Proverbs 8:1 — Word Study
WLCהֲלֹֽא־ חָכְמָ֥ה תִקְרָ֑א וּ֝תְבוּנָ֗ה תִּתֵּ֥ן קוֹלָֽהּ׃
BSADoes notlôʼ [certainly not, by no means] ◂wisdomchokmâh [skill, prudence, or good judgment] call outqârâʼ▸ [cry, utter her voice] ◂and understandingtâbûwn [intelligence, insight, or discretion] raisenâthan▸ [put forth, give] her voiceqôwl [sound, utterance]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הֲלֹֽא־ | ¿ not | Particle, particle |
| חָכְמָ֥ה | wisdom | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| תִקְרָ֑א | does she call out | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| וּ֝תְבוּנָ֗ה | and understanding | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| תִּתֵּ֥ן | does she give forth? | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| קוֹלָֽהּ׃ | voice her | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? |
| KJV | Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? |
| ASV | Doth not wisdom cry, And understanding put forth her voice? |
| YLT | Doth not wisdom call? And understanding give forth her voice? |
| WEB | Doesn’t wisdom cry out? Doesn’t understanding raise her voice? |
| BBE | Is not wisdom crying out, and the voice of knowledge sounding? |
Translations agree on the essence of the verse, emphasizing the active call of wisdom and understanding.
The structure features a main clause followed by a conjunction and another main clause, highlighting the parallel actions of wisdom and understanding.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectחׇכְמָה
verbקָרָא
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 8:1
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Call of Wisdomgenerated
Proverbs 8:1 introduces a vivid personification of wisdom and understanding, which are depicted as actively calling out to people. This passage emphasizes the importance of heeding their call, as they stand at key places to attract attention. The surrounding verses further illustrate the role of wisdom in guiding and instructing humanity, inviting them to embrace knowledge and insight.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:20–21 | Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; |
| 2 | Proverbs 9:1–3 | Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. |
| 3 | Isaiah 49:1–6 | Listen to Me, O islands; pay attention, O distant peoples: The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me. |
| 4 | Isaiah 55:1–3 | “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! |
| 5 | Matthew 3:3 | This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 14 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חָכְמָ֥ה, chokh.mahgenerated
The noun חָכְמָה (chokmah) signifies wisdom and encompasses various forms of skill, including practical and ethical knowledge. It is derived from the root word חָכַם (chakam), which relates to being wise or skillful. In this verse, wisdom is personified, suggesting that it actively seeks to communicate and guide individuals.
Wisdom is often associated with the ability to make sound judgments and decisions, as seen throughout the book of Proverbs. The context here highlights its role as a teacher, calling out to those who will listen and encouraging them to pursue understanding.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we read the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses call out for תִקְרָ֑א and raise for תִּתֵּ֥ן.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of two main clauses, each with a subject and verb: חָכְמָ֥ה (wisdom) is the subject of the first clause with the verb תִקְרָ֑א (does she call out), while תְבוּנָ֗ה (understanding) is the subject of the second clause with the verb תִּתֵּ֥ן (does she give forth). This structure emphasizes the parallel actions of wisdom and understanding.
The arrangement of the Hebrew words places the subjects at the forefront, highlighting their significance in the context of the call to humanity.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word חָכְמָ֥ה is rendered as σοφίαν (sophian), which also means wisdom. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, maintaining the concept of skill and insight.
The Greek translation captures the essence of the Hebrew text, emphasizing the active role of wisdom as a guiding force.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 8:1 shows wisdom and understanding as active voices calling out to people. They are depicted as standing at important places, urging individuals to listen and gain insight. This verse highlights the significance of seeking wisdom and understanding in life.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that wisdom actively seeks to engage with people, inviting them to listen and learn.
Understanding complements wisdom, as both are personified and depicted as calling out to humanity.
Personification emphasizes the importance of wisdom as a guide and teacher, making its message more relatable.
We learn the importance of seeking knowledge and insight, and the need to be attentive to the guidance offered by wisdom.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek wisdom and understanding more actively?
- How can I be more receptive to the calls of wisdom in my daily decisions?
- What practical steps can I take to cultivate wisdom in my life?
- How can I encourage others to seek wisdom and understanding?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Bede comments on the call of wisdom, emphasizing the importance of heeding its message in contrast to following false teachings.
Does not wisdom cry out? etc. Has not the Lord spoken openly to the world? and has he spoken nothing in secret (John. XVII)? Why then, neglecting His Gospel, do the wretched rather flock to listen to heresy, or the seduction of vice,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 8 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 8:1 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleDoth not wisdom cry?.... Christ, who is the Wisdom of God; [See comments on Proverbs 1:20]; and which clearly appears from his subsistence with the Father, his eternal existence, and from many
Read John Gill on Proverbs 8 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryDoth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? Proverbs 8:1-36.-Wisdom herself openly cries in all places, inviting men to her (Proverbs 8:1-3).
