The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

PROVERBS 14:27KJV
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Proverbs 14:27 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 14:27 mean?

Proverbs 14:27 presents fear of the LORD as a source of life and protection. Here, “fear” points to an attitude of reverence toward the LORD, rather than simply being frightened. The proverb links that attitude with turning away from things that lead to death.

The verse uses two contrasting pictures. A fountain supplies fresh water, while snares are traps that catch animals. The proverb places a source that sustains life beside dangers that can take life away.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 14:27

  • “fear” — יִרְאָה (yir’ah): This word can mean fear or reverence. In this verse, it describes an attitude toward the LORD that the proverb associates with life.
  • “LORD” — יְהוָה (YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God. The capital letters in the KJV distinguish the name from the ordinary title “Lord.”
  • “snares” — מוֹקֵשׁ (moqesh): This word refers to a trap or snare. It gives the danger in the proverb the picture of something that catches its victim.

Why Proverbs 14:27 matters

  • The proverb joins two results in one image: the “fountain of life” also helps a person “depart from the snares of death.” Life is pictured as both something supplied and something preserved from danger.
  • The verse belongs among short sayings that contrast wise and destructive paths. Just before it, Proverbs 14:26 also speaks of “the fear of the LORD,” connecting that phrase with a place of safety.

Where else these words appear

“fountain” Hebrew H4726 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 12:7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
  • Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
  • Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

“snares” Hebrew H4170 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 10:7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?
  • 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;
  • Proverbs 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

“fear” Hebrew H3374 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
  • Psalms 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
  • Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.