Proverbs 8:34
Proverbs 8:34 in Multiple Translations
Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
Blessed is the man that heareth me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.
Happy is the man who gives ear to me, watching at my doors day by day, keeping his place by the pillars of my house.
Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me every day at my doors, waiting at my entrance way.
For he that findeth me, findeth life, and shall obteine fauour of the Lord.
O the happiness of the man hearkening to me, To watch at my doors day by day, To watch at the door-posts of my entrance.
Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors.
I am pleased with those who listen to me, those who are outside my house every day, waiting for me to come out.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:34
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 8:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי
אָדָם֮
שֹׁמֵ֪עַֽ֫
לִ֥/י
לִ/שְׁקֹ֣ד
עַל
דַּ֭לְתֹתַ/י
י֤וֹם
י֑וֹם
לִ֝/שְׁמֹ֗ר
מְזוּזֹ֥ת
פְּתָחָֽ/י
אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי
ʼesher
H835
blessed
N-mp
אָדָם֮
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
שֹׁמֵ֪עַֽ֫
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
לִ֥/י
Prep | Suff
לִ/שְׁקֹ֣ד
shâqad
H8245
to watch
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דַּ֭לְתֹתַ/י
deleth
H1817
door
N-fp | Suff
י֤וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
י֑וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
לִ֝/שְׁמֹ֗ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מְזוּזֹ֥ת
mᵉzûwzâh
H4201
doorpost
N-fp
פְּתָחָֽ/י
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 8:34
אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי
ʼesher
H835
"blessed"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means happiness or blessedness, often used to express how happy someone is. It appears in the Bible as an interjection, similar to 'how happy!' In the KJV, it is translated as 'blessed' or 'happy'.
Definition: 1) happiness, blessedness 1a) often used as interjection 1b) blessed are
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blessed, happy. See also: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 119:2; Psalms 1:1.
אָדָם֮
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
שֹׁמֵ֪עַֽ֫
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לִ֥/י
""
Prep | Suff
לִ/שְׁקֹ֣ד
shâqad
H8245
"to watch"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Being watchful or alert is what this word means, often used to describe staying awake or vigilant. In the book of Psalms, it is used to describe God watching over his people. It implies a sense of careful attention or surveillance.
Definition: 1) to wake, watch, awake, be alert 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep watch of, be wakeful over 1a2) to be wakeful, wake (as mourner or sufferer)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: hasten, remain, wake, watch (for). See also: Ezra 8:29; Isaiah 29:20; Psalms 102:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דַּ֭לְתֹתַ/י
deleth
H1817
"door"
N-fp | Suff
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
י֤וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
י֑וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
לִ֝/שְׁמֹ֗ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מְזוּזֹ֥ת
mᵉzûwzâh
H4201
"doorpost"
N-fp
A doorpost is the vertical post on either side of a door, and in biblical times, it was a prominent feature of a house. The Hebrew word for doorpost is mezuzah.
Definition: doorpost, gatepost
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (door, side) post. See also: Exodus 12:7; 1 Kings 6:31; Proverbs 8:34.
פְּתָחָֽ/י
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-mp | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:34
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
32Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
33Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.
34Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.
35For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. 36But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 11:28 | But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” |
| 2 | Matthew 7:24 | Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:13 | Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, |
| 4 | Luke 10:39 | She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. |
| 5 | Acts 2:42 | They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. |
| 6 | Psalms 27:4 | One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. |
| 7 | Acts 17:11–12 | Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men. |
| 8 | Psalms 84:10 | For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. |
| 9 | Proverbs 2:3–4 | if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, |
| 10 | Proverbs 3:18 | She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. |
Proverbs 8:34 Summary
[Proverbs 8:34 is saying that we are blessed when we listen to and obey God's Wisdom, which is like a person calling out to us and guiding us. This means we need to pay attention to God's instructions and trust in Him, like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6. When we do this, we will find life and favor with the Lord, as promised in Proverbs 8:35, and we will be able to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'listen' to Wisdom in Proverbs 8:34?
