Proverbs 31:10-11
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The phrase "virtuous woman" here translates a Hebrew term that signifies a woman of "might" or "power" – emphasizing her strength of character and capacity, not just her moral goodness. This woman isn't just passively good; she's actively capable and has immense inner fortitude, making her truly invaluable.
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage opens the final section of Proverbs, which describes a woman of exceptional character. It's presented as an acrostic poem, with each verse starting with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a structure designed to make its wisdom memorable. The verses that follow will detail her many valuable qualities, contrasting her worth with material possessions.
We often think of 'virtuous' as just 'good,' but the original Hebrew word here carries so much more power and depth. What does it truly mean to be a woman of might?
The Hebrew phrase 'esheth chayil' (אשת חיל) is translated as 'virtuous woman,' but it literally means 'a woman of strength,' 'a woman of might,' or 'a woman of capacity.' This isn't just about physical strength, but a profound inner resilience, competence, and capability.
More Than Meets the Eye
This 'strength' implies a woman who is resourceful, has mental energy, and possesses the skills to manage her household and her life effectively. She's not passive but actively engages with her responsibilities, showing wisdom and power in her daily walk. Her worth is found in her character and her abilities, not just her appearance.
A Foundation for the Home
This strength is essential for the well-being of her family and even society. A woman with such capacity can create a stable, thriving home environment, influencing her children and her husband for good. Her competence is a source of stability and blessing.
Have you ever noticed the unique structure of this chapter? It's not just a list of qualities, but a carefully crafted poem designed to stick with you.
The entire passage from Proverbs 31:10-31 is written as an acrostic, meaning each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This was a common literary device in ancient Israel for didactic (teaching) purposes.
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Making Truth Memorable
By arranging the verses alphabetically, the author made this detailed description of an excellent wife easier to memorize and recall. In a time before widespread literacy and printing, this was a crucial way to ensure important truths about godly character were passed down. Think of it as a memory palace built with Scripture!
Significance Beyond Structure
While the acrostic structure aids memory, the content itself is what truly matters. The author uses this poetic form to highlight the immense value and multifaceted character of a woman who fears the Lord. The poetic structure emphasizes that this is not just a casual observation, but a profound and divinely inspired portrait.
Rubies and jewels are symbols of immense wealth. But this verse says a woman of true worth is more valuable. What does that mean for how we view women and their contribution?
The verse powerfully declares that a virtuous woman's price is 'far above rubies.' This isn't hyperbole; it's a statement about her inherent and practical value.
True Wealth Defined
In ancient times, precious stones like rubies and pearls represented the highest forms of earthly riches. Yet, the proverb asserts that the character, wisdom, and strength of a godly woman surpass even these material treasures. Her value isn't in what she owns, but in who she is and what she does.
A Blessing to All
Her worth blesses her husband, her family, and by extension, the community. The stability, wisdom, and goodness she brings are more vital and lasting than any material wealth. This perspective elevates the role of women, recognizing their profound impact and irreplaceable value in God's design.
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.
leb · Hebrew Noun
The core of a person, representing the seat of emotions, intellect, will, and moral character. In biblical thought, it is the center of one's inner life and decision-making.
batach · Hebrew Verb
To rely upon, place confidence in, or be secure in another. It involves a firm conviction in the reliability, truth, or ability of the one being trusted.
shalal · Hebrew Noun
Material possessions, profits, or spoil. Biblically, it often refers to the fruit of labor, increase, or anything gained that benefits one's household or life.
This verse echoes the sentiment by stating, 'And now my daughter, fear not; I will do for thee all that thou sayest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.' It highlights the rarity and public recognition of a woman of noble character.
Ecclesiastes 7:28This passage laments the difficulty in finding such a person, stating, 'Yea, I found one man among a thousand: but after this manner I have not found a woman.' It underscores the exceptional nature of a truly virtuous individual.
Proverbs 18:22This proverb offers a parallel by saying, 'He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.' It connects finding a good spouse with divine blessing, aligning with the high value placed on such a person in Proverbs 31:10.
Matthew 13:45-46The parable of the precious pearl speaks of a merchant 'who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.' This illustrates the immense value and sacrifice one would make to obtain something truly priceless, similar to the worth of a virtuous woman.
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 phrase "virtuous woman" here translates a Hebrew term that signifies a woman of "might" or "power" – emphasizing her strength of character and capacity, not just her moral goodness. This woman isn't just passively good; she's actively capable and has immense inner fortitude, making her truly invaluable.
This passage opens the final section of Proverbs, which describes a woman of exceptional character. It's presented as an acrostic poem, with each verse starting with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a structure designed to make its wisdom memorable. The verses that follow will detail her many valuable qualities, contrasting her worth with material possessions.
This passage opens the final section of Proverbs, which describes a woman of exceptional character. It's presented as an acrostic poem, with each verse starting with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a structure designed to make its wisdom memorable. The verses that follow will detail her many valuable qualities, contrasting her worth with material possessions.
"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain." — The phrase "virtuous woman" here translates a Hebrew term that signifies a woman of "might" or "power" – emphasizing her strength of character and capacity, not just her moral goodness. This woman is…
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Last reviewed October 2026
