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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 31:23–31

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

42 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 23

  1. Proverbs 12:4Rank 1 from verse 23
    Open

    4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

  2. Ruth 4:1Rank 2 from verse 23
    Open

    1THEN went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

  3. Deuteronomy 16:18Rank 3 from verse 23
    Open

    18¶ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

  4. Deuteronomy 21:19Rank 4 from verse 23
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    19Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

  5. Job 29:7Rank 5 from verse 23
    Open

    7When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!

From verse 24

  1. Ezekiel 27:16Rank 1 from verse 24
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    16Syria was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

  2. Luke 16:19Rank 2 from verse 24
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    19¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

  3. 1 Kings 10:28Rank 3 from verse 24
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    28¶ And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

  4. Judges 14:12Rank 4 from verse 24
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    12¶ And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:

  5. Proverbs 31:13Rank 5 from verse 24
    Open

    13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

From verse 25

  1. Job 40:10Rank 1 from verse 25
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    10Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.

  2. Romans 13:14Rank 2 from verse 25
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    14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

  3. 1 Timothy 2:10Rank 3 from verse 25
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    10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

  4. Ephesians 4:24Rank 4 from verse 25
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    24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

  5. Isaiah 61:10Rank 5 from verse 25
    Open

    10I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

From verse 26

  1. Ephesians 4:29Rank 1 from verse 26
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    29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

  2. Proverbs 16:24Rank 2 from verse 26
    Open

    24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

  3. Proverbs 10:31Rank 3 from verse 26
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    31The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

  4. Proverbs 12:18Rank 4 from verse 26
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    18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

  5. 1 Peter 3:4–5Rank 5 from verse 26
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    4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

    5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

From verse 27

  1. 1 Timothy 5:10Rank 1 from verse 27
    Open

    10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

  2. Titus 2:4Rank 2 from verse 27
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    4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

  3. 2 Thessalonians 3:6Rank 3 from verse 27
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    6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

  4. Proverbs 14:1Rank 4 from verse 27
    Open

    1EVERY wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

  5. 1 Thessalonians 4:11Rank 5 from verse 27
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    11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

From verse 28

  1. 2 Timothy 1:5Rank 1 from verse 28
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    5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

  2. 2 Timothy 3:15–17Rank 2 from verse 28
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    15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

    16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

    17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  3. 1 Kings 2:19Rank 3 from verse 28
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    19¶ Bath-sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.

  4. Proverbs 31:1Rank 4 from verse 28
    Open

    1THE words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

  5. Psalms 116:16Rank 5 from verse 28
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    16O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

From verse 29

  1. Song of Solomon 6:8–9Rank 1 from verse 29
    Open

    8There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.

    9My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

  2. Ephesians 5:27Rank 2 from verse 29
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    27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

From verse 30

  1. Proverbs 1:7Rank 1 from verse 30
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    7¶ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

  2. 1 Peter 3:4–5Rank 2 from verse 30
    Open

    4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

    5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

  3. Proverbs 11:22Rank 3 from verse 30
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    22As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

  4. Proverbs 8:13Rank 4 from verse 30
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    13The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

  5. 1 Peter 1:24Rank 5 from verse 30
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    24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

From verse 31

  1. Psalms 128:2Rank 1 from verse 31
    Open

    2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

  2. Hebrews 6:10Rank 2 from verse 31
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    10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

  3. Matthew 7:16Rank 3 from verse 31
    Open

    16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

  4. Revelation 14:13Rank 4 from verse 31
    Open

    13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

  5. Romans 16:1–4Rank 5 from verse 31
    Open

    1I COMMEND unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

    2That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

    3Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

    4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 31:23

COMBINED MEANING

husband

↗

Sense 1: A married man in relation to his wife. Sense 2: One who manages or cultivates carefully.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

gates

↗

Movable barriers and the entrances they close in walls, cities, courts, houses, or enclosed places; by extension, the city, jurisdiction, public place, or access represented by those entrances.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

land

↗

Sense 1: The ground or earth; a country, territory, or region. Sense 2: To set or come on shore.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 31:24

COMBINED MEANING

maketh

↗

Third-person singular present form of make (to form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fine

