Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְק֣וֹר
is a fountain
H4726
מְק֣וֹר
is a fountain
Strong's:
H4726
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);
חַיִּ֑ים
of life
H2416
חַיִּ֑ים
of life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
4 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Cross References
Proverbs 13:14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.Revelation 21:6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.Isaiah 33:6And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.Psalms 18:5The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.Proverbs 22:5Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Historical Context
Water imagery carried profound significance in ancient Near Eastern contexts where water scarcity made fountains precious. The metaphor appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 36:9, Jeremiah 2:13, John 4:14, Revelation 21:6). The fear of Yahweh as life-source contrasted sharply with pagan fertility cults that promised blessing through idolatry. Only covenant relationship with the living God provides true life.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced the fear of the LORD as a 'fountain of life' providing spiritual refreshment and vitality?
- What specific 'snares of death' has reverent fear of God enabled you to avoid or escape?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse returns to the foundational theme: 'The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.' The metaphor 'fountain of life' (meqor chayyim) presents the fear of Yahweh as an inexhaustible source of vitality, refreshment, and flourishing. In arid climates, a flowing fountain meant survival; spiritually, fearing God provides all needed for life. The purpose clause explains: this fountain enables departing from 'snares of death' (moqeshei mavet)—traps that lead to destruction. Fear of God provides both positive blessing (life) and negative protection (escape from death's snares). This echoes the Two Ways tradition: the way of life versus the way of death (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).