Proverbs 1:21
Proverbs 1:21 in Multiple Translations
in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech:
She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
She crieth in the chief place of concourse; At the entrance of the gates, In the city, she uttereth her words:
Her words are sounding in the meeting-places, and in the doorways of the town:
She cries out at busy corners; she explains her message at the town gates:
She calleth in the hye streete, among the prease in the entrings of the gates, and vttereth her wordes in the citie, saying,
At the head of the multitudes she calleth, In the openings of the gates, In the city her sayings she saith:
She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:
She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying ,
At the head of multitudes she crieth out, in the entrance of the gates of the city she uttereth her words, saying:
Wisdom calls out in noisy places, and at the entrances to cities.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 1:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/רֹ֥אשׁ
הֹמִיּ֗וֹת
תִּ֫קְרָ֥א
בְּ/פִתְחֵ֖י
שְׁעָרִ֥ים
בָּ/עִ֗יר
אֲמָרֶ֥י/הָ
תֹאמֵֽר
בְּ/רֹ֥אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
הֹמִיּ֗וֹת
hâmâh
H1993
to roar
V-Qal
תִּ֫קְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
בְּ/פִתְחֵ֖י
pethach
H6607
entrance
Prep | N-mp
שְׁעָרִ֥ים
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-mp
בָּ/עִ֗יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
אֲמָרֶ֥י/הָ
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp | Suff
תֹאמֵֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:21
בְּ/רֹ֥אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הֹמִיּ֗וֹת
hâmâh
H1993
"to roar"
V-Qal
To make a loud noise, like roaring or moaning, is what this Hebrew word means. It can also imply a state of turmoil or commotion, like in the book of Jeremiah where it describes a city in uproar.
Definition: 1) to murmur, growl, roar, cry aloud, mourn, rage, sound, make noise, tumult, be clamorous, be disquieted, be loud, be moved, be troubled, be in an uproar 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to growl 1a2) to murmur (fig. of a soul in prayer) 1a3) to roar 1a4) to be in a stir, be in a commotion 1a5) to be boisterous, be turbulent
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clamorous, concourse, cry aloud, be disquieted, loud, mourn, be moved, make a noise, rage, roar, sound, be troubled, make in tumult, tumultuous, be in an uproar. See also: 1 Kings 1:41; Song of Solomon 5:4; Psalms 39:7.
תִּ֫קְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בְּ/פִתְחֵ֖י
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
Prep | N-mp
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
שְׁעָרִ֥ים
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
בָּ/עִ֗יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֲמָרֶ֥י/הָ
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
תֹאמֵֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:21
Context — Wisdom Calls Aloud
19Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors.
20Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square;
21in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech:
22“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? 23If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 5:20 | “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 9:3 | She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. |
| 3 | Matthew 13:2 | Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore. |
| 4 | Matthew 10:27 | What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. |
| 5 | John 18:20 | “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. |
Proverbs 1:21 Summary
[This verse means that God's wisdom is available to us in the busiest and most public areas of our lives, if we will only take the time to listen. Wisdom is like a voice calling out to us, wanting to guide us and teach us, as seen in Proverbs 1:20. Just like in ancient times, where the city gates were a place of gathering and commerce, Wisdom wants to influence all areas of our lives, helping us to make good choices and live according to God's plan, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. By listening to Wisdom's cry, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's will for our lives and live in a way that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Wisdom to cry aloud in the main concourse and make her speech at the city gates?
This means that Wisdom is making her presence and message known in the busiest and most public areas of the city, where people are most likely to hear her, as seen in Proverbs 1:20 where Wisdom calls out in the street and lifts her voice in the square.
Is Wisdom a person or a concept in this verse?
In the book of Proverbs, Wisdom is often personified, meaning it is given human-like qualities, such as the ability to speak and cry out, as seen in Proverbs 1:21, but it ultimately refers to the wisdom that comes from God, as stated in Proverbs 2:6.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that God's wisdom is available to us in the midst of our busy lives, if we will only take the time to listen, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:23, where Wisdom promises to pour out her spirit on those who repent and seek knowledge.
What is the significance of the city gates in this verse?
In ancient times, the city gates were a place of gathering, commerce, and governance, so Wisdom's speech at the city gates represents her desire to influence all areas of life, as seen in other verses such as Deuteronomy 6:6-9, where God's commands are to be discussed at all times and in all places.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'main concourses' and 'city gates' in my own life where I need to hear Wisdom's cry?
- In what ways can I create space to listen to Wisdom's speech in the midst of my busy life?
- How can I distinguish between the voice of Wisdom and the voices of the world around me?
- What are the simple ways and scornful attitudes that I need to repent of, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:22, in order to hear Wisdom's voice more clearly?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:21
She crieth in the chief place of concourse,.... Where a multitude of people meet together; the Targum is, "on the top of palaces;'' but rather it is to be understood of the synagogues of the Jews,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:21
She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates - "the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:21
The chief place of concourse; where there is probability of most success. The opening of the gates; where magistrates sit in judgment, and people are assembled. So it crieth both to the wise and to the unwise, as Paul preached, . In the city; not only in the gate, but in every part of the city. Or, in the cities, the singular number being put for the plural.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:21
Proverbs 1:21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, [saying],Ver. 21. In the chief place of concourse.] Veritas non quaerit angulos. Christ, as his manner was, preached in the synagogues; Paul disputed in the market with whomsoever he met, and preached in the midst of Mars hill. And at Rome his "bonds in Christ were manifest in all Caesar’ s court, and in all other places."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:21
(21) Crieth.—She cannot bear to see sinners rushing madly on their doom. (Comp. Christ’s weeping over Jerusalem, Luke 19:41; and Romans 9:2, sqq; Philippians 3:18, sqq.)
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:21
21. in the chief place of concourse] Lit. at the head of the noisy places (turbarum, Vulg.). The expression head of the streets occurs Isaiah 51:20; Lamentations 2:19. Comp. at every head of the ways, Ezekiel 16:25; the place where the street branches off and so has its head or beginning. The LXX. (with a slightly different Heb. reading) ἐπʼ ? ἄκρωντειχέων, on the top of the walls. openings] Rather, entering in. Just within the gate of an oriental city was the principal square, or open space, where public business was transacted and courts were held. See, for example, 1 Kings 22:10; Rth 4:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:21
THE , , AND OF WISDOM, Proverbs 1:20-33. 20, 21. Having thus admonished his pupil of the dangers of yielding to the seducing invitations of rapacious and violent men, and shown him the wickedness,
Sermons on Proverbs 1:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 162 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being a place of fellowship, encouragement, growth, and building up. He highlights the seven things that God ha |
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The Major Ian Thomas Story-03 Biography by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's instructions and going where we are sent. He shares a story about a young crew member who hesitates to go out |
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Eric Holmberg Discusses Go Stand and Speak Documentary by Eric Holmberg | This sermon emphasizes the forgotten power of public proclamation of the Gospel, drawing inspiration from Acts 5:20 where the apostles are commanded to go, stand, and speak all the |
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The God Nobody Is Mad At by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in God despite our doubts. He describes Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and man, highlighting the sig |
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(Acts) Obeying God Rather Than Man by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of how certain activities and habits can dominate and waste our precious time. He gives examples such as excessive television watchi |
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Desert Survival Series Pt 13- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker discusses Moses' fourth excuse for not going to Pharaoh. The speaker shares a personal story about a friend who spent time in prison and found a message |
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The Son Declares the Father by W.E. Best | W.E. Best delves into the profound revelation of Jesus Christ claiming the incommunicable name 'I Amos,' signifying His unchangeable essence and everlasting duration as God, distin |