Proverbs 1:21 kjv

She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

Proverbs 1:21 nkjv

She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words:

Proverbs 1:21 niv

on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech:

Proverbs 1:21 esv

at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

Proverbs 1:21 nlt

She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:

Proverbs 1 verses

Proverbs 1 21 Meaning

Proverbs 1:21 describes the personified figure of Wisdom actively and persistently proclaiming her message in the most public and accessible places within the city. She does not hide or wait to be sought in obscure locations; rather, she vocalizes her truth loudly and clearly in bustling squares, at the city gates—where civic and social life converges—and throughout the urban center. This emphasizes that divine wisdom is readily available, universally offered, and overtly declared to all who are willing to listen.

Proverbs 1 21 Context

Proverbs chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the entire book, establishing its purpose: to impart wisdom, instruction, understanding, and knowledge (Prov 1:2-4). It sets a foundational contrast between the path of wisdom and the path of folly or sin. Immediately preceding Proverbs 1:21, Wisdom is personified and depicted as actively engaging with humanity (Prov 1:20). The larger section of Proverbs 1:20-33 elaborates on Wisdom's public lament against those who reject her counsel, portraying a passionate and urgent appeal before dire consequences follow. Historically and culturally, the ancient city was the center of life—economic, legal, social, and spiritual. City gates (šəʿarîm) were not merely entrances but public forums where judges sat, kings issued decrees, commercial transactions took place, and public announcements were made. Public squares (homiyyot, "noisy places" or "crowded thoroughfares") were vibrant centers of daily activity. Wisdom's choice to call out in these highly visible and active locations underscores that her message is not for a select few or an elite, hidden sect, but for every person regardless of status or intellect. This stands as a direct polemic against any notion that true wisdom is obscure, esoteric, or attainable only through secret rituals, contrasting with Gnostic or mystery cult philosophies of the broader ancient world.

Proverbs 1 21 Word analysis

• She cries out (תָּרֹ֣נָּה, taronna): From the root רנן (rānan), meaning "to cry out," "shout for joy," or "utter a ringing cry." This signifies a loud, clear, and emphatic vocalization, not a gentle whisper or a silent offering. It implies an urgent, almost passionate, appeal. The active voice and intensity indicate Wisdom’s initiative and public, unabashed declaration.
• in the chief places (בְּרָאשֵׁ֣י, b’rashei): Literally "at the heads of" or "at the top of." It denotes the most prominent, leading, or principal areas. It is not just any place, but the most important and visible ones.
• of concourse (הֹֽמִיֹּ֔ות, homiyyot): Refers to "crowded," "noisy," or "bustling" places; literally, "of the multitudes" or "noisy thoroughfares." This indicates areas teeming with people and activity, such as markets, public squares, or main streets. It emphasizes the broad accessibility and open nature of Wisdom’s appeal.
• in the openings (בְּפִתְחֵ֥י, b’fitchei): Means "at the entrance of" or "at the gate openings." This highlights specific points of entry and assembly.
• of the gates (שְׁעָרִ֖ים, sh'arim): Refers to the city gates, which in ancient Israelite cities served as much more than entryways. They were centers of civic, legal, and commercial life—places of public assembly, judicial proceedings, market transactions, and community gatherings. By crying out here, Wisdom makes her presence known where critical decisions were made and where the populace regularly congregated.
• in the city (בָּעִ֣יר, ba'ir): Denotes within the confines of the city itself. This provides the broadest location for Wisdom’s call, encompassing all urban areas, emphasizing that her message is everywhere, permeating civic life.
• she utters (תֹאמַֽר, tomar): From the verb אמר (amar), "to say" or "to speak." It suggests clear, intelligible articulation of words.
• her words (אֲמָרֶ֥יהָ, amareha): Specifically refers to "her sayings" or "her utterances." This underscores that Wisdom has a definitive, communicated message. The repetition of "utter her words" emphasizes the deliberate and articulate nature of her proclamation.

Words-group analysis:

• "She cries out in the chief places of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city...": This triplicate declaration establishes the ubiquity and intentional publicity of Wisdom's call. It means Wisdom actively seeks to be heard by everyone, in every major public forum. She doesn't whisper secrets in hidden chambers but confronts the masses with her message where they live and work. The movement from general "chief places" to specific "gates" and then encompassing "the city" reinforces her all-encompassing presence. This serves as a strong rebuttal to any belief that divine truth is exclusive or hard to find; instead, it boldly stands where humanity is most gathered and preoccupied.
• "She cries out" contrasted with "she utters her words": While "cries out" suggests loudness and urgency, "utters her words" points to the content and clarity of her message. It's not just a loud noise, but a meaningful, articulated message, demonstrating that Wisdom has substance and is comprehensible. It is a powerful invitation to hear and understand.

Proverbs 1 21 Bonus section

The image of Wisdom crying out publicly stands in stark contrast to many ancient wisdom traditions, which often involved esoteric knowledge passed down secretly or found through arduous, solitary quests. This verse boldly asserts that the true, divine wisdom of God is readily displayed in plain sight, requiring not a secret initiation, but an open ear and a receptive heart. Wisdom is depicted here much like a prophetess or a street preacher, delivering a prophetic message, not simply for instruction but also as an indictment against the complacency and ignorance of those who would disregard her. The same "concourse" and "gates" are elsewhere associated with "Folly" or "Lady Folly" (Prov 7:12; Prov 9:13-18), underscoring a critical choice presented to humanity: choose the life-giving wisdom found openly or the destructive folly that also lurks in public spaces.

Proverbs 1 21 Commentary

Proverbs 1:21 vividly paints a picture of Wisdom as a divine figure, personified as a woman, who passionately and loudly calls out to all people. Her chosen venues – the chief public thoroughfares, bustling city gates, and indeed the entire city – are highly strategic. These were the nerve centers of ancient life: where justice was administered, commerce was conducted, news was spread, and society gathered. By positioning herself in such places, Wisdom declares that her counsel is not hidden, obscure, or exclusive, but freely and openly accessible to all, irrespective of social standing or intellect. It is a gracious and universal invitation from God, offered publicly and persistently to a humanity that often overlooks or disregards it. This divine call demonstrates God's relentless pursuit of His creation, making His truth undeniable and pervasive. This resonates with the later public ministry of Jesus Christ, who taught openly in synagogues, the Temple courts, and along public roads, always making divine wisdom known and available to all who would listen. The practical application is clear: God's truth is not hard to find for those genuinely seeking it; it surrounds us, speaking through creation, conscience, and primarily, through His revealed Word. The question is not about the availability of wisdom, but humanity's willingness to heed it.