Proverbs 18:10
What does Proverbs 18:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 18:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 18:10 means
Proverbs 18:10 declares that the name of Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God, serves as an impenetrable fortress. This imagery of a "strong tower" conveys absolute security and unshakeable refuge. For those who are righteous—meaning those who live in right relationship with God by faith—this divine name is a place of immediate and certain safety. The act of "running into it" signifies a conscious and trusting reliance on God Himself, particularly in times of trouble or danger. It highlights God's attributes of power, protection, and faithfulness as an ever-present source of deliverance for His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A tower of strength <FI>is<Fi> the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the just runneth to it, and shall be exalted.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Context
This verse fits within Proverbs 18, a chapter that largely contrasts the wise and the foolish, and explores principles of speech, relationships, and trust. Immediately preceding verses discuss folly, pride, and strife, setting up a need for a reliable refuge. Following verses continue to address themes of integrity, dispute resolution, and the power of words, contrasting human efforts and failings with divine strength. Proverbs 18:10 therefore serves as a central declaration of where true security lies amidst the complexities and perils of human existence and interaction that fill the surrounding passages.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 23:6
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.
- 1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in Jehovah his God.
- Genesis 32:11
Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he come and smite me, the mother with the children.
- Psalms 91:14
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
- 2 Samuel 22:3
God, my rock, in him will I take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge; My saviour, thou savest me from violence.
- Genesis 32:28
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
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