Proverbs 31:10
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 31:10
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The original Hebrew phrase for "virtuous woman" actually carries the sense of "woman of strength" or "woman of might." This points to a woman possessing deep inner capacity and resilience, not just moral uprightness, making her incredibly valuable.
This passage marks the beginning of an acrostic poem, where each verse follows the Hebrew alphabet, dedicated to describing an exceptional wife. It opens by questioning the rarity and immense value of such a woman, setting the stage for a detailed portrait of her strengths and virtues that will unfold throughout the chapter. This section contrasts sharply with earlier warnings in Proverbs about foolish or wicked women, presenting an idealized yet practical vision of a capable and honorable wife.
The search for a truly excellent wife is presented as a profound challenge. Why is such a person so hard to find, and what does it mean for her value to be 'far above rubies'?
This opening verse immediately highlights the scarcity and immense value of a woman of true character. The Hebrew phrase 'esheth chayil' (often translated as 'virtuous woman') literally means 'a woman of might' or 'a woman of strength.' This isn't just about physical strength, but a deep, resilient inner strength, capacity, and capability. Think of it as a woman who is powerful in her wisdom, her spirit, and her ability to navigate life with integrity and purpose. Her worth isn't measured in fleeting beauty or material possessions, but in the enduring qualities of her character and her effective contribution to life. This makes her truly invaluable, exceeding the earthly value of the most precious jewels.
Have you ever noticed the unique structure of this chapter? It's not accidental, but a deliberate literary device to help us remember profound truths.
The entire description of the excellent wife in Proverbs 31 is written as an acrostic poem. Each verse, starting from this first one, begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structured approach wasn't just for aesthetic appeal; it served as a powerful mnemonic tool. In an era without widespread printing, such an organized format made the passage easier to memorize and recall. It signals that the qualities described are of utmost importance, meant to be deeply engrained. This poetic structure invites us to pay close attention, like deciphering a treasure map, revealing the profound character traits of a woman of lasting 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 verse directly follows the lament that a truly righteous person is hard to find, echoing the sentiment of Proverbs 31:10 that such individuals are rare and valuable.
Proverbs 18:22This proverb states 'Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD,' which complements Proverbs 31:10 by highlighting the divine blessing associated with finding such a valuable spouse.
Ruth 3:11Boaz declares Ruth a 'woman of noble character' (or 'virtuous woman'), directly paralleling the description in Proverbs 31 and affirming her high value.
1 Timothy 5:9-10This passage outlines qualifications for widows seeking support from the church, emphasizing good deeds, hospitality, and a virtuous life, which aligns with the comprehensive character of the 'virtuous woman' in Proverbs 31.
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 original Hebrew phrase for "virtuous woman" actually carries the sense of "woman of strength" or "woman of might." This points to a woman possessing deep inner capacity and resilience, not just moral uprightness, making her incredibly valuable.
This passage marks the beginning of an acrostic poem, where each verse follows the Hebrew alphabet, dedicated to describing an exceptional wife. It opens by questioning the rarity and immense value of such a woman, setting the stage for a detailed portrait of her strengths and virtues that will unfold throughout the chapter. This section contrasts sharply with earlier warnings in Proverbs about foolish or wicked women, presenting an idealized yet practical vision of a capable and honorable wife.
This passage marks the beginning of an acrostic poem, where each verse follows the Hebrew alphabet, dedicated to describing an exceptional wife. It opens by questioning the rarity and immense value of such a woman, setting the stage for a detailed portrait of her strengths and virtues that will unfold throughout the chapter. This section contrasts sharply with earlier warnings in Proverbs about foolish or wicked women, presenting an idealized yet practical vision of a capable and honorable wife.
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"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels." — The original Hebrew phrase for "virtuous woman" actually carries the sense of "woman of strength" or "woman of might." This points to a woman possessing deep inner capacity and resilience, not just m…