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 8 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleCHAPTER 8 Wisdom’ s fame, call, and exhortation, . Her excellency, nature, and hatred of evil, . Her power, ; and love to the godly, . Her riches, ,19. Her eternity, . Her delight in the children of men, . An exhortation to true wisdom, ,33; and the blessedness of them that are truly wise, ,35. The fruits of sin, . It is a great question what this wisdom is, of which Solomon discourseth so largely and profoundly in this chapter. Some understand it of that attribute or perfection of the Divine nature which is called wisdom, whereby God perfectly knoweth all things, and maketh known to men what he judgeth necessary or expedient for them to know. Others understand it of the second person in…
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 8 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 8:1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?Ver. 1. Doth not wisdom cry?] And shall a harlot be sooner heard than she? Shall men prefer dross before gold, acorns before wheat, a swinesty before a sanctuary, dirty delights and sensual pleasures before peace that passeth all understanding, joy unspeakable and full of glory? Heathen stories tell how Hercules, when he was young, was courted by Virtue on the one hand, and Pleasure on the other; but Pleasure lost her sweet words upon him; he hearkened to Virtue rather. Shall not we to Wisdom? Put forth her voice.] In her ministers, who are criers by office, and must be earnest. See an instance in holy Bradford. "I…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 8 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersVIII. (n). Fourteenth Discourse:—The Praise of Wisdom (Proverbs 8) (1) Doth not wisdom cry?—See above on Proverbs 1:20. In contrast with the secret allurements of Vice under the cover of night, is here represented the open invitation of Wisdom. (Comp. John 18:20 : “I spake openly to the world . . . and in secret have I said nothing.”)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 8 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleCHAPTER VIII The fame and excellence of wisdom, and its manner of teaching, 1-4; the matter of its exhortations, 5-12; its influence among men, 13-21; its antiquity, 22-31; the blessedness of attending to its counsels, 32-35; the misery of those who do not, 36. NOTES ON CHAP. VIII. Verse 1. Doth not wisdom cry?] Here wisdom is again personified; but the prosopopoeia is carried on to a greater length than before, and with much more variety. It is represented in this chapter in a twofold point of view: 1. Wisdom, the power of judging rightly, implying the knowledge of Divine and human things. 2. As an attribute of God, particularly displayed in the various and astonishing works of creation.…
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 8 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and CollegesProverbs 8:1-3. The call of Wisdom. Comp. Proverbs 1:20-21.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 8 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleA companion picture to that in Prov. 7, and serving in some measure to generalize and idealize it.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 8 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice?
Doesn’t wisdom cry out? Doesn’t understanding raise her voice?
Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice?
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
Tyndale line
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
Doth not wisdom cry, And understanding put forth her voice?
Doth not wisdom cry, and understanding put forth her voice?
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
Doth not wisedome crie? and vnderstanding vtter her voyce?
Strictly literal
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding give forth her voice?
Doth not wisdom call? And understanding give forth her voice?
Does wisdom not call? And understanding give forth her voice?
Behold, wisdom calleth, and understanding sendeth forth her voice,
Does not Wisdom call out? Does not Understanding raise her voice?
From the Latin
Doth not wisdom cry aloud, and prudence put forth her voice?
Simplified
Isn't wisdom calling? Isn't understanding raising her voice?
Is not wisdom crying out, and the voice of knowledge sounding?
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads: הֲלֹֽא־ חָכְמָ֥ה תִקְרָ֑א וּ֝תְבוּנָ֗ה תִּתֵּ֥ן קוֹלָֽהּ׃. The Septuagint matches three of the six words, indicating some consistency between the two texts, though the word order differs.
הֲלֹֽא־ חָכְמָ֥ה תִקְרָ֑א וּ֝תְבוּנָ֗ה תִּתֵּ֥ן קוֹלָֽהּ׃
3 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 8:1
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part | Part — Particle · particleHTi/Tn
חָכְמָה (chokmah) means wisdom and encompasses various forms of skill, including in war and administration, as well as shrewdness and ethical prudence. It is built from the root word for wisdom, חָכַם (chakam). The term appears in contexts related to both practical and religious matters.
חָכְמָה n.f. wisdom
skill in war
wisdom, in administration
shrewdness, wisdom
wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
wisdom, ethical and religious
base
H2451 חָכְמָה wisdom . skill in war
. wisdom, in administration
. shrewdness, wisdom
. wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
. wisdom, ethical and religious
2451 chokmah khok-maw'
from 2449; wisdom (in a good sense):--skilful, wisdom,
wisely, wit.
see HEBREW for 02449
חׇכְמָה (chokh.mah) — wisdom.
