

Agur's sayings emphasize humility, the pursuit of wisdom, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. One of the most well-known passages is his prayer for moderation and integrity: "Two things I ask of You—do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion" (Proverbs 30:7-8). This prayer reflects a desire for a balanced life, free from the temptations and distractions of both wealth and poverty.

Agur also presents a series of numerical proverbs, which are a distinctive feature of his teachings. These include observations about the natural world, human behavior, and the mysteries of creation. For example, he notes the wonder of "three things that are too wonderful for me, four that I cannot understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea, and the way of a man with a maiden" (Proverbs 30:18-19). These sayings invite reflection on the complexity and beauty of God's creation.

Influence and Interpretation

Agur's contribution to the Book of Proverbs has been valued for its unique perspective and its emphasis on humility and reliance on God. His teachings encourage believers to seek wisdom through a humble acknowledgment of their own limitations and a recognition of God's ultimate authority. The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life marked by integrity, contentment, and reverence for the Creator.

Throughout history, Agur's words have been interpreted and applied in various ways by theologians, pastors, and laypeople. His prayer for moderation, in particular, resonates with those who seek a life of simplicity and devotion to God. Agur's insights continue to inspire and challenge readers to pursue a deeper understanding of wisdom and to live in accordance with God's will.Agur

stranger; gathered together

Agur

(a gatherer, i.e. together of wise men), The son of Jakeh, an unknown Hebrew sage who uttered or collected the sayings of wisdom recorded in Prov 30.

Agur

An inspired Hebrew, author of thirtieth chapter of proverbs, incorporated with those of Solomon.

Gatherer; the collector, mentioned as author of the sayings in Proverbs 30. Nothing is known of him beyond what is there recorded. AGUR

a'-gur ('aghur, seeming, from comparison with Arabic roots, to mean either "hireling," or "collector," "gatherer"): One of the contributors to Proverbs; his words being included in Proverbs 30. He takes an agnostic attitude toward God and transcendent things, and in general the range of his thought, as compared with that of other authors, is pedestrian. He shows, however, a tender reverence and awe. His most notable utterance, perhaps, is the celebrated Prayer of Agur (Proverbs 30:7-9), which gives expression to a charming golden mean of practical ideal. His sayings are constructed on a rather artificial plan; having the form of the so-called numerical proverb. See under PROVERBS, THE BOOK OF, II, 6.

John Franklin Genung

94. Agur -- "hired," an author of proverbs
... 93, 94. Agur. 95 . "hired," an author of proverbs. Transliteration: Agur
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-goor') Short Definition: Agur. Word ...
/hebrew/94.htm - 6k

5693. agur -- (a kind of bird) perhaps a crane
... 5692, 5693. agur. 5694 . (a kind of bird) perhaps a crane. Transliteration:
agur Phonetic Spelling: (aw-goor') Short Definition: crane. ... agur. 5694 . ...
/hebrew/5693.htm - 6k

3348. Yaqeh -- father of Agur
... 3347, 3348. Yaqeh. 3349 . father of Agur. Transliteration: Yaqeh Phonetic
Spelling: (yaw-keh') Short Definition: Jakeh. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/3348.htm - 5k

107. iggereth -- a letter
... Word Origin from the same as Agur Definition a letter NASB Word Usage letter (4),
letters (6). letter. Feminine of 'iggra'; an epistle -- letter. ...
/hebrew/107.htm - 6k

95. agorah -- payment
... Short Definition: piece. Word Origin from the same as Agur Definition payment
NASB Word Usage piece (1). piece of silver. From the ...
/hebrew/95.htm - 6k

The Kingdom Undivided
... 3.30. The Proverbs of Agur. 4.31. The Proverbs of King Lemuel. VII. ... 23:29 to 35.
The Effects of Strong Drink. 30:7 to 9. The Prayer of Agur. 31:10 to 31. ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv the kingdom undivided.htm

Proverbs
... Eccles.) represented by the words of Agur (xxx.1-4). The book, as a whole, might
be described as a guide to the happy life, or, we might almost say, to the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/proverbs.htm

Books of the Hebrew Canon.
... Words of Agur (xxiv.24"37). Sayings of the Wise (xxiv.23"34). ... Rest of the
Words of Agur (xxiv.50"68). Words of Agur (xxx.1"33). ...
/.../chapter ii books of the.htm

A Homily for Humble Folks
... to Job and the three wise men, he commended himself to them saying, "I am full of
matter, the spirit within me constraineth me"; but when Agur instructed his ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/a homily for humble folks.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert Fleming.
... As for his worldly substance, his share seemed according to Agur's desire, and with
Luther he said, To his knowledge he never desired much of it, or was very ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 9.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... According to the best criticism, Proverbs 30:1 should be thus rendered:
"The words of Agur, the son of her whom Massa obeys. Spake ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

First, for Thy Thoughts.
... into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown
men in destruction and perdition." Pray, therefore, with wise Agur, "O Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/first for thy thoughts.htm

The Gospel Cordial
... Remember Agur's words concerning one of the "four things which are little upon the
earth," but which "are exceeding wise." He said, "The spider taketh hold ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the gospel cordial.htm

The Temptation of Christ
... "If thou be the Son of God, said Satan, command that these stones may be made bread."
This is what Agur dreaded, "lest I be poor and steal." Learn, ye godly ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the temptation of christ.htm

The Poetical Books.
... out.". 7. Chapter xxx. is said to contain "The words of Agur, the son of
Jakeh, the oracle." The author is wholly unknown. 8. Chapter ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

Agur (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AGUR. ... See under PROVERBS, THE BOOK OF, II, 6. John
Franklin Genung. Multi-Version Concordance Agur (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/agur.htm - 7k

Jakeh (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Pious, the father of Agur (Proverbs 30:1). Nothing is
known of him. Int. ... See AGUR. James Crichton. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/j/jakeh.htm - 8k

Ucal (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The name of a person to whom Agur's words are addressed
(Proverbs 30:1). ... See AGUR; PROVERBS, THE BOOK OF, II, 6. John Franklin Genung. ...
/u/ucal.htm - 8k

Ithiel (2 Occurrences)
... Benjamin, mentioned among the inhabitants of Jerusalem in Nehemiah's day (Nehemiah
11:7). (2) The name is perhaps also found in the oracle of Agur (Proverbs 30 ...
/i/ithiel.htm - 8k

Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... ch. 25-29). These are followed by two supplements, (1) "The words of Agur"
(ch. 30); and (2) "The words of king Lemuel" (ch. 31). ...
/p/proverbs.htm - 43k

Ague (1 Occurrence)

/a/ague.htm - 8k

Lemuel (3 Occurrences)
... It is to be noted, however, that the words of Agur in the previous chapter are
similarly called massa', "oracle" with not so clear a reason for referring it to ...
/l/lemuel.htm - 8k

Ith'i-el (1 Occurrence)
... Ith'i-el (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh; the burden.
The man saith unto Ithiel, unto Ithiel and Ucal: (See RSV). ...
/i/ith'i-el.htm - 6k

Massa (4 Occurrences)
... BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 30:1 The words of Agur, the son
of Jakeh, from Massa. The man says: I am full of weariness ...
/m/massa.htm - 8k

Brute (4 Occurrences)
... The term is used by Agur (Proverbs 30:2) to express the low estimate he has
of himself and his conscious lack of knowledge. Jacob W. Kapp. ...
/b/brute.htm - 9k

Who was Agur son of Jakeh (Proverbs 30)? | GotQuestions.org

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