Proverbs 31:29
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 31:29
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that while many women live virtuous lives, this particular woman elevates those virtues to an unparalleled level, moving beyond mere propriety to a profound and surpassing excellence. This isn't just a statement of high achievement, but a recognition that her character and actions transcend common standards.
These verses conclude the description of the "virtuous woman" by presenting her husband and children praising her. They acknowledge that many women have lived good, capable lives, but declare that she surpasses them all in her excellence. This heartfelt commendation highlights her unique value and the profound impact she has had on her family.
Imagine standing before a crowd, or even just your closest loved ones, and hearing the most profound praise. This verse captures that moment, but with a divine perspective.
This verse isn't just a nice compliment; it's the culmination of an entire description of an exceptional woman. It's presented as the words of her husband, a deeply personal and heartfelt testimony.
A Witness to Her Worth
The husband is affirming that while many women possess admirable qualities and have lived lives of virtue and strength, his wife stands above them all. This isn't hyperbole; it's a declaration of her unique and outstanding character, recognized and cherished by the one who knows her best.
Recognizing True Excellence
The original language suggests a strength of character, a profound capability in fulfilling her roles as wife, mother, and manager of her household. Her excellence is so marked that it surpasses even the commendable virtues of countless other women.
We often focus on outward appearances, but the Bible consistently points to a deeper, more enduring kind of worth. This verse hints at that distinction.
The praise here isn't for fleeting beauty or superficial charm. While such things might catch the eye, they are ultimately "deceitful" and temporary.
The Strength of Character
The word translated as "excellently" or "virtuously" points to inner strength, moral fortitude, and consistent goodness. It's about the deep-seated character that allows a woman to excel in all her responsibilities.
The Fear of the Lord as the Source
The commentators highlight that the ultimate source of such excellence, especially in the biblical context, is the fear of the Lord. This reverence for God is what underpins her wisdom, diligence, kindness, and strength, elevating her character far above mere human accomplishment or outward attractiveness.
This passage also uses the Hebrew word for 'strength' or 'virtue' when Boaz praises Ruth for her character and resilience, drawing a parallel to the kind of excellence being celebrated in Proverbs 31.
1 Samuel 25:3Nabal's foolishness is contrasted with Abigail's wisdom and good sense. Abigail is described as a woman of 'good understanding and beautiful appearance,' echoing the multifaceted excellence praised in Proverbs 31.
Titus 2:3-5This New Testament passage outlines the virtues expected of older women, teaching them to train younger women to be lovers of husbands and children, self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive. It reflects the domestic and relational virtues highlighted in Proverbs 31.
1 Timothy 5:14Paul urges younger widows to marry, bear children, and manage their households, directly aligning with the roles and responsibilities attributed to the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31.
pooleProverbs 31:29: "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
Daughters; daughters of men, i.e. women, so called also Genesis 34:1 Ezekiel 30:18 . Thou excellest them all: he esteems it but just that his praises should bear proportion to her real and manifold perfections.
clarkeProverbs 31:29: "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
Many daughters have done virtuously - This is undoubtedly the speech of the husband, giving testimony to the excellence of his wife: "Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying, 'many daughters,' women, 'have done virtuously,' with due propriety as wives, mistresses, and mothers; 'but Thou,' my incomparable wife, 'excellent them all;' ואת עלית על כלנה veath alith al cullanah, but Thou hast ascended above the…
The verse highlights that while many women live virtuous lives, this particular woman elevates those virtues to an unparalleled level, moving beyond mere propriety to a profound and surpassing excellence. This isn't just a statement of high achievement, but a recognition that her character and actions transcend common standards.
These verses conclude the description of the "virtuous woman" by presenting her husband and children praising her. They acknowledge that many women have lived good, capable lives, but declare that she surpasses them all in her excellence. This heartfelt commendation highlights her unique value and the profound impact she has had on her family.
These verses conclude the description of the "virtuous woman" by presenting her husband and children praising her. They acknowledge that many women have lived good, capable lives, but declare that she surpasses them all in her excellence. This heartfelt commendation highlights her unique value and the profound impact she has had on her family.
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"“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”" — The verse highlights that while many women live virtuous lives, this particular woman elevates those virtues to an unparalleled level, moving beyond mere propriety to a profound and surpassing excell…