Proverbs 8:3
Proverbs 8:3 in Multiple Translations
Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out:
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud:
Where the roads go into the town her cry goes out, at the doorways her voice is loud:
Beside the gates of the town, right there at the entrance, she cries out:
She cryeth besides the gates before the citie at the entrie of the doores,
At the side of the gates, at the mouth of the city, The entrance of the openings, she crieth aloud,
Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors.
Beside the gates of the city, in the very doors she speaketh, saying:
Wisdom also stands at the city gates and shouts loudly,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:3
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 8:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/יַד
שְׁעָרִ֥ים
לְ/פִי
קָ֑רֶת
מְב֖וֹא
פְתָחִ֣ים
תָּרֹֽנָּה
לְ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
שְׁעָרִ֥ים
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-mp
לְ/פִי
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
קָ֑רֶת
qereth
H7176
town
N-fs
מְב֖וֹא
mâbôwʼ
H3996
entrance
N-ms
פְתָחִ֣ים
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-mp
תָּרֹֽנָּה
rânan
H7442
to overcome
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 8:3
לְ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
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.
לְ/פִי
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
קָ֑רֶת
qereth
H7176
"town"
N-fs
This word means a city or town, a place where people live and work together. It is used to describe various cities in the Bible, including Jerusalem. The KJV translates it as 'city'.
Definition: city, town
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: city. See also: Job 29:7; Proverbs 9:3; Proverbs 8:3.
מְב֖וֹא
mâbôwʼ
H3996
"entrance"
N-ms
This word means an entrance, or the act of entering, and can also refer to the west or sunset. It describes a place or action of coming in. The KJV translates it as entrance or entry.
Definition: 1) entrance, a coming in, entering 2) sunset 2a) sunset 2b) sunset, west Also means: me.vo.ah (מְבוֹאָה "entry" H3997)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: by which came, as cometh, in coming, as men enter into, entering, entrance into, entry, where goeth, going down, [phrase] westward. Compare H4126 (מוֹבָא). See also: Deuteronomy 11:30; Psalms 50:1; Psalms 104:19.
פְתָחִ֣ים
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
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.
תָּרֹֽנָּה
rânan
H7442
"to overcome"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew verb means to sing or shout for joy, often used to express praise or triumph, as seen in Psalm 98:4 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also mean to cry aloud in distress or to summon others. This word is used to describe a loud, vocal expression of emotion.
Definition: 1) to overcome 1a) (Hithpolel) to be overcome
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph. See also: Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 132:9; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:3
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
1Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice?
2On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand.
3Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out:
4“To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men. 5O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Acts 5:20 | “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” |
| 3 | Job 29:7 | When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square, |
| 4 | Luke 14:21–23 | The servant returned and reported all this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ ‘Sir,’ the servant replied, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. |
| 5 | Matthew 22:9 | Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’ |
Proverbs 8:3 Summary
Proverbs 8:3 tells us that wisdom cries out in public places, like the city gates, to share her importance and value with everyone. This means that wisdom is accessible to all people, and she wants to guide us in our daily decisions and actions, just like a wise friend or counselor, as seen in Proverbs 27:9. By listening to wisdom's cry, we can gain the understanding and discernment needed to navigate life's challenges, as mentioned in Proverbs 2:6, and make wise choices that honor God, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does wisdom cry out in public places?
Wisdom cries out in public places, as seen in Proverbs 8:3, because she wants to reach as many people as possible, just like a city crier would, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:20-21, to share her importance and value to all who will listen, including those who are simple and foolish, as mentioned in Proverbs 8:5.
What is the significance of the gates to the city in this verse?
The gates to the city, as mentioned in Proverbs 8:3, are a place of gathering, commerce, and judgment, similar to the city gate in Deuteronomy 21:19, and wisdom's cry here emphasizes her role in guiding our decisions and actions in these areas of life, as seen in Proverbs 24:7.
Is wisdom's cry limited to the city gates, or is it more universal?
