Proverbs 9:3
Proverbs 9:3 in Multiple Translations
She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city.
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
She hath sent forth her maidens; She crieth upon the highest places of the city:
She has sent out her women-servants; her voice goes out to the highest places of the town, saying,
She has sent out her servant girls with invitations. She calls out from the highest places of the town,
She hath sent forth her maydens and cryeth vpon the highest places of the citie, saying,
She hath sent forth her damsels, She crieth on the tops of the high places of the city:
She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city:
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
She hath sent her maids to invite to the tower, and to the walls of the city:
It is as though then she sent out her servant women to call out from the highest place in the town,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 9:3
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 9:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָֽׁלְחָ֣ה
נַעֲרֹתֶ֣י/הָ
תִקְרָ֑א
עַל
גַּ֝פֵּ֗י
מְרֹ֣מֵי
קָֽרֶת
שָֽׁלְחָ֣ה
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
נַעֲרֹתֶ֣י/הָ
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
N-fp | Suff
תִקְרָ֑א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גַּ֝פֵּ֗י
gaph
H1610
single/height
N-mp
מְרֹ֣מֵי
mârôwm
H4791
height
N-mp
קָֽרֶת
qereth
H7176
town
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 9:3
שָֽׁלְחָ֣ה
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
נַעֲרֹתֶ֣י/הָ
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
N-fp | Suff
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
תִקְרָ֑א
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.
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.
גַּ֝פֵּ֗י
gaph
H1610
"single/height"
N-mp
Gaph refers to the back or body of a person, or a high place. It is used in phrases like by himself or the highest places.
Definition: 1) body, self (only in phrase, eg by himself) 2) height, elevation
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] highest places, himself. See also: Exodus 21:3; Exodus 21:4; Proverbs 9:3.
מְרֹ֣מֵי
mârôwm
H4791
"height"
N-mp
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
קָֽרֶת
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 9:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 9:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 9:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 9:3
Context — The Way of Wisdom
1Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.
2She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
3She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city.
4“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. 5“Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 9:14 | She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city, |
| 2 | Proverbs 8:1–3 | Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: |
| 3 | Matthew 22:3–4 | He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ |
| 4 | Psalms 68:11 | The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it: |
| 5 | Proverbs 1:20–23 | Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech: “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? If 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. |
| 6 | Luke 11:49 | Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’ |
| 7 | Matthew 22:9 | Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’ |
| 8 | Luke 14:17 | When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 5:20–21 | Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. |
| 10 | 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 9:3 Summary
[Wisdom is inviting everyone to come and join her for a special meal, as we see in Proverbs 9:5, where she says, 'Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.' She is calling out from the highest points in the city, so everyone can hear her invitation. This is similar to when Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Wisdom wants us to come and learn from her, and to find rest and peace in her presence.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Wisdom sending out her maidservants in Proverbs 9:3?
This act symbolizes Wisdom's invitation to all people to come and partake in the feast she has prepared, as seen in Proverbs 9:5, where she says, 'Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.' This is reminiscent of the parable in Luke 14:16-24, where a master sends out his servants to invite guests to a banquet.
What does it mean for Wisdom to call out from the heights of the city?
This phrase indicates that Wisdom's invitation is publicly proclaimed and accessible to all, much like the prophets of old who would cry out to the people from the high places, as seen in Isaiah 40:9, where the prophet is instructed to 'lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”'
How does this verse relate to the concept of salvation?
The invitation of Wisdom in Proverbs 9:3 can be seen as a precursor to the gospel message, where Jesus Christ invites all people to come to Him, as stated in Matthew 11:28, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.'
What is the role of the maidservants in this verse?
The maidservants represent the messengers or servants of Wisdom, who are tasked with spreading the invitation to all people, much like the apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ, who were sent out to spread the gospel message, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs them to 'go and make disciples of all nations'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can respond to Wisdom's invitation in my own life?