↗

1. Of cloth or workmanship, delicate or finely made. 2. Of flour or meal, finely ground or prepared. 3. Of gold or other metal, pure, refined, or of high quality. 4. As a verb, to refine or purify metal.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

merchant

↗

A trader or dealer who buys, sells, exchanges, imports, or exports goods.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 31:25

COMBINED MEANING

strength

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

honour

↗

Sense 1: Esteem, respect, dignity, glory, distinction, or exalted standing. Sense 2: To esteem, respect, acknowledge, reward, or adorn.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

clothing

↗

Sense 1: Garments or covering for the body. Sense 2: Figuratively, that which covers or invests.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

rejoice

↗

1. To be glad, take joy, delight, or exult; to express gladness. 2. To make glad or cause to rejoice.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

time

↗

A particular portion or part of duration, whether past, present or future.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 31:26

COMBINED MEANING

openeth

↗

Third-person singular present form of open, meaning to uncover, reveal, or explain.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mouth

↗

Sense 1: The bodily opening used for eating, breathing, and speaking. Sense 2: The opening or entrance of a thing. Sense 3: Speech, utterance, or the agency of speaking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

tongue

↗

1. The organ of the mouth used for tasting and speech. 2. Speech, words, or a language. 3. A tongue-shaped projection or arm of land or water.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

law

↗

Sense 1: An authoritative rule, command, ordinance, instruction, standard, or body of requirements. Sense 2: The writings containing such instruction. Sense 3: A governing principle, power, regular order, or civil rule. Sense 4: In family compounds, relationship by marriage.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 31:27

COMBINED MEANING

looketh

↗

Third-person singular present form of look, meaning to direct the eyes or attention; to behold, observe, expect, or take heed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

household

↗

Sense 1: The persons belonging to a house, family, or domestic establishment, including those under its head or charge. Sense 2: The goods, effects, or affairs belonging to such a house.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

eateth

↗

Third-person singular present form of eat, meaning to take food into the body; to consume, devour, or waste away.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 31:28

COMBINED MEANING

children

↗

Sons or daughters; descendants; or persons likened to children by age, relation, or character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

arise

↗

1. To rise, stand, get up, or move upward from a lower, lying, seated, fallen, or inactive position. 2. To begin, emerge, appear, come into being, or come forward. 3. To take action, intervene, or undertake the stated work. 4. To rise from death; to return to life.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

call

↗

1. To name. 2. To summon or invite. 3. To proclaim or address. 4. To request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

blessed

↗

1. Favoured by God, endowed with good, or declared happy. 2. Spoke good of, praised, thanked, or bestowed a blessing upon.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

husband

↗

Sense 1: A married man in relation to his wife. Sense 2: One who manages or cultivates carefully.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 31:29

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

excellest

↗

Second-person singular present form of excel, meaning to surpass, exceed, or be eminent in quality, ability, or achievement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 31:30

COMBINED MEANING

favour

↗

Sense 1: Goodwill, approval, acceptance, kindness, mercy, support, or beneficial regard. Sense 2: Pleasing appearance or charm. Sense 3: To regard, support, prefer, or treat kindly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

beauty

↗

The quality or appearance of being fair, comely, pleasing, excellent, or glorious.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

vain

↗

Empty, fruitless, ineffective, unprofitable, worthless, false, unsubstantial, or conceited.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 31:31

COMBINED MEANING

fruit

↗

Sense 1: The produce borne by plants or the land. Sense 2: Offspring or increase. Sense 3: A result, product, consequence, character, or work proceeding from something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hands

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

let

↗

Sense 1: To allow or permit; in older KJV use, also to hinder or restrain. Sense 2: To lower or send down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

works

↗

Plural of work: acts, deeds, labours, operations, products, or things made.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

praise

↗

1. Commendation, thanksgiving, honour, or good report. 2. To commend, thank, honour, or declare excellence.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

gates

↗

Movable barriers and the entrances they close in walls, cities, courts, houses, or enclosed places; by extension, the city, jurisdiction, public place, or access represented by those entrances.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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Surrounding Verses

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22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

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24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

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25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

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26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Selected passage

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

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28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

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29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

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30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

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31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

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