Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
NIV · New International Version
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
WEB · World English Bible
The LORD’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.
What does Proverbs 18:10 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower,.... By "the name of the Lord" may be meant, either the attributes and perfections of God, by which he is made known, and which are the strength and security of his people; his goodness, grace, and mercy, are their defence; his favour encompasses them about, as a shield; his justice protects them from all injuries and insults; his truth and faithfulness preserve them; they are kept by his power, as in a garrison; and his unchangeableness is a reason why they are not consumed: or else the Lord himself; his name is put for himself, Psalm 20:1; and may be well interpreted of the Messiah, as it is by the ancient Jew, (q); in and by whom God is manifested…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 18:10
Here is, 1. God's sufficiency for the saints: His name is a strong tower for them, in which they may take rest when they are weary and take sanctuary when they are pursued, where they may be lifted up above their enemies and fortified against them. There is enough in God, and in the discoveries which he has made of himself to us, to make us easy at all times. The wealth laid up in this tower is enough to enrich them, to be a continual feast and a continuing treasure to them.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 18:7–13 (WEB)
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts. 9One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction. 10The LORD’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. 11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. 12Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility. 13He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
Cross references
- 2 Samuel 22:3
God is my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence.
- Isaiah 26:4
Trust in the LORD forever; for in the LORD, the LORD, is an everlasting Rock.
- Psalms 91:2
- Psalms 144:2
- Psalms 61:3–4
- Psalms 27:1
- Psalms 18:2
- Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me and be blameless.