Proverbs 8:3 kjv

She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

Proverbs 8:3 nkjv

She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors:

Proverbs 8:3 niv

beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:

Proverbs 8:3 esv

beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:

Proverbs 8:3 nlt

By the gates at the entrance to the town,
on the road leading in, she cries aloud,

Proverbs 8 verses

Proverbs 8 3 Meaning

Proverbs 8:3 portrays Lady Wisdom as an active and persistent figure, vociferously proclaiming her message in the most public and accessible spaces of the ancient city. She does not remain hidden but calls out urgently at city gates, entry points, and thoroughfares. Her loud and clear voice signifies the universal accessibility and critical importance of her invitation, emphasizing that divine wisdom is freely offered to all humanity, readily available for anyone who would choose to listen and embrace her.

Proverbs 8 3 Context

Proverbs chapter 8 is a cornerstone text depicting Wisdom (Hebrew: ḥokmah) as a personified divine entity, standing in stark contrast to the destructive allure of Folly presented elsewhere in Proverbs (e.g., Chapter 7). This chapter elevates Wisdom from an abstract quality to an almost living character who speaks, acts, and relates to God and humanity. Verse 3, specifically, underscores the location and manner of Wisdom's proclamation. The ancient city gates, entrances, and exits were not merely passageways; they were vital social, commercial, and legal centers. Disputes were settled there, business transacted, and public announcements made. For Wisdom to declare her message in such visible and frequented locations highlights her accessibility, transparency, and urgency, leaving no one without an opportunity to hear. This public declaration can also be seen as a subtle polemic against any secret societies or hidden cults that claimed to possess exclusive or esoteric knowledge leading to truth, asserting that God's true wisdom is openly and universally available.

Proverbs 8 3 Word analysis

• She crieth (קָרָא, qārāʾ): This Hebrew verb means to call out, proclaim, or summon. It denotes a loud, forceful, and public declaration, not a whisper. This conveys an immediate sense of urgency and broad accessibility, ensuring her message reaches everyone within earshot.

• at the gates (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): In ancient Near Eastern cities, the gate was the primary hub of community life. It was the public square where elders gathered, legal judgments were passed, commerce took place, and public news was shared. Wisdom's presence here signifies her address to all of society, from leaders to common people, in their daily activities.

• at the entry of the city (לְפִתְחֵי־קִרְיָה, ləp̄iṯḥê-qiryah): Refers to the main openings or thoroughfares of the city. This reiterates the broad, public nature of her call, reaching everyone who enters or exits, including residents, merchants, and visitors.

• at the coming in at the doors (בְּמָבוֹא פְתָחִים, bəmāḇôʾ p̄əṯāḥîm): This phrase ("entrance of the openings") expands the scope to include general passages and pathways within the city, even suggesting the approaches to private dwellings. It emphasizes that Wisdom's call penetrates every layer of daily life, extending beyond just the major public squares.

• at the outgoing of the gates (עַל־פִּי פָרַק בָּתִים, ʿal-pî pāraḳ bāttîm): (Based on KJV translation). Literally, "at the mouth of the dividing/outgoing of houses." This refers to the thoroughfares or crossroads where one passes from residential areas into more public zones, or leaves the city. It stresses the pervasive and comprehensive nature of Wisdom’s appeal, ensuring that no one, whether entering, moving within, or departing the city, can avoid her insistent call.

• she uttereth her words (תְּדַבֵּר אֲמָרֶיהָ, təḏabbēr ʾămārehā): To speak forth her sayings or declarations. This is not merely a loud noise but an articulate, intentional message, implying clear instruction, teaching, and advice that can be understood and acted upon. It highlights the content and substance of her proclamation.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, at the outgoing of the gates": The cumulative effect of these spatial descriptions emphasizes the complete ubiquity and omnipresence of Wisdom's call. She is present wherever human life and activity unfold, making her message universally available and inescapable for all who move through society.
  • "she crieth aloud...she uttereth her words": This parallelism portrays Wisdom's communication as both urgent and clear. She demands attention through a loud call and then conveys substantive instruction through articulate words, ensuring her message is both heard and understood. This sharply contrasts with the deceptive, hidden nature of Folly.

Proverbs 8 3 Bonus section

• Anthropomorphism and Divinity: While personified, Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 8, particularly given her role in creation and association with God (vv. 22-31), strongly points toward a pre-existent divine figure. This has led Christian theology to identify Christ with this personified Wisdom, revealing Him as central to both creation and redemption.
• Contrast with Folly: The public and bold proclamation of Wisdom in Proverb 8:3 is a deliberate foil to Folly, who is often depicted as operating in darkness, with seductive whispers and hidden traps (e.g., Prov 7:7-10). Wisdom's call is transparent, open, and stands against all forms of deceit and secret cults promising salvation through hidden knowledge.
• The Ancient Near Eastern Context: The depiction of the city gate as a hub for justice and commerce makes it clear that Wisdom’s message is directly relevant to daily ethical and moral choices, impacting every sphere of human existence. It’s not just philosophical thought, but practical guidance for life in the world.
• Continual Divine Appeal: The perpetual imagery of Wisdom calling out suggests God's ongoing and enduring invitation to humanity across generations. This is not a historical one-time event but a continuous divine overture for people to choose life and wisdom.

Proverbs 8 3 Commentary

Proverbs 8:3 offers a profound image of Lady Wisdom as a divine evangelist, not passively waiting for seekers, but actively pursuing humanity. The description of her calling out at the city gates, entrances, and exits profoundly illustrates the universal and accessible nature of divine truth. In these central public spheres, Wisdom boldly declares her life-giving message to everyone without distinction. Her loud proclamation (cries aloud) combined with articulate speech (utters her words) underscores both the urgency and clarity of her message.

Theologically, this passage prefigures and resonates with the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the very Wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24, 30). Just as Wisdom made her voice heard in the most frequented public spaces, Jesus ministered openly, proclaiming the Kingdom of God (Matt 4:23) and inviting all who labor and are heavy laden to come to Him for rest and life (Matt 11:28). This constant, open invitation demonstrates that God's truth is not esoteric or confined to a select few; it is freely revealed and persistently offered to all people. Thus, a refusal to heed Wisdom's call cannot be excused by ignorance but represents a deliberate choice against truth and life.