Proverbs 8:1
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
Original Language Analysis
הֲלֹֽא
H3808
הֲלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִקְרָ֑א
cry
H7121
תִקְרָ֑א
cry
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 6
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וּ֝תְבוּנָ֗ה
and understanding
H8394
וּ֝תְבוּנָ֗ה
and understanding
Strong's:
H8394
Word #:
4 of 6
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
Cross References
John 7:37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.Matthew 3:3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Historical Context
City gates and high places were public forums where legal proceedings, teaching, and commerce occurred. Wisdom's presence there shows it addresses all aspects of communal life.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you hear wisdom calling in your daily life and community?
- How do you respond when divine wisdom confronts you through Scripture or circumstance?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom personified calls publicly, demonstrating God's revelation is not hidden or obscure but proclaimed openly. The feminine personification may anticipate Christ as Wisdom incarnate (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30). Wisdom's public availability makes human rejection willful and culpable.