Proverbs 1:21
She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
Original Language Analysis
בְּרֹ֥אשׁ
in the chief place
H7218
בְּרֹ֥אשׁ
in the chief place
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
1 of 8
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הֹמִיּ֗וֹת
of concourse
H1993
הֹמִיּ֗וֹת
of concourse
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
2 of 8
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
תִּ֫קְרָ֥א
She crieth
H7121
תִּ֫קְרָ֥א
She crieth
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 8
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בְּפִתְחֵ֖י
in the openings
H6607
בְּפִתְחֵ֖י
in the openings
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
4 of 8
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
Cross References
Acts 5:20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.Proverbs 9:3She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,Matthew 10:27What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.Matthew 13:2And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern city gates served as courts, marketplaces, and public forums. Elders judged cases, merchants conducted business, and prophets proclaimed messages at gates. The 'chief place of concourse' (marketplace) was the commercial and social hub. Wisdom's crying in these locations emphasizes public accessibility—not confined to scholarly circles but available to all. This foreshadows gospel proclamation in public squares.
Questions for Reflection
- How does wisdom's public proclamation challenge the excuse that God's truth is hidden or inaccessible?
- What does wisdom's crying in marketplaces teach us about bringing biblical truth to secular public spaces?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom 'crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words.' This personification shows wisdom actively seeking hearers in public spaces—not hidden but proclaimed openly. The marketplace, city gates, and public squares host wisdom's appeal. This demonstrates accessibility—no one can claim ignorance because wisdom wasn't available. God's truth is public, not esoteric. Wisdom's public proclamation condemns those who reject her; they had opportunity to hear.