a lizard
The Hebrew word for "lizard" here is "שְׂמָמִית" (semamith), which is often translated as "lizard" or "gecko." Lizards are small, seemingly insignificant creatures, yet they possess unique qualities such as adaptability and resilience. In the ancient Near Eastern context, lizards were common and could easily enter homes, including palaces. This highlights the idea that even the smallest and most humble of creatures can find themselves in places of great importance. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for how God can use the humble and lowly to achieve His purposes, reminding believers of the value and potential within every individual, regardless of their status.

can be caught with the hand
This phrase emphasizes the ease with which a lizard can be captured. The Hebrew verb "תִּתְפָּשׂ" (tithpas) suggests a simple action, indicating that lizards are not difficult to catch. This reflects the notion of vulnerability and accessibility. In a spiritual sense, it can be interpreted as a call to recognize the opportunities and blessings that are within easy reach, if only one is willing to grasp them. It also serves as a reminder of the simplicity and humility that should characterize a believer's life, echoing the teachings of Jesus about childlike faith and trust.

yet it is found in kings’ palaces
The presence of a lizard in "kings’ palaces" is a striking image. Palaces are symbols of power, wealth, and authority, yet even there, a humble lizard can be found. This juxtaposition serves to illustrate the theme of divine providence and the unexpected ways in which God works. Historically, palaces were places of grandeur and exclusivity, yet the lizard's presence suggests that God's creation permeates all levels of society. For believers, this can be an encouragement that God is present in all circumstances, and that His wisdom and purposes transcend human hierarchies and expectations. It is a call to humility, recognizing that true significance is not determined by worldly status but by one's relationship with God.

(28) The spider taketh hold with her hands.--The lizard, rather than the spider, seems to be here intended. As each first line of these four verses is an expression of weakness, it has been proposed to translate thus: "The lizard thou canst catch with the hands, and yet," etc. (Comp. for this praise of wisdom, Ecclesiastes 9:14 sqq.)

Verse 28. - The spider taketh hold with her hands. Semamith or shemamith is some sort of lizard, probably the gecko. Καλαβώτης, Septuagint; stellio, Vulgate. The Authorized Version alludes either to its fanlike foot, which enables it to run up walls and to cling to ceilings, or to its power of exuding from its feet a certain poisonous humour by which it catches flies and other insects. But the above translation, as well as that of the Septuagint and the Vulgate manibus nititur, is incorrect, The first line, in accordance with the method pursued in the three cases previously, ought to give some expression denoting weakness or littleness, whereas by the above rendering it is rather strength and activity that are signified. The translation therefore should run, as in the Revised Version margin, "The lizard thou canst seize with thy hand," and yet it is in king's palaces. Small as it is, and easy to catch and crush, it is agile and clever enough to make its way into the very palace of the king, and to dwell there. Septuagint, "And the lizard, supporting itself by its hands, and being easy to catch (εὐάλωτος), dwelleth in kings' strongholds." This combines the two interpretations given above. St. Gregory takes the lizard as the type of the simple, earnest man, who often succeeds better than the clever. "Many that are quick-witted, while they grow slack from carelessness, continue in bad practices, and the simple folk, which have no wing of ability to stand them in stead, the excellency of their practice bears up to attain to the walls of the eternal kingdom. Whereas, then, 'the lizard climbeth with his hands,' he 'is in kings' palaces;' in that the plain man, by earnestness of right practice, reaches that point whereunto the man of ability never mounts" ('Moral.,' 6:12, Oxford transl.). The ancient expositors see in these verses a presentation of the Church of God, weak on its human side and despised by men, yet exceeding wise (1 Corinthians 1:27) - like the ant, laying up treasure in heaven, providing for death and eternity; like the coney, making the Rock her refuge; like the locusts, moving forward a mighty army in battle array; like the lizard, active in movement, holding the truth tenaciously, and dwelling in the palace of the great King.

Parallel Commentaries ...


and the lizard
שְׂ֭מָמִית (mā·mîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8079: (a kind of) lizard

can be caught
תְּתַפֵּ֑שׂ (tə·ṯap·pêś)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8610: To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably

in one’s hands,
בְּיָדַ֣יִם (bə·yā·ḏa·yim)
Preposition-b | Noun - fd
Strong's 3027: A hand

yet it
וְ֝הִ֗יא (wə·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

[is found] in the palaces
בְּהֵ֣יכְלֵי (bə·hê·ḵə·lê)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1964: A large public building, palace, temple

of kings.
מֶֽלֶךְ׃ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 30:28 You can catch a lizard with your (Prov. Pro Pr)