Jakeh

Biblical Record

Jakeh appears only in Proverbs 30:1. The Korean Revised Version renders this verse as "These are the proverbs of Agur the son of Jakeh, which he spoke to Ithiel and Ucal." Beyond the fact that he was Agur's father, Scripture says nothing about his origin, his era, or his deeds.

Significance Within the Bible

Jakeh's name occurs in the superscription that identifies whose words make up Proverbs 30. Because of this heading, Proverbs 30 is read as a separate collection, distinct from the earlier sections gathered under the name of Solomon. The New Testament does not mention Jakeh.

Interpretation and Debated Questions

• Meaning of the name: The meaning of the Hebrew name is uncertain. Scholars have proposed various explanations, but none has gained general acceptance.
• The word translated "proverbs": The Hebrew word that the Korean Revised Version renders "proverbs" can also be translated "words" or "oracle." Some scholars and English translations take it as a place name or tribal name, "Massa," raising the possibility that Agur and Jakeh came from outside Israel. The same word also appears in Proverbs 31:1, which introduces King Lemuel.
• Jewish tradition: Some strands of Jewish tradition are reported to interpret "Agur" and "Jakeh" not as actual personal names but as symbolic epithets for Solomon. The text itself, however, makes no such identification.

In the Korean Church

Jakeh is rarely treated on his own in sermons or Sunday school. He is usually mentioned only as Agur's father when the "prayer of Agur" in Proverbs 30 (Proverbs 30:7-9) is being explained.