Proverbs 30:16
Proverbs 30:16 Meaning and Explanation
“The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The grave, barren womb, thirsty earth, and fire are four things that are never satisfied.
The Context of Proverbs 30:16
The four things that never say 'It is enough.'
What Does Proverbs 30:16 Mean?
These four represent primal hungers: the grave devours the living; the barren womb craves children; dry earth thirsts for water; fire consumes endlessly. Each is an image of need and appetite.
The riddle elevates human greed by linking it to natural and cosmic forces. Just as these cannot be sated, uncontrolled desire in the human heart becomes a consuming force, a kind of death.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 30:16
What does Proverbs 30:16 mean?
The grave, barren womb, thirsty earth, and fire are four things that are never satisfied.
What is the context of Proverbs 30:16?
The four things that never say 'It is enough.'