Lexical Summary alqum: "I will arise" Original Word: אַלְקוּם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance no rising up Probably from 'al and quwm; a non-rising (i.e. Resistlessness) -- no rising up. see HEBREW 'al see HEBREW quwm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a band of soldiers NASB Translation army (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַלְקוּם band of soldiers (= Arabic  , people; so E. Castle, Thes etc., compare CheJob & Solomon 175; > textual error for אֱלֹהִים Hi compare Now) Proverbs 30:31. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Literary Context ‘Alqum appears a single time in the Old Testament, within Agur’s numerical proverb of things that are “stately in their stride” (Proverbs 30:29-31). The brief catalogue moves from the awe-inspiring strength of the lion, through the purposeful gait of lesser creatures, and culminates in the majesty of a king surrounded by his loyal subjects. In that progression ‘alqum stands as a transitional image: neither the overpowering king of beasts nor the regal monarch, yet still conveying dignity, confidence, and unmistakable presence. Translation Variants and Textual Tradition Ancient versions differ on how best to render the term. The Berean Standard Bible chooses “a strutting rooster,” capturing the proud carriage and firm footing that match the proverb’s emphasis on stateliness. Earlier English versions favored “greyhound,” while some Jewish commentators suggested “war-horse.” Each option highlights poised movement and fearless bearing. Rather than undermining Scripture’s reliability, these variants underscore the breadth of ways the Spirit employs vivid, everyday pictures to teach timeless truth. Natural and Cultural Background Domesticated roosters were well known across the Ancient Near East by the late Iron Age. Their dawn crow both marked time and called households to action, while their territorial strut embodied watchfulness and self-assurance. In Israel’s agrarian villages a rooster moving among hens would be a familiar sight, projecting confidence far larger than its size. Even if one adopts the “greyhound” or “war-horse” reading, the common denominator remains: a creature whose carriage advertises courage and readiness. Symbolic and Theological Implications 1. Order and Authority. Just as the rooster keeps order in the coop, the proverb links orderly movement with right authority, preparing the ear for the king who closes the list. Connections within the Canon • Peter’s denial is punctuated by a rooster’s crow (Matthew 26:74-75), turning the proud apostle into a repentant shepherd. The sound that signaled self-confidence in Proverbs becomes an instrument of conviction in the Gospel narrative. Ministry and Devotional Insights • Leadership Training: Proverbs 30:31 offers a template for teaching godly confidence—firm without arrogance, alert without paranoia. Homiletical Outline Suggestion 1. Walk Worthy—The Stately Stride (Proverbs 30:29-31) ‘Alqum, though appearing only once, enriches the tapestry of Scripture by portraying strength under control, vigilance at first light, and the honor that attends rightful authority. Forms and Transliterations אַלְק֥וּם אלקום ’al·qūm ’alqūm alKumLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 30:31 HEB: תָ֑יִשׁ וּ֝מֶ֗לֶךְ אַלְק֥וּם עִמּֽוֹ׃ NAS: And a king [when his] army is with him. KJV: and a king, against whom [there is] no rising up. INT: the male king army with |
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