An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 31:10
What does Proverbs 31:10 mean?
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Proverbs 31:10
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The Hebrew word translated as "virtuous" here actually means something like "woman of strength" or "woman of might." This isn't just about physical strength, but a profound inner capacity and power that makes her invaluable, far exceeding any earthly treasure.
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The book of Proverbs is nearing its end, and this section shifts to focus on the rare and profound value of a capable and godly woman. Beginning with a question that highlights her scarcity, the text then launches into an extended, acrostic poem that paints a detailed picture of her character, praising her strength, diligence, wisdom, and devotion to God and family. This description stands in contrast to earlier warnings in the book about foolish or immoral women, presenting a positive ideal of a woman of virtue and might.
The search for a truly excellent wife is presented as a significant challenge. Why does the text emphasize how rare and valuable she is?
The opening of this famous passage asks, "Who can find a virtuous woman?" This isn't just a rhetorical question; it highlights the rarity and immense value of such a person.
More Than Material Wealth
The comparison to "jewels" (or "rubies" in some translations) points to something precious and sought after. However, the text immediately declares she is "far more precious." This means no amount of wealth, no collection of the finest gems, could ever equate to her worth.
A Foundation for Life
This isn't just about aesthetic beauty or surface-level charm. The word translated as "virtuous" or "excellent" (in Hebrew, esheth chayil) speaks of strength, capability, and moral fortitude. She is a woman of substance, a foundation of strength for her family and community. Her value lies in her character and her actions, which profoundly impact those around her.
Have you ever noticed the unique structure of this passage? It's more than just a description; it's a memorable blueprint.
The verses describing the excellent wife (from Proverbs 31:10 down to the end of the chapter) are written in an acrostic, or alphabetical, form. Each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
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A Device for Remembrance
This structured approach wasn't accidental. It served as a mnemonic device, making the description easier to memorize and recall. In a time before widespread literacy and printed books, such literary techniques were vital for preserving and passing down important teachings.
Highlighting Divine Importance
The acrostic structure signals that the subject matter is of great importance. It draws attention to the character and qualities of this woman, marking her as a significant example for all. This methodical presentation suggests that the qualities described are not random but form a cohesive and divinely ordained picture of worth.
Understand the original words
chayil · Hebrew Adjective
Having great strength, valor, or virtue; it implies moral integrity, capability, and inner character. Often used to describe one who functions at a high level of excellence.
peninim · Hebrew Noun
Something of extreme value and rarity. In the context of wisdom literature, it denotes qualities that cannot be purchased and are divinely rare to find.
This passage echoes the sentiment that finding a truly upright person is incredibly difficult, directly supporting the rhetorical question of who can find such a woman.
Proverbs 18:22This proverb states that finding a wife is 'finding a good thing' and obtaining favor from the Lord, highlighting the immense value and divine blessing associated with a good spouse.
Ruth 3:11Boaz calls Ruth a 'woman of excellent worth,' using a Hebrew phrase similar to the one in Proverbs 31, emphasizing her capability and virtuous character.
Matthew 13:45-46The parable of the costly pearl illustrates the immense value of something precious that one would sell everything to possess, much like the wife described is 'far more precious than jewels.'
pooleProverbs 31:10: "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
A virtuous woman, whom he may take to wife. Such a person is hardly to be found. Compare Ecclesiastes 7:28 . And here he lays down several characters or qualifications of an excellent wife, which are here delivered in alphabetical order, each verse beginning with a several and the succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet; which method is used in some, and but in a few places of Scripture, to oblige us to the mor…
clarkeProverbs 31:10: "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
Who can find a virtuous woman? - This and the following verses are acrostic, each beginning with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet: Proverbs 31:10 , א aleph; Proverbs 31:11 , ב beth; Proverbs 31:12 , ג gimel; and so on to the end of the chapter, the last verse of which has the letter ת tau. From this to the end of the chapter we have the character of a woman of genuine worth laid down; first, in ge…
The Hebrew word translated as "virtuous" here actually means something like "woman of strength" or "woman of might." This isn't just about physical strength, but a profound inner capacity and power that makes her invaluable, far exceeding any earthly treasure.
The book of Proverbs is nearing its end, and this section shifts to focus on the rare and profound value of a capable and godly woman. Beginning with a question that highlights her scarcity, the text then launches into an extended, acrostic poem that paints a detailed picture of her character, praising her strength, diligence, wisdom, and devotion to God and family. This description stands in contrast to earlier warnings in the book about foolish or immoral women, presenting a positive ideal of a woman of virtue and might.
The book of Proverbs is nearing its end, and this section shifts to focus on the rare and profound value of a capable and godly woman. Beginning with a question that highlights her scarcity, the text then launches into an extended, acrostic poem that paints a detailed picture of her character, praising her strength, diligence, wisdom, and devotion to God and family. This description stands in contrast to earlier warnings in the book about foolish or immoral women, presenting a positive ideal of a woman of virtue and might.
"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels." — The Hebrew word translated as "virtuous" here actually means something like "woman of strength" or "woman of might." This isn't just about physical strength, but a profound inner capacity and power t…
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Last reviewed October 2026