1) wisdom
1a) skill (in war)
1b) wisdom (in administration)
1c) shrewdness, wisdom
1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)
1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wiz'-dum:
1. Linguistic
2. History
3. Religious Basis
4. Ideals
5. Teaching of Christ
6. Remainder of the New Testament
(1) James
(2) Paul
7. Hypostasis
LITERATURE
1. Linguistic:
In the Revised Version (British and American) the noun "wisdom" and its corresponding adjective and verb ("be wise," "act wisely," etc.) represent a variety of Hebrew words: bin (binah, and in the English Revised Version tebunah), sakhal (sekhel, sekhel), lebh (and in the English Revised Version labhabh), tushiyah (and in the English Revised Version Te`em, `ormah, piqqach. None of these, however, is of very frequent occurrence and by far the most common group is the verb chakham, with the adjective chakham, and the nouns chokhmah, chokhmoth, with something over 300 occurrences in the Old Testament (of which rather more than half are in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes). Cokhmah, accordingly, may be treated as the Hebrew…
The Hebrew word קָרָא (qara') is a primitive root meaning to call, proclaim, or read. It encompasses a range of actions including calling out, crying for help, reading aloud, and summoning. The word can also imply being called or named in various contexts. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
קָרָא 724 vb. call, proclaim, read
Qal
call, cry, utter a loud sound
call, cry
call unto some one
cry for help
proclaim
read aloud
read to oneself
summon
call = name
Niph.
reflex.
pass. be called
Pu. be called
base
H7121 קָרָא call, proclaim, read .. . call, cry, utter a loud sound
. call, cry
. . call unto some one
. cry for help
. proclaim
. . read aloud
. read to oneself
. summon
. call = name
. . reflex.
. pass. be called
. be called
7121 qara' kaw-raw'
a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea
of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly,
address by name, but used in a wide variety of
applications):--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 HEBREW for 07122
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call to.
: 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
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call by.
: call_by/name
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
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVqi3fs
תְּבוּנָה (tebunah) means understanding and encompasses intelligence, skill, and insight. It can refer to both the act of understanding and the faculty itself, as well as the object of knowledge. The term is personified as a teacher in some contexts.
תְּבוּנָה n.f. understanding
the act
the faculty
the object of knowledge
personified as teacher.
base
H8394 תְּבוּנָה understanding
8394 tabuwn taw-boon'
and (feminine) tbuwnah {teb-oo-naw'}; or towbunah
{to-boo-naw'}; from 995; intelligence; by implication, an
argument; by extension, caprice:--discretion, reason,
skilfulness, understanding, wisdom.
see HEBREW for 0995
תְּבוּנָה (ta.vu.nah) — understanding.
1) understanding, intelligence
1a) the act of understanding
1a1) skill
1b) the faculty of understanding
1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight
1c) the object of knowledge
1d) teacher (personification)
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Ncfsa
The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.
נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set
Qal 1917
give
Put, set
Make, constitute
Niph.
82be given
Be put, set
Hoph.
be given, bestowed
= be given to one for wife
be put upon
base
H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give
. Put, set
. Make, constitute
. . be given
. Be put, set
. . . be given, bestowed
. = be given to one for wife
. be put upon
5414 nathan naw-than'
a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of
application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,
assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,
hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +
cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X
without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),
grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),
(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,
occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X
pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send
(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,
strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,
turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)
God, yield.
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.
: give/deliver/send/produce
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend
1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate
1a3) to make, constitute
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned
1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up
1c2) to be put upon
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.
: put/set/apppoint
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVqi3fs
forth: "Forth," adverb (from "for"), signifies movement
(1) forward,
(2) out of,
(3) beyond a certain boundary.
In a few instances in the Old Testament it is the translation of the preposition `al, properly "above," "upon" (2Ki 11:15; 2Ch 23:14; Am 7:17 the King James Version), and of chuts, "without" (Ge 39:13; Jud 19:25). "Forth" is often used as an expletive of various verbs, as "break (forth)," "bring (forth)," "call (forth)," etc. In the Gospel of John it is the translation of exo, "without," as "Lazarus, come forth" (11:43; so 15:6; 19:4 the King James Version…
קוֹל (qol) primarily means 'voice' or 'sound,' encompassing various contexts such as music, noise, and even thunder. It can also denote lightness or frivolity. The word is built from a root meaning to call aloud and appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including a reference in Jeremiah 3:9.
ref
H6963a קוֹל sound, voice H6963b קֹל lightness, frivolity
6963 qowl kole
or qol {kole}; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a
voice or sound:--+ aloud, bleating, crackling, cry (+ out),
fame, lightness, lowing, noise, + hold peace, (pro-)claim,
proclamation, + sing, sound, + spark, thunder(-ing), voice, +
yell.
קוֹל (qol) — voice.
: voice/shout/loud
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קֹל (qol) — frivolity.
lightness, frivolity
קוֹל (qol) — voice: sound.
: sound/noise
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: thunder.
: thunder
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: message.
: message/proclaim
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: [sound of].
: [sound_of](THING)
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: listen.
: listen
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3fs