When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

PROVERBS 8:24KJV
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Proverbs 8:24 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 8:24 mean?

Proverbs 8:24 describes wisdom as existing before the creation of the world, even before there were oceans or springs overflowing with water. The verse presents wisdom as present from the very beginning, before the most ancient parts of the earth were formed.

In this part of Proverbs, wisdom is personified and speaks as if she herself is telling her story. The setting is a poetic description of creation, with wisdom saying she was "brought forth" before the "depths" (the deep waters) and before "fountains abounding with water" existed. This highlights wisdom's ancient and foundational role in the order of creation.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 8:24

  • "depths" (תְּהוֹמוֹת, tehomot): This word refers to the deep, primeval waters or the ocean depths, often linked with chaos or the formless state before creation. Its use here emphasizes how wisdom predates even the earliest, most mysterious parts of the world.
  • "forth" (חוּל, chul): This verb is often used for being brought forth or born, sometimes with a sense of being formed or brought into existence. Wisdom is described as being "brought forth," not created from nothing, but emerging before anything else.
  • "fountains" (מָעָין, ma'ayan): These are natural springs or sources of water. Mentioning them highlights the absence of even the most basic sources of life-giving water before wisdom's presence.
  • "abounding" (כָּבֵד, kaved): This word can mean being heavy or abundant. Here, it describes fountains overflowing or plentiful with water, emphasizing the richness and fullness that did not yet exist.
  • "water" (מַיִם, mayim): Water is a symbol of life and abundance. The verse stresses that wisdom existed before even the life-giving waters were present.

Why Proverbs 8:24 matters

  • Proverbs 8:24 clarifies that wisdom is not a late addition to creation but is described as present before anything else, giving her a foundational status in the biblical worldview.
  • The verse helps the reader understand the poetic way Proverbs presents wisdom as an active participant in creation, not just an abstract idea.
  • By highlighting wisdom's presence before the "depths" and "fountains," the verse connects to the broader theme in Proverbs 8 of wisdom's essential role in how the world is ordered and sustained.

Where else these words appear

“fountains” Hebrew H4599 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • 2 Kings 3:25 And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it.
  • Proverbs 5:16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

“depths” Hebrew H8415 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Job 41:32 He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.
  • Psalms 148:7 Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

“forth” Hebrew H2342 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 8:10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;
  • Psalms 29:8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
  • Isaiah 51:2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

“abounding” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 6:22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
  • Proverbs 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.