Proverbs 31:17–20
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
She girdeth her loynes with strength, and strengtheneth her armes.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
†She perceiueth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- †Hebrew wordingHebr. she tasteth.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She layeth her handes to the spindle, and her handes hold the distaffe.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
†She stretcheth out her hand to the poore, yea she reacheth foorth her handes to the needy.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- †Hebrew wordingHebr she spreadeth.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
PASSAGE SELECTION
Build from either side
Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.
SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
Cross References
16 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 17
- 1 Peter 1:13Rank 2 from verse 17
13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
13Wherefore gird vp the loynes of your minde, bee sober, and hope †to the end, for the grace that is to bee brought vnto you at the reuelation of Iesus Christ:
- Ephesians 6:10Rank 3 from verse 17
- 1 Kings 18:46Rank 4 from verse 17
- Ephesians 6:14Rank 5 from verse 17
- Luke 12:35Rank 6 from verse 17
- 2 Kings 4:29Rank 7 from verse 17
29Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.
29Then he said to Gehazi, Gird vp thy loines, and take my staffe in thine hand, and goe thy way: if thou meete any man, salute him not: and if any salute thee, answere him not againe: and lay my staffe vpon the face of the childe.
- Isaiah 44:12Rank 8 from verse 17
12The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
12*‖The smith with the tonges both worketh in the coales, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his armes: yea he is hungrie, and his strength faileth; hee drinketh no water, and is faint.
- Genesis 49:24Rank 9 from verse 17
24But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
24But his bow abode in strength, and the armes of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the mighty God of Iacob: from thence is the Sheapheard, the stone of Israel,
- Hosea 7:15Rank 10 from verse 17
From verse 18
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9Rank 1 from verse 18
9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
9For yee remember, brethren, our labour and trauaile: for labourng night and day, because wee would not bee chargeable vnto any of you, wee preached vnto you the Gospel of God.
- Matthew 25:3–10Rank 2 from verse 18
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
3They that were foolish tooke their lampes, and tooke no oyle with them:
4But the wise tooke oyle in their vessels with their lampes.
5While the bridegrome taried, they all slumbred and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegrome commeth, goe ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lampes.
8And the foolish said vnto the wise, Giue vs of your oyle, for our lampes are ‖gone out.
9But the wise answered, saying, Not so, lest there be not ynough for vs and you, but goe ye rather to them that sell, and buy for your selues.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegrome came, and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the doore was shut.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9Rank 3 from verse 18
7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
7For your selues know how yee ought to follow vs: for wee behaued not our selues disorderly among you,
8Neither did wee eate any mans bread for nought: but wrought with labour and trauaile night and day, that wee might not bee chargeable to any of you.
9Not because we haue not power, but to make our selues an ensample vnto you to follow vs.
- Genesis 31:40Rank 4 from verse 18
- Psalms 127:2Rank 5 from verse 18
From verse 19
- Exodus 35:25–26Rank 1 from verse 19
25And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
26And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair.
25And all the women that were wise hearted, did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blew, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linnen.
26And all the women whose heart stirred them vp in wisedome, spunne goats haire.
From verse 20
- Ephesians 4:28Rank 1 from verse 20
28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
28Let him that stole, steale no more: but rather let him labour, working with his handes the thing which is good, that he may haue ‖to giue to him that needeth.
- Hebrews 13:16Rank 2 from verse 20
- Proverbs 19:17Rank 3 from verse 20
- Proverbs 22:9Rank 4 from verse 20
- Acts 20:34–35Rank 5 from verse 20
34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
34Yea, you your selues know, *that these handes haue ministred vnto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35I haue shewed you all things, how that so labouring, yee ought to support the weake, and to remember the words of the Lord Iesus, how he said, It is more blessed to giue, then to receiue.
- Deuteronomy 15:11Rank 6 from verse 20
11For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
11For the poore shall neuer cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide vnto thy brother, to thy poore, and to thy needy in the land.
- Psalms 41:1Rank 7 from verse 20
- Romans 12:13Rank 8 from verse 20
- Job 31:16–20Rank 9 from verse 20
16If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
17Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
18(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother’s womb;)
19If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
20If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
16If I haue withhelde the poore from their desire, or haue caused the eyes of the widow to faile:
17Or haue eaten my morsell my selfe alone, and the fatherlesse hath not eaten thereof:
18(For from my youth hee was brought vp with me as with a father, and I haue guided †her from my mothers wombe.)
19If I haue seene any perish for want of cloathing, or any poore without couering:
20If his loynes haue not blessed me, and if hee were not warmed with the fleece of my sheepe:
- Psalms 112:9Rank 10 from verse 20
- Acts 9:39–41Rank 11 from verse 20
39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
39Then Peter arose and went with them: when he was come, they brought him into the vpper chamber: And all the widowes stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while shee was with them.
40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled downe, and prayed, and turning him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sate vp.
41And he gaue her his hand, and lift her vp: and when hee had called the Saints & widowes, presented her aliue.
- Ecclesiastes 11:1–2Rank 12 from verse 20
1CAST thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
2Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
1¶ †*Cast thy bread vpon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many dayes.
2Giue a portion to seuen and also to eight; for thou knowest noc what euill shall be vpon the earth.
