Proverbs 9:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Wisdom actively constructs a complete and stable dwelling, fully prepared to receive visitors.
The Context of Proverbs 9:1
Wisdom begins the chapter by inviting the simple to learn from her feast.
What Does Proverbs 9:1 Mean?
Wisdom is personified as a master builder, deliberately constructing a house with seven pillars—a number symbolizing completeness and strength in biblical imagery. The house represents not a physical structure but a place of refuge and instruction, intentionally designed for those who seek it.
The act of hewing out the pillars shows wisdom's careful, methodical work. Nothing is haphazard; everything is prepared beforehand. This image invites the reader to see wisdom as an active, generous force that has already made preparation for those willing to enter.
Proverbs 9:1 in the Original Language
banah (בָּנָה), 'builded' — to construct deliberately, to establish as a permanent dwelling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 9:1
What does Proverbs 9:1 mean?
Wisdom actively constructs a complete and stable dwelling, fully prepared to receive visitors.
What is the context of Proverbs 9:1?
Wisdom begins the chapter by inviting the simple to learn from her feast.