Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי
Blessed
H835
אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי
Blessed
Strong's:
H835
Word #:
1 of 12
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
אָדָם֮
is the man
H120
אָדָם֮
is the man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 12
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
שֹׁמֵ֪עַֽ֫
that heareth
H8085
שֹׁמֵ֪עַֽ֫
that heareth
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לִשְׁקֹ֣ד
me watching
H8245
לִשְׁקֹ֣ד
me watching
Strong's:
H8245
Word #:
5 of 12
to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דַּ֭לְתֹתַי
at my gates
H1817
דַּ֭לְתֹתַי
at my gates
Strong's:
H1817
Word #:
7 of 12
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
י֑וֹם
daily
H3117
י֑וֹם
daily
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
י֑וֹם
daily
H3117
י֑וֹם
daily
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר
waiting
H8104
לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר
waiting
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Matthew 7:24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:Proverbs 3:13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.Acts 2:42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.Luke 10:39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.Psalms 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.Psalms 84:10For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.Proverbs 3:18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.Proverbs 1:21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Historical Context
Ancient students literally waited at teachers' doors for instruction. Rabbinical tradition describes disciples serving masters, learning through observation and questioning. Jesus' disciples similarly followed Him constantly, watching and listening. Paul instructed Timothy to 'give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine' (1 Timothy 4:13). Wisdom requires devoted attention, not casual interest.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you positioning yourself daily to receive wisdom's instruction?
- What 'gates and doorposts' of wisdom should you be watching more vigilantly?
- How would your day change if you approached God's Word like eager student waiting at teacher's door?
Analysis & Commentary
Blessed is the one who listens to wisdom, watching daily at her gates, waiting at her doorposts. The Hebrew 'ashrey' (blessed/happy), 'shaqad' (watch/wake early), and 'shamar' (watch/keep) describe vigilant attentiveness. Daily watching at gates/doors portrays eager student awaiting teacher, servant awaiting master. Blessing comes to those who prioritize wisdom above all, positioning themselves to receive her first and constantly.