Proverbs 18:10

KJV

¶ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

KJV (with Strong's)

The name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} is a strong {H5797} tower {H4026}: the righteous {H6662} runneth {H7323} into it, and is safe {H7682}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The name of ADONAI is a strong tower; a righteous person runs to it and is raised high [above danger].

Berean Standard Bible

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

American Standard Version

The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 18:10 presents a profound metaphor for divine security, declaring that the very essence and character of God, encapsulated in "the name of the LORD," serve as an impregnable fortress. It asserts that those who live righteously, recognizing their need for refuge, actively seek and find ultimate safety within this divine sanctuary, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness as the ultimate source of protection and peace in a tumultuous world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 18 falls within the larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10-22:16), which primarily consists of two-line aphorisms offering practical wisdom for daily living, often contrasting the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. Immediately preceding Proverbs 18:10, verses 1-9 discuss themes of isolation versus community, the danger of foolish speech, and the consequences of laziness. Verse 9, for instance, speaks of the one who is slack in his work being a brother to him who destroys, setting a contrast between diligence and destruction. Proverbs 18:10 then pivots to a spiritual truth, offering a foundational principle of security that undergirds all other wisdom. It stands as a powerful, standalone declaration, yet it subtly reinforces the broader Proverbial call to wisdom and righteous living as the path to a flourishing life, emphasizing that true security is found not in human effort alone, but in divine relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, fortified towers were essential structures for defense, especially in times of war or invasion. Cities and even individual landholdings often had watchtowers or strongholds (Hebrew: _migdal_) designed to provide a secure refuge against enemies, raiders, or wild animals. These towers were built with thick walls, often on elevated ground, making them difficult to assault. They symbolized strength, protection, and a place of last resort where one could find safety when all else failed. The imagery of "running into it" would have resonated deeply with people who understood the urgency and necessity of seeking such physical refuge in times of danger. This cultural understanding of a tower as an ultimate sanctuary provides the vivid backdrop for the spiritual metaphor, making God's protective character immediately comprehensible and deeply reassuring to the original audience.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 18:10 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, presenting God not merely as a distant deity but as an active, accessible refuge for His people. This concept of God as a fortress or stronghold is a recurring motif, seen in passages like [Psalm 91:2](/psalm/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God My Refuge and My Fortress") and [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Is Our Refuge and Strength"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Significance of God's Name**. In biblical thought, the "name" of God (Hebrew: _shem YHWH_) is far more than a mere label; it embodies His entire revealed character, His attributes, His authority, and His very presence. To trust in His name is to trust in who He is—His power, faithfulness, justice, and love—as the source of ultimate security, a theme echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Name of the Lord"). Finally, it emphasizes the **Role of the Righteous**. The proverb specifies that "the righteous runneth into it," implying an active, intentional turning to God in times of need. This aligns with the Proverbial emphasis on wisdom and righteousness as the path to life and blessing, contrasting with the folly and peril of the wicked. The righteous are those who seek to live in alignment with God's will and who understand that true safety and flourishing come from reliance on Him, as further developed in [Proverbs 10](/proverbs/10 "Proverbs 10 - Contrasts of Wisdom and Folly").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** H8034, from a primitive word suggesting definite and conspicuous position; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character. In this context, "name" signifies not just a title, but the full revelation of God's character, attributes, and authority. To run into His "name" is to trust in His very being and all that He is.
* **Tower (Hebrew, _migdâl'_):** H4026, from גָּדַל (gâdal), meaning to be great; a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers. Here, it refers to a fortified structure, a stronghold, emphasizing immense strength, height, and inaccessibility to enemies, serving as a secure refuge.
* **Safe (Hebrew, _sâgab'_):** H7682, a primitive root meaning to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively. This word denotes being placed on high, beyond reach, exalted to a place of security and protection, implying complete invulnerability and deliverance from danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The name of the LORD is a strong tower:"** This clause establishes the central metaphor. "The name of the LORD" (YHWH) refers to God's revealed character, His very essence, His attributes of power, faithfulness, and holiness. It's not merely a label but the full manifestation of His divine Person. This divine character is likened to a "strong tower"—a fortified, impregnable structure that provides ultimate security and defense against all threats. The strength of the tower signifies God's absolute power and unwavering ability to protect.
* **"the righteous runneth into it,"** This phrase describes the active response required from humanity. "The righteous" refers to those who are in right standing with God, who seek to live according to His will, and who recognize their need for divine protection. The verb "runneth" (Hebrew: _rûwts_) implies urgency, swiftness, and intentionality. It's not a passive waiting but a deliberate, decisive action of seeking refuge and placing one's trust entirely in God.
* **"and is safe."** This final clause declares the certain outcome of seeking refuge in God. The word "safe" (Hebrew: _sâgab_) means to be set on high, to be inaccessible, to be exalted beyond the reach of harm. It signifies complete security, protection, and deliverance from danger. The promise is absolute: those who actively trust in the character and power of the LORD will find ultimate and unassailable security.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:10 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing **Metaphor**. The statement "The name of the LORD is a strong tower" directly equates an abstract concept (God's character/name) with a concrete, tangible object (a fortified tower) to convey a profound spiritual truth. This metaphor vividly illustrates God's protective nature, drawing on the ancient understanding of a tower as an ultimate place of refuge and defense. The imagery evokes feelings of security, strength, and inaccessibility to harm. Furthermore, the verse uses **Personification** by attributing the action of "running into" a "name," implying that God's character is not merely an abstract concept but a dynamic, accessible reality that provides shelter. The stark **Contrast** between the vulnerability of the righteous in a dangerous world and the absolute security found in God's presence is powerfully implied, underscoring the wisdom of seeking divine refuge. The concise, two-part structure of the proverb also demonstrates **Parallelism**, where the first clause establishes the divine provision and the second describes the human response and its guaranteed outcome, creating a balanced and memorable aphorism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 18:10 articulates a foundational theological truth: God Himself is the ultimate source of security and refuge for His people. This concept transcends mere physical protection; it encompasses spiritual, emotional, and existential safety. The "name of the LORD" represents His revealed character, His covenant faithfulness, and His omnipotent power—all of which are unassailable. To "run into it" is an act of profound faith and surrender, acknowledging human weakness and God's absolute strength. This proverb assures believers that in a world fraught with danger, uncertainty, and spiritual warfare, their ultimate sanctuary is found not in human strength, material possessions, or worldly strategies, but in the very being of the Eternal God. It invites a life of active reliance and trust, promising an unshakeable peace that flows from His presence.
* [Psalm 91:2](/psalm/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God My Refuge and My Fortress")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Name of the Lord")
* [Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is Good, a Stronghold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet, where anxieties abound and threats, both seen and unseen, loom large, Proverbs 18:10 offers an anchor for the soul. It calls us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate trust and security. Are we building our defenses on the shifting sands of personal achievement, financial stability, or human relationships, all of which are ultimately finite and fallible? Or are we actively "running" into the unshakeable fortress of God's character? This proverb is not an invitation to passive waiting but to urgent, intentional action. To "run into" the name of the LORD means to consciously, daily, and moment-by-moment place our faith, our fears, and our future into His capable hands. It means seeking Him in prayer, meditating on His attributes, aligning our lives with His righteous standards, and remembering His past faithfulness. When the storms of life rage, the righteous believer knows the path to safety: not to build a higher wall of self-reliance, but to flee into the divine sanctuary that is always open, always strong, and always sufficient. Here, in His presence, we find not just escape from danger, but profound peace and unwavering assurance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "threats" or anxieties in your life are you currently trying to manage or protect yourself from, and how might Proverbs 18:10 redirect your approach?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to "run into" the name of the LORD in your daily life? How can you make this an active, intentional habit?**
* **How does understanding "the name of the LORD" as His character and attributes deepen your trust in Him as your "strong tower"?**
* **In what ways does living "righteously" (as described in Proverbs) prepare or enable you to experience God's safety and protection more fully?**