While Proverbs 8:3 specifically mentions the city gates, wisdom's call is not limited to one location, as seen in Proverbs 8:1-2, where she calls out on the heights and at the crossroads, indicating her message is for all people, everywhere, as supported by Jeremiah 31:34, where God's law will be written on every heart.
How does wisdom's cry relate to our daily lives?
Wisdom's cry, as seen in Proverbs 8:3, serves as a reminder to seek wisdom in our daily decisions and actions, just as it is written in James 1:5, where we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, and as we listen to her cry, we can gain the understanding and discernment needed to navigate life's challenges, as mentioned in Proverbs 2:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'city gates' in my life where I need to hear wisdom's cry and make wise decisions?
- How can I position myself to hear wisdom's call in my daily life, and what are some potential distractions that might prevent me from listening?
- What are some areas in my life where I am currently being 'simple' or 'foolish', and how can I apply wisdom to these areas, as encouraged in Proverbs 8:5?
- In what ways can I be a messenger of wisdom, crying out to others in my own sphere of influence, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20, where we are called to make disciples of all nations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:3
She crieth at the gates,.... Of the temple, or of the city, where the courts of judicature were, and persons met on civil accounts; and where people were continually passing and repassing; at the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:3
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. She crieth at the gates (Hebrew, at the hand of the gates), at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:3
At the gates; the places of judgment, and of the confluence of people. At the entry of the city, to invite passengers at their first coming, and to conduct them to her house. At the coming in at the doors, to wit, of her house, as the harlot stood at her door to invite lovers:
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:3
Proverbs 8:3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.Ver. 3. At the entry of the city.] Heb., At the mouth; for as words go out of the mouth, so do men out of the city; only men go and come at their pleasure. Sed volat emissum semel irrevocabile verbum, - A word once uttered cannot be recalled. At the coming in at the doors.] Everywhere Christ offereth himself; hence ariseth this phrase, "My salvation is gone forth"; but to little purpose, through men’ s singular perverseness. Indeed if the Lord would set up a pulpit at the ale house door, they would hear more often; but since he doth not, they will run to hell as fast as they can; and if God cannot catch them, they care not, they will not return. Rod. Bain.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:3
Verse 3. She crieth at the gates] This might be well applied to the preaching of Jesus Christ and his apostles, and their faithful successors in the Christian ministry. He went to the temple, and proclaimed the righteousness of the Most High: he did the same in the synagogues, on the mountains, by the sea-side, in the villages, in the streets of the cities, and in private houses. His disciples followed his track: in the same way, and in the same spirit, they proclaimed the unsearchable riches of Christ. God's wisdom in the hearts of his true ministers directs them to go and to seek sinners. There are, it is true, temples, synagogues, churches, chapels, c. but hundreds of thousands never frequent them, and therefore do not hear the voice of truth: wisdom, therefore, must go to them, if she wishes them to receive her instructions. Hence the zealous ministers of Christ go still to the highways and hedges, to the mountains and plains, to the ships and the cottages, to persuade sinners to turn from the error of their ways, and accept that redemption which was procured by the sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:3
3. she crieth] The R.V. again preserves the order of the Heb., and puts the words she crieth aloud at the end of the verse. the gates] See Proverbs 1:21, note. Proverbs 8:4-5. The persons whom she addresses.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:3
2, 3. She standeth — Is stationed, like a person making a public proclamation, in the top of high places, by the way; or, on the top of eminences, by the way side, and in the places of the paths; or,
Sermons on Proverbs 8:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 127 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the significance of the Psalms, particularly Psalm 126, highlighting the allegorical interpretation of Solomon as a representation of Christ, the True Pea |
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(John) 18 - the Light Expressing by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure of the Gospel of John, dividing it into three main parts: the revelation of God as life to the world, the revelation of God as l |
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The Frankness of Jesus by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the frankness of Jesus, who spoke openly and boldly, never engaging in secretive or whispering conversations. He highlights that Jesus' life was an |
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(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Winckler! - Part 2 by Leonard Verduin | Leonard Verduin delves into the historical struggles faced by early Christians, 'heretics,' Waldensians, and Reformers in maintaining their faith and gatherings amidst opposition f |
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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 |