The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

PROVERBS 30:25KJV
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Proverbs 30:25 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 30:25 mean?

Proverbs 30:25 describes ants as a group that is not physically powerful, yet they wisely gather and store their food during the summer. The verse points out how these small creatures show foresight and preparation despite their weakness.

This verse is part of the sayings of Agur, who is sharing observations about the natural world to teach wisdom. Agur is speaking to his listeners, using the example of ants to highlight how even the smallest and weakest can act with prudence and planning. The focus is on the ants’ ability to prepare ahead, not on their strength.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 30:25

  • "ants" (נְמָלִים, nemālîm): This word refers to the common ant, a tiny insect known for its industriousness. The choice of this word draws attention to creatures that are easy to overlook.
  • "people" (עָם, ʿām): The ants are called a "people," which is unusual for insects. This word usually means a nation or group of humans, highlighting the ants’ organized, communal behavior.
  • "strong" (עָצוּם, ʿātsûm): This word means strong or mighty. The verse points out that ants are not "strong" in the usual sense, emphasizing their small size and vulnerability.
  • "prepare" (כּוּן, kûn): This verb means to make ready or establish. It stresses the ants’ deliberate action in storing food, not just accidental gathering.
  • "meat" (לֶחֶם, lechem): Here, "meat" means food in general, not just animal flesh. It refers to whatever the ants collect to eat.
  • "summer" (קַיִץ, qayits): This word means the hot season, the time when food is available. The ants act when the opportunity is right, showing wisdom in timing.

Why Proverbs 30:25 matters

  • Proverbs 30:25 clears up the idea that only the powerful or mighty can be wise; even the weak can show great wisdom through planning and cooperation.
  • The verse draws attention to the value of foresight and preparation, using a humble example from nature rather than a heroic figure.
  • In the context of Proverbs 30, this verse is part of a series of observations about small or seemingly insignificant creatures, each teaching a lesson about wisdom and living thoughtfully.

Where else these words appear

“ants” Hebrew H5244 · used in 2 verses

  • Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

“summer” Hebrew H7019 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
  • Proverbs 10:5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
  • Jeremiah 40:12 Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.

“strong” Hebrew H5794 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • Judges 14:18 And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.
  • Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.