- How can I be a messenger of Wisdom, inviting others to partake in the feast of spiritual nourishment?
- What are some 'high places' in my community where I can proclaim the message of Wisdom and salvation?
- In what ways can I prepare my own 'table' to receive and nurture others who are seeking Wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:3
She hath sent forth her maidens,.... Not moral virtues, or good works, which subserve the interest of Christ and religion, adorn the Gospel and its professors; nor the liberal arts and sciences, said
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:3
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city - literally, 'upon the pinnacles of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
Her maidens; her servants, to invite the guests; ministers of the word, whom he calls maidens, partly for the decency of the parable; for wisdom being compared to a great princess, was fit to be attended upon by maidens; and partly to show that God by his word did work sweetly, though strongly, and did allure and draw rather than drive sinners to repentance. Upon the highest places: either upon the tops of the houses, which were flat; or rather, from such high seats as those from which judges delivered their sentences, and officers made proclamations, for the conveniency of the people’ s better hearing.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
Proverbs 9:3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,Ver. 3. She hath sent forth her maidens.] So ministers are called - in prosecution of the allegory, for it is fit that this great lady should have suitable attendants - to teach them innocence, purity, and sedulity as maidens, keeping the word in sincerity, and not adulterating and corrupting it, as vintners oft do their wines, or hucksters their wares. Hence Isaiah also putteth the prophets and evangelists in the feminine gender, Mebashereth She crieth upon, &c.] She, together with her maids, crieth; she puts not off all the business to them, but hath a hand in it herself. We are workers together with God, saith Paul.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
(3) She hath sent forth her maidens.—Wisdom being here described under the figure of a woman, is properly represented as attended by her maidens, whom she sends forth to summon the guests. But the King (Matthew 22) despatches His servants for the same work, viz., His prophets and wise men and scribes (Matthew 23:34), whom from age to age He sends forth as His messengers. She crieth upon the highest places of the city—so that all may hear. (Comp. our Lord’s command to proclaim His message “upon the housetops,” Matthew 10:27).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
Verse 3. She hath sent forth her maidens] The wisdom of God has made use of the most proper means to communicate Divine knowledge to the inhabitants of the earth; as a good and gracious Creator wills to teach them whence they came, how they are supported, whither they are going, and for what end they were formed. It is a custom to the present day, in Asiatic countries, to send their invitations to guests by a company of females, preceded by eunuchs: they go to the doors of the invited, and deliver their message.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 9:3
Wisdom and the “foolish woman” Proverbs 9:13 speak from the same places and to the same class - the simple, undecided, wavering, standing at the diverging point of the two paths that lead to life or death.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:3
3. Sent forth her maidens — πςψϊιδ, her young women. Wisdom being personified as a woman, a queen, it is fitting that her attendants should also be women. She crieth — That is, by her maidens.
Sermons on Proverbs 9:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Fresh Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that people have reduced their spirituality to a minimum and are trying to get to heaven with minimal effort. He criticizes the materialistic |
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Wisdom's Cry by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with passion and love. He shares an encounter with an intellectual man who had theological quest |
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The Three Prayers (Part 3) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a scene of chickens and a rooster in a courtyard, which transitions to the sound of Frank Sinatra singing "Strangers in the Night." |
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The Voice of Eternal Wisdom by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of eternal wisdom, which he identifies as the voice of God calling humanity back from folly to righteousness. He explores the concept of wisd |
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The Speaking Voice by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the continuous speaking nature of God, asserting that God is inherently communicative and actively expressing Himself through creation and the Scriptures. He |
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The Lord in Perspective by Stuart Briscoe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the glory of the ascended Lord. The message of the Christian Gospel is that God sent his son to the depths and raised him up to the heights. |
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(The Spiritual Man) When God Comes by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker expresses their excitement for another opportunity to talk to the young people. They discuss the topic of the spiritual man and how it is a complex subj |