Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This saying appears amid Solomon's proverbs on speech, wealth, and security, drawing a sharp contrast in the next verse between trusting God and trusting riches as a "strong city."
What Does Proverbs 18:10 Mean?
Proverbs 18:10 declares that the very name of the LORD is a fortified tower where the righteous find safety. In the ancient world, a strong tower was the most secure place in a city -- a high, defended stronghold people fled to when enemies attacked. The proverb takes that image and applies it to God Himself, specifically to His "name," which in Scripture stands for His revealed character, His authority, and His presence.
To "run into" this tower is an act of trust expressed in motion -- not a casual stroll but the urgent flight of someone seeking refuge. The righteous do not rely on their own walls and weapons; they run to God and there are "safe," literally set on high, lifted above the reach of harm. The verse pairs a beautiful promise with a quiet condition: it is "the righteous" who run, those who already walk in covenant trust and turn instinctively toward God in danger. This is the difference between knowing about a refuge and actually fleeing to it. The proverb invites every reader to make God their first resort rather than their last, calling on His name in fear, temptation, and trouble.
In the Original Language
The "name" is "shem," standing for God's revealed character. "Strong tower" is "migdal-'oz," a fortified height, and "is safe" renders "nisgav," meaning to be set high and out of reach.
Cross References
Application
When fear or trouble strikes, make God your first refuge -- call on His name and act on your trust by running to Him rather than to lesser securities.