Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 9:14
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
This word means a city or town, a place where people live and work together. It is used to describe various cities in the Bible, including Jerusalem. The KJV translates it as 'city'.
Definition: city, town
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: city. See also: Job 29:7; Proverbs 9:3; Proverbs 8:3.
Context — The Way of Folly
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Proverbs 9:3 |
She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. |
| 2 |
Proverbs 7:10–12 |
Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart. She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home. Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner. |
Proverbs 9:14 Summary
The woman in this verse represents foolishness and sin, and she is sitting in a place where she can easily tempt people. This means that sin and foolishness are always present and waiting to influence us, just like the devil is always looking for ways to tempt us, as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8-9. We need to be careful and wise, like it says in Proverbs 8:1-36, and seek God's guidance to avoid the temptations of Folly. By being aware of the potential for sin and foolishness, we can take steps to protect ourselves and seek a closer relationship with God, as encouraged in James 1:5-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the woman sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city?
This means that the woman, symbolizing Folly, is strategically positioned to influence and attract people, much like the temptation of sin is always present and accessible, as seen in Genesis 3:6 and 1 John 2:16.
Why is the woman's house located in the heights of the city?
The location of her house in the heights of the city may symbolize a place of prominence and visibility, allowing her to easily interact with many people, similar to how the devil seeks to exalt himself above God, as mentioned in Isaiah 14:13-14.
What can we learn from the fact that Folly is personified as a woman in this verse?
The personification of Folly as a woman may indicate that sin and foolishness can be appealing and tempting, much like the deceitful charm of the serpent in Genesis 3:1-6, and that we must be cautious and discerning, as warned in 1 Peter 5:8-9.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse serves as a reminder to be mindful of the influences and temptations that surround us, and to seek wisdom and discernment, as encouraged in Proverbs 8:1-36 and James 1:5-8, in order to avoid the consequences of foolishness and sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that Folly and sin may be 'sitting at the door' of my life, waiting to tempt me?
- How can I position myself to resist the temptations of Folly and instead seek wisdom and discernment?
- What are some 'high places' in my life where I may be particularly vulnerable to the influence of Folly, and how can I guard myself in those areas?
- In what ways can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 9:14 to my relationships and interactions with others, and how can I help others to avoid the temptations of Folly?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:14
For she sitteth at the door of her house, e.] Idle and inactive, looking out for her prey not active and laborious, as Wisdom, building her house, killing her beasts, furnishing her table, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:14
For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city - even as Wisdom cries "in the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:14
Which notes her idleness and impudence, and diligence in watching for occasions of sin.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:14
Proverbs 9:14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,Ver. 14. For she sitteth at the door.] In a harlot’ s habit, to see and be seen; the guise and garb of harlots. Cicero wittily compareth the Greek tongue to an ambitious strumpet, quae multo luxu superfluat, which overlasheth in too much bravery; but the Latin tongue to an honest and modest matron, cui nihil deest quod ad honestum pertineat mundiciem, that wants nothing pertaining to a necessary neatness. Such a like comparison between wisdom and folly is here made by Solomon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:14
(14) She sitteth at the door of her house.—She does not care, like Wisdom, to send forth her maidens “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10); she contents herself with sitting at ease, just outside her own door, and calling to the passers-by.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:14
Verse 14. For she sitteth at the door of her house] Her conduct here marks at once her folly, impudence, and poverty. See above on Proverbs 7:6, &c., where the reader will find a similar character.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:14
Proverbs 9:13-18. The Introduction, or first main division of the Book, ends with the contrasted picture of Folly. She too has her house, at the door of which she sits (Proverbs 9:14); she too, though the charm of secrecy is added to her enticements (Proverbs 9:17), is seen flaunting shamelessly, in the high places of the city (Proverbs 9:14), and bruits abroad her noisy invitation, not only to attract the vicious (Proverbs 9:16), but to beguile, if it may be, the passers by who are going right on their way (Proverbs 9:15).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 9:14
Contrast with Proverbs 9:1, etc. The foolish woman has her house, but it is no stately palace with seven pillars, like the home of Wisdom.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:14
PICTURE OF WISDOM’S — THE HARLOT, Proverbs 9:13-18. The foolish woman of this passage is vividly drawn in contrast with the hhokmah, Wisdom, and may be taken as the type or incarnation of carnal