She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
She crieth {H7442} at {H3027} the gates {H8179}, at the entry {H6310} of the city {H7176}, at the coming {H3996} in at the doors {H6607}.
by the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:
Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out:
Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud:
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Job 29:7
¶ When I went out to the gate through the city, [when] I prepared my seat in the street! -
Luke 14:21
So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. -
Luke 14:23
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled. -
Matthew 22:9
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. -
Acts 5:20
Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. -
John 18:20
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
Proverbs 8:3 is part of a profound chapter where Wisdom is personified as a woman, speaking directly to humanity. This verse emphasizes her public and accessible nature, contrasting sharply with the hidden and deceptive ways of Folly.
Context of Proverbs 8:3
In Proverbs chapter 8, Wisdom presents herself as a divine attribute, present with God at creation, and now calling out to humankind. Verses 1-3 set the scene, describing Wisdom's public proclamation. Unlike the whisperings of deceit or the secrets of hidden knowledge, Wisdom does not hide in obscure corners. Instead, she stands in the most public and frequented places of the ancient city, ensuring her message is heard by all. The "gates," "entry of the city," and "doors" were the central hubs of community life, commerce, and judicial proceedings, making them ideal places for a public address.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew verb for "crieth" is ranan (רָנַן). While it can mean to shout for joy or to sing aloud, in this context, it conveys a strong, clear, and public declaration. It implies a ringing cry, a distinct and unmistakable call that is meant to pierce through the noise of daily life and capture attention. This is not a subtle invitation but a bold and insistent summons, much like a town crier making an important announcement.
Related Scriptures
The open invitation of Wisdom can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's open invitation to all who thirst, as He Himself is the embodiment of divine wisdom and the Word made flesh (1 Corinthians 1:24). For further insight into the blessings of seeking wisdom, consider Proverbs 3:13-18.
Practical Application
Proverbs 8:3 reminds us that divine wisdom is not hidden away in a secret place, accessible only to a select few. It is openly proclaimed and readily available to all who are willing to listen and seek it. In a world full of competing voices and deceptive messages, this verse encourages us to actively seek out and embrace the clear, life-giving truth that Wisdom offers. It calls us to be attentive to God's Word and to seek His understanding in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that true wisdom leads to life and prosperity. Just as Wisdom cried out in the public square, God's truth is often found in plain sight for those who have ears to hear.