Proverbs 15:24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Original Language Analysis
אֹ֣רַח
The way
H734
אֹ֣רַח
The way
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
1 of 8
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
חַ֭יִּים
of life
H2416
חַ֭יִּים
of life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
2 of 8
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
לְמַ֣עְלָה
is above
H4605
לְמַ֣עְלָה
is above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
3 of 8
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
לְמַשְׂכִּ֑יל
to the wise
H7919
לְמַשְׂכִּ֑יל
to the wise
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
4 of 8
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
לְמַ֥עַן
H4616
לְמַ֥עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
Cross References
Psalms 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.Philippians 3:20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:Matthew 7:14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Proverbs 6:23For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:Proverbs 7:27Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.Proverbs 23:14Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.Proverbs 5:5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.Proverbs 2:18For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.Jeremiah 21:8And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology pictured Sheol beneath the earth, while life and blessing came from above. This proverb uses that framework to teach that wisdom's path ascends toward God and life, while folly's path descends toward death. The New Testament clarifies—Christ descended to the grave and ascended to heaven (Ephesians 4:8-10), making a way for believers to ascend with Him.
Questions for Reflection
- Is your life trajectory upward toward God and life, or downward toward death?
- What does it mean practically to set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2)?
- How does Christ as the way upward provide escape from the Sheol that awaits all who reject Him?
Analysis & Commentary
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. Orach chayyim lema'alah lemaskil (אֹרַח חַיִּים לְמַעְלָה לְמַשְׂכִּיל, the path of life upward for the wise). The wise walk an upward path toward life. Lema'an sur mishe'ol matah (לְמַעַן סוּר מִשְּׁאוֹל מָטָּה, in order to turn from Sheol below). This upward path's purpose: avoiding She'ol (שְׁאוֹל, grave, realm of death) below. The imagery is spatial but theological—the wise pursue life heavenward, escaping downward death. Jesus is the way upward (John 14:6), and believers are raised with Him (Colossians 3:1-2).