Proverbs 8:3
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
Original Language Analysis
לְיַד
at
H3027
לְיַד
at
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
1 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
לְפִי
at the entry
H6310
לְפִי
at the entry
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
מְב֖וֹא
at the coming
H3996
מְב֖וֹא
at the coming
Strong's:
H3996
Word #:
5 of 7
an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards
Historical Context
City gates served as ancient Israel's courthouse, marketplace, and town hall. Ruth's redemption was settled at the gate (Ruth 4), and Abraham purchased Sarah's burial plot there (Genesis 23). These were spaces of covenantal and legal significance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's wisdom speak to your professional, civic, and family decisions, not just 'spiritual' matters?
- In what areas of life have you compartmentalized faith from practical decision-making?
- How can the church better proclaim God's wisdom in the public square?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom cries 'at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.' Gates were where elders sat to judge disputes, conduct business, and make civic decisions. Wisdom addresses public, consequential matters—not private mysticism but practical righteousness affecting community life. This aligns with Reformed emphasis on the lordship of Christ over all spheres: family, church, commerce, and government. God's wisdom speaks to every dimension of human existence.