To listen to Wisdom means to pay attention to and obey God's instructions, as seen in Proverbs 8:32-33, and to trust in Him, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Who is the 'me' referred to in Proverbs 8:34?
The 'me' in Proverbs 8:34 is Wisdom, who is personified as a woman calling out to people to follow her ways, as seen in Proverbs 8:1-3, and is later revealed to be Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:24 and 1 Corinthians 1:30.
What are the 'doors' and 'doorway' in Proverbs 8:34?
The 'doors' and 'doorway' in Proverbs 8:34 are symbolic of the entrance to Wisdom's house, where one can find life and favor with the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 8:35, and can be compared to the 'narrow gate' in Matthew 7:13-14.
How can we apply Proverbs 8:34 to our daily lives?
We can apply Proverbs 8:34 to our daily lives by seeking Wisdom and obeying God's instructions, as seen in James 1:5-8, and by trusting in Him and waiting on Him, as stated in Psalm 27:14 and Isaiah 40:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'listen' to Wisdom and obey God's instructions in my daily life?
- How can I prioritize seeking Wisdom and waiting on God in my busy schedule?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's Wisdom and guidance, rather than my own understanding?
- How can I be more intentional about seeking life and favor with the Lord, as promised in Proverbs 8:35?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:34
Blessed [is] the man that heareth me,.... Christ in his Gospel, as speaking by his ministers; for hearing them is hearing him, Lu 10:16; they have their commission from him; are his ambassadors, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
As servants, and clients, and others wait at the doors of princes or persons of eminency for place, or power, or wisdom, that they may be admitted to speak or converse with them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
Proverbs 8:34 Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.Ver. 34. Waiting at the posts of my doors.] At the schools and synagogues, say the Hebrews, where men should come in with the first, and go forth with the last, as doorkeepers do, which was the office that David desired.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
(34) Watching daily at my gates.—A figure taken from an ardent scholar waiting till the doors of the school are opened, and he can begin his studies. Or it represents a courtier expecting the appearance of his sovereign, or a lover that of his mistress. (Comp. Wis 8:2.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
Verse 34. Watching daily at my gates] Wisdom is represented as having a school for the instruction of men; and seems to point out some of the most forward of her scholars coming, through their intense desire to learn, even before the gates were opened, and waiting there for admission, that they might hear every word that was uttered, and not lose one accent of the heavenly teaching. Blessed are such.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:34
The image is suggested probably by the Levites who guarded the doors of the sanctuary Psalms 134:1; Psalms 135:2. Not less blessed than theirs is the lot of those who wait upon Wisdom in the temple not made with hands.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:34
34. My gates — Wisdom is now represented as in her temple, while her votaries, on whom she pronounces blessings, wait and watch for the opening of her gates, that they may meet her and secure her instructions.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Poor in Spirit Possess God's Kingdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being poor in spirit, highlighting how true holiness comes with brokenness and humility. It contrasts legalism with genuine compassion and |
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Fellowship in the Light by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true obedience to God's Word, highlighting the need to address sin by its worst name to achieve victory over it. It delves into the concept |
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2) Become Like a Child to Get Wisdom (Kannada) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being like little children before God, highlighting the need for humility, dependence, and seeking wisdom from God for both spiritual and e |
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Listen to Wisdom by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of listening to the wisdom of God found in the Scriptures, highlighting the blessings that come to those who diligently seek and listen to wi |
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The Importance of Daily Living by C.A. Coates | C.A. Coates preaches on the importance of daily spiritual disciplines, emphasizing the need for Christians to not only listen to the Word but also search the Scriptures daily to in |
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Wisdom's Gate by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of waiting upon the Unlimited Power and Spirit of the Lord, emphasizing the baptism into one Body. He urges the congregation to wait upon t |
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Doing Something About It by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of being in church and attending Bible conferences. He acknowledges the importance of fun, humor, and relaxation, but warns a |