Agur

AGUR (ā'gûr, Heb. ’āghûr, gatherer). The otherwise unknown author of Prov.30.1-Prov.30.33. His words are described as “an oracle,” thus claiming divine inspiration. Many, however, follow the suggestion of a place name—“of Massa” (cf. niv footnote). See also Gen.25.14, Gen.25.16.

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AGUR ā’ gər (אָג֥וּר, either hireling or gatherer). The name of an otherwise unknown writer of maxims mentioned in Proverbs 30:1; son of Jakeh of Massa. The word Massa (KJV the prophecy; ASV the oracle) may be the name of a country (so RSV; cf. Gen 25:14), but if so, its location is unknown. Lemuel, also an author of proverbs, is referred to as “king of Massa” (Prov 31:1). Agur’s proverbs were written to two unknown men, Ithiel and Ucal. There are reasons for thinking that the text of this v. is uncertain. Most early rabbis and church fathers thought that Solomon was designated by the name Agur, but it is difficult to see why he should be referred to by a pseudonym. It has also been conjectured that Agur was the brother of Lemuel (Prov 31:1). The Vul. has “Verba Congregantis filii Vomentis.”

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

One of the contributors to Proverbs; his words being included in Pr 30. He takes an agnostic attitude toward God and transcendent things, and in general the range of his thought, as compared with that of other authors, is pedestrian. He shows, however, a tender reverence and awe. His most notable utterance, perhaps, is the celebrated Prayer of Agur (Pr 30:7-9), which gives expression to a charming golden mean of practical ideal. His sayings are constructed on a rather artificial plan; having the form of the so-called numerical proverb. See under PROVERBS, THE BOOK OF, II, 6.