30:1 Agur. The name Agur may mean “gatherer” and Jakeh “hearkening.” Ithiel means “God with me” and Ucal means “overcomer.” Since none of these men are mentioned anywhere else in Scripture, it may be they are just symbolic names. However, their meanings are uncertain, so it is conjectural as to what the symbolic meaning might be. Probably they were real men, known to Solomon. The important thing is the message, which Solomon thought well to include in the Proverbs.

30:1 the prophecy. “Prophecy” means essentially a divinely revealed message, not necessarily a prediction. In Proverbs 30:2-3, Agur specifically disclaims any wisdom of his own in transcribing his prophecy.