### FAQ
**What does "the name of the LORD" truly represent in this proverb?**

Answer: In biblical thought, "the name of the LORD" (Hebrew: _shem YHWH_) is far more than a mere label or title. It encapsulates God's entire revealed character, His attributes, His authority, His power, His presence, and His very being. When the Bible speaks of the "name of the LORD," it refers to everything that God has revealed Himself to be—His faithfulness, holiness, omnipotence, love, justice, and mercy. Therefore, to run into "the name of the LORD" means to place one's complete trust and reliance on who God is in His entirety, seeking refuge in His unchangeable nature and His infinite capabilities. It signifies an appeal to His very essence as the ultimate source of security and protection, as seen in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Name of the Lord").

**Does "the righteous runneth into it" imply that only perfect people can find safety in God?**

Answer: No, the term "righteous" in Proverbs does not imply moral perfection, but rather a disposition of heart that seeks to live in alignment with God's will and acknowledges dependence on Him. It refers to those who are in right relationship with God, who strive to follow His ways, and who, when they fall short, turn back to Him for grace and forgiveness. The emphasis is on the active pursuit of God and reliance on His character, rather than on flawless human performance. It is the humble and dependent heart that "runs" to God, recognizing Him as the sole source of true safety and salvation, much like the psalmist who declares, "[The LORD is] my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust..." in [Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 18:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment and full revelation of "the name of the LORD." In Him, God's character, power, and saving presence are made manifest. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the "strong tower" into whom the righteous run for safety. When we "run into" the name of the LORD, we are running to Jesus, for there is "no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). He is the ultimate refuge, the secure fortress against sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus has provided the means for humanity to be declared righteous and to find an unshakeable sanctuary in God. The promise of safety is realized in our union with Christ, who is our life, our peace, and our eternal security. As the author of Hebrews reminds us, we have "fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")), and that hope is found supremely in Jesus, the one who has been given "the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - The Name Above All Names")). He is the living manifestation of God's protective love, the accessible stronghold for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 22:3

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: [he is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

Psalms 91:2

I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Psalms 144:2

My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and [he] in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

Psalms 61:3

For thou hast been a shelter for me, [and] a strong tower from the enemy.

Psalms 61:4

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?