- Romans 10:21Rank 14 from verse 20
- Proverbs 1:24Rank 15 from verse 20
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
Open a word for its full definition and concordance.
DEFINED WORDS
Proverbs 31:17
Third-person singular present form of gird, meaning to fasten clothing or another object around the body.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Power, might, force, ability, firmness, courage, capacity, support, defence, resources, or that by which a person or thing is enabled to stand, act, endure, overcome, or accomplish a work.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Proverbs 31:18
COMBINED MEANING
merchandise
Goods bought and sold; trade or commerce.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
A lamp or portable light used for illumination.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. The dark part of the daily cycle distinguished from day, from evening until morning, or any portion of it. 2. A time or condition compared with night or darkness.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Proverbs 31:19
Third-person singular present form of lay. Sense 1: To put, place, set, arrange, deposit, apply, establish, impose, or cause to be in a stated position or condition. Sense 2: In lay with, to have sexual relations. Sense 3: To press or bear upon. Sense 4: In lay up, lay by, or lay in store, to keep, store, or treasure; in lay wait, lay snares, lay an ambush, or lay siege, to prepare or set. Sense 5: In lay hold or lay hands on, to seize, take, apprehend, or touch. Sense 6: In lay down one's life, to surrender or give it; in lay aside, lay apart, or lay away, to remove, reject, or put off.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The end parts of the arms used for holding and working. Sense 2: Figures of power, possession, agency, or aid.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
A slender hand-held rod or pin used for twisting fibres into thread and winding the spun thread.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: To grasp, seize, cling to, carry, wield, support, or keep fast, literally or figuratively. Sense 2: To keep, retain, possess, maintain, continue in, or adhere to. Sense 3: To restrain, confine, or keep back; to contain or have capacity. Sense 4: To regard, account, or judge. Sense 5: To conduct or celebrate an observance. Sense 6: To endure, prevail, or take effect. Sense 7: In hold one's peace or hold one's tongue, to remain silent. Sense 8: As a noun, a grasp or attachment; a place of confinement, refuge, security, or fortification.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
A staff that holds flax or tow for spinning.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
Proverbs 31:20
Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The part of the body at the end of the arm. Sense 2: Figuratively, power, possession, aid, or agency.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Lacking material means. 2. Afflicted, lowly, or humble.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Indeed, marking confirmation, emphasis, addition, continuation, or heightening of what is said; it may also emphasize a question. 2. Yes, expressing an affirmative answer or declaration.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Third-person singular present form of reach. Sense 1: To extend or stretch to a place or limit; to arrive or continue as far as it. Sense 2: To extend the hand toward or into something.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Outward, away, or forward from a place, person, possession, or former position. 2. In constructions of bearing or producing, into birth, growth, fruit, or another stated result. 3. With verbs such as put, stretch, spread, or reach, outward by extension or exertion. 4. In constructions of showing, speaking, issuing, or displaying, into view, expression, publication, or effect. 5. Onward from a stated time or point, as in from that time forth.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The end parts of the arms used for holding and working. Sense 2: Figures of power, possession, agency, or aid.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Poor or lacking what is needed; in need of help or provision.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
READ THE PASSAGE
View in context
Suggested context · Proverbs 31:10–31
The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.
Read all 22 verses in Proverbs 31:10–31
31:10¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
31:10¶ *Who can finde a vertuous woman? for her price is farre aboue Rubies.
31:11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
31:11The heart of her husband doeth safely trust in her, so that he shall haue no need of spoile.
31:12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
31:12She will doe him good, and not euill, all the dayes of her life.
31:13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
31:13She seeketh wooll and flaxe, and worketh willingly with her hands.
31:14She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
31:14She is like the merchants ships, she bringeth her food from afarre.
31:15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
31:15Shee riseth also while it is yet night, and giueth meate to her household, and a portion to her maydens.
31:16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
31:16†She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her handes she planteth a Uineyard.
31:17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
31:17She girdeth her loynes with strength, and strengtheneth her armes.
Selected passage31:18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
31:18†She perceiueth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night.
Selected passage31:19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
31:19She layeth her handes to the spindle, and her handes hold the distaffe.
Selected passage31:20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
31:20†She stretcheth out her hand to the poore, yea she reacheth foorth her handes to the needy.
Selected passage31:21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
31:21‖She is not afraid of the snow for her houshold: for all her houshold are cloathed with scarlet.
31:22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
31:22She maketh herselfe couerings of tapestrie; her cloathing is silke and purple.
31:23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
31:23Her husband is knowen in the gates, when he sitteth among the Elders of the land.
31:24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
31:24She maketh fine linnen, and selleth it, and deliuereth girdles vnto the merchant.
31:25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
31:25Strength and honour are her cloathing; and she shall reioyce in time to come.
31:26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
31:26She openeth her mouth with wisedome; and in her tongue is the law of kindnesse.
31:27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
31:27She looketh well to the wayes of her housholde, and eateth not the bread of idlenesse.
31:28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
31:28Her children arise vp, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
31:29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
31:29‖Many daughters haue done vertuously, but thou excellest them all.
31:30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31:30Fauour is deceitfull, and beautie is vaine: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shalbe praised.
31:31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
31:31Giue her of the fruit of her hands, and let her owne workes praise her in the gates.