The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

PROVERBS 18:10KJV
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Proverbs 18:10 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 18:10 mean?

Proverbs 18:10 describes the LORD’s name as a strong tower, saying that righteous people run to it for safety and are protected. The verse uses the image of a sturdy, defensive tower to show that trusting in God’s character and reputation gives real security to those who do what is right.

This proverb is written by Solomon as part of a collection of wise sayings meant to teach practical and spiritual wisdom. The verse speaks to anyone seeking guidance, using everyday language and imagery from ancient city life, where towers were places of refuge during danger. The focus is on the safety found in God’s unchanging nature, not in physical strength or human defenses.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 18:10

  • "name" (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a name often stands for a person’s character or reputation. Here, “the name of the LORD” means God’s very nature and all He stands for, not just the word itself.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is God’s personal name, used to highlight His covenant relationship with His people. It points to the God who is faithful and trustworthy.
  • "strong" (עָז, 'oz): This word means strong, mighty, or powerful. The tower is not just any shelter but one that can truly withstand threats.
  • "tower" (מִגְדָּל, migdal): In ancient cities, a tower was a high, fortified place of safety during attacks. The image stresses real protection, not just a feeling of safety.
  • "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word refers to people who live according to what is right and just, not perfect people but those who seek to follow God’s ways.
  • "runneth" (רוּץ, ruts): This verb shows urgency and action—the righteous don’t hesitate but quickly seek refuge in God.
  • "safe" (שָׂגַב, sagab): This word means to be set high, out of reach, or inaccessible to danger. The safety offered is complete and secure.

Why Proverbs 18:10 matters

  • Proverbs 18:10 clarifies that true safety is found in God’s character, not in physical structures, wealth, or human plans.
  • The verse highlights that protection is available to those who are “righteous”—people who actively trust and follow God, not just anyone by default.
  • This proverb stands in contrast to the next verse (Proverbs 18:11), which warns against trusting in wealth as a “high wall,” showing a deliberate choice between trusting God or other sources of security.

Where else these words appear

“safe” Hebrew H7682 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:
  • Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
  • Isaiah 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

“tower” Hebrew H4026 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.
  • Psalms 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

“strong” Hebrew H5797 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
  • Psalms 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

“runneth” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
  • Esther 8:14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.