The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 18:10
What does Proverbs 18:10 mean?
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Proverbs 18:10
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It's easy to read "safe" and think of simple protection, but the original language actually emphasizes being "set on high" or "exalted." This means God doesn't just shield us from trouble; He lifts us above it, placing us in a position of elevation and security that the world can't touch.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a section in Proverbs where the writer contrasts the ways of the wise and the foolish, the rich and the poor, and the righteous and the wicked. Just before this, Proverbs 18:9 highlights how neglecting work can be as destructive as allowing destruction itself, underscoring the importance of diligence. Immediately following, Proverbs 18:11 describes the rich man's wealth as his "strong city" and "high wall, in his own imagination," setting up a stark contrast with the true refuge found in God's name.
When the Bible talks about 'the Name of the Lord,' what does it really mean? It's not just a name tag!
The phrase 'the Name of the Lord' in this verse is incredibly rich. It refers to everything God has revealed about Himself – His character, His attributes, His promises, and His actions, especially as seen in His Word.
Who God Is, Revealed
When we run into His 'Name,' we're running into the reality of who God is, trusting Him based on all He has made Himself known to be.
This verse highlights who finds refuge in God's Name. It’s not everyone, but a specific group. What sets them apart?
The verse specifies that 'the righteous man runs into it and is safe.' This isn't about achieving perfect moral standing, but about a life oriented toward God, marked by faith and dependence.
What it Means to be 'Righteous' Here
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The safety found is an elevation, a position of security above the troubles that plague the world.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God (YHWH). It signifies His self-existent, eternal nature and His faithfulness to His covenant promises toward His people.
migdal-ʿōz · Hebrew Noun phrase
A term of stability, power, and refuge. Metaphorically used to describe God’s protection, representing an impregnable defense against the enemies of the believer.
ṣaddı̂q · Hebrew Adjective
One who is morally upright in accordance with God’s standard. The righteous are defined not by sinless perfection, but by their faith and active pursuit of living in alignment with God’s commands.
śāgaḇ · Hebrew Verb
To be set on high, beyond the reach of danger or destruction. Biblically, this refers to the security found through divine protection and grace.
This Psalm echoes the imagery of Proverbs 18:10, with the psalmist crying out, 'From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.' This shows the ancient longing for a refuge that is beyond our own strength, just like God's name is a strong tower.
Isaiah 26:2This passage highlights the exclusive nature of true safety, stating, 'Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.' It connects to Proverbs by showing that refuge in the Lord is for those who are righteous and faithful, not for everyone.
Acts 4:12This New Testament verse directly links salvation to the 'name' of Jesus, saying, 'Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.' This shows how the 'name of the Lord' in Proverbs finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Romans 10:13Echoing the call to run into God's name for safety, this verse states, 'For, 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'' This emphasizes that invoking God's name through prayer and faith is the way the righteous find refuge.
bensonProverbs 18:10: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10-11 . The name of the Lord — That is, the Lord, as he hath revealed himself in his works, and especially in his word, by his promises, and the declarations of his infinite perfections, and of his good-will to his people; is a strong tower — Is sufficient for our protection in the greatest dangers. The righteous — By faith and prayer, devotion toward God, and dependance on him; run…
pulpitProverbs 18:10: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Verse 10. - The Name of the Lord is a strong tower. The Name of the Lord signifies all that God is in himself - his attributes, his love, mercy, power, knowledge; which allow man to regard him as a sure Refuge. "Thou hast been a Shelter for me," says the psalmist (Psalm 61:3), "and a strong Tower from the enemy." The words bring before us a picture of a capitol, or central fortress, in which,…
It's easy to read "safe" and think of simple protection, but the original language actually emphasizes being "set on high" or "exalted." This means God doesn't just shield us from trouble; He lifts us above it, placing us in a position of elevation and security that the world can't touch.
This verse is part of a section in Proverbs where the writer contrasts the ways of the wise and the foolish, the rich and the poor, and the righteous and the wicked. Just before this, Proverbs 18:9 highlights how neglecting work can be as destructive as allowing destruction itself, underscoring the importance of diligence. Immediately following, Proverbs 18:11 describes the rich man's wealth as his "strong city" and "high wall, in his own imagination," setting up a stark contrast with the true refuge found in God's name.
This verse is part of a section in Proverbs where the writer contrasts the ways of the wise and the foolish, the rich and the poor, and the righteous and the wicked. Just before this, Proverbs 18:9 highlights how neglecting work can be as destructive as allowing destruction itself, underscoring the importance of diligence. Immediately following, Proverbs 18:11 describes the rich man's wealth as his "strong city" and "high wall, in his own imagination," setting up a stark contrast with the true refuge found in God's name.
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." — It's easy to read "safe" and think of simple protection, but the original language actually emphasizes being "set on high" or "exalted." This means God doesn't just shield us from trouble; He lifts u…
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Last reviewed October 2026