The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

PROVERBS 30:26KJV
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Proverbs 30:26 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 30:26 mean?

Proverbs 30:26 says that conies, though small and weak animals, are wise because they make their homes in the safety of rocky places. The verse uses the example of these creatures to show how even those who seem vulnerable can act with wisdom by seeking protection.

This proverb is part of a list spoken by Agur, who is sharing observations about the natural world to teach lessons about wisdom. The "conies" mentioned are small, rabbit-like animals known for their defenselessness, yet they survive by living in the rocks where predators cannot easily reach them. The verse highlights how wisdom is not always about strength, but about making good choices with what you have.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 30:26

  • "conies" (שָּׁפָן, shaphan): This word refers to a small, rock-dwelling animal, often identified as the hyrax. The choice of this animal underscores the idea of vulnerability and cleverness in seeking safety.
  • "feeble" (עָמַם, ʿāmam): This word means weak or lacking strength. The verse emphasizes that the conies are not powerful, making their wise behavior stand out even more.
  • "houses" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word means "houses" or "dwellings." The use here points to the idea of intentionally building or choosing a safe place to live, not just wandering aimlessly.
  • "rocks" (סֶלַע, selaʿ): This word means "rock" or "cliff." The rocks provide natural protection, highlighting the wisdom of the conies in choosing a secure environment.

Why Proverbs 30:26 matters

  • Proverbs 30:26 clears up the idea that wisdom is only for the strong or powerful; it shows that even those who are weak can act wisely and find safety.
  • The verse emphasizes observation of nature as a source of practical lessons, encouraging readers to notice and learn from the world around them.
  • Within the context of Proverbs 30, this example fits into a series of sayings about small creatures that display surprising wisdom, reinforcing the theme that true understanding is often found in unexpected places.

Where else these words appear

“conies” Hebrew H8227 · used in 28 verses

  • Leviticus 11:5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
  • Jeremiah 36:11 When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,

“feeble” Hebrew H6099 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
  • Deuteronomy 26:5 And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:
  • Daniel 8:24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

“rocks” Hebrew H5553 · used in 54 verses

  • Numbers 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
  • 1 Kings 19:11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
  • Isaiah 31:9 And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.