Proverbs 30:23
Proverbs 30:23 in Multiple Translations
an unloved woman who marries, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress.
For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
For an odious woman when she is married; And a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
A hated woman when she is married; and a servant-girl who takes the place of her master's wife.
an unbearable woman getting married, and a maidservant taking her mistress's place.
For the hatefull woman, when she is married, and for a handmaid that is heire to her mistres.
For a hated one when she ruleth, And a maid-servant when she succeedeth her mistress.
for an unloved woman when she is married, and a servant who is heir to her mistress.
For an odious woman when she is married; and a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
By an odious woman when she is married: and by a bondwoman when she is heir to her mistress.
what a woman who is hated does when she gets married, and what a female servant does when she becomes the boss instead of her mistress.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 30:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תַּ֣חַת
שְׂ֭נוּאָה
כִּ֣י
תִבָּעֵ֑ל
וְ֝/שִׁפְחָ֗ה
כִּֽי
תִירַ֥שׁ
גְּבִרְתָּֽ/הּ
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
שְׂ֭נוּאָה
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Inf-c
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִבָּעֵ֑ל
bâʻal
H1166
rule
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
וְ֝/שִׁפְחָ֗ה
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
Conj | N-fs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִירַ֥שׁ
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
גְּבִרְתָּֽ/הּ
gᵉbereth
H1404
lady
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:23
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
שְׂ֭נוּאָה
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תִבָּעֵ֑ל
bâʻal
H1166
"rule"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to rule or have dominion over something, and is often used to describe marriage or ownership. In the Bible, it is used to describe a husband's role in a marriage.
Definition: 1) to marry, possess, own, rule over 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to marry, be lord (husband) over 1b) (Niphal) to be married
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: have dominion (over), be husband, marry(-ried, [idiom] wife). See also: Genesis 20:3; Isaiah 54:1; Proverbs 30:23.
וְ֝/שִׁפְחָ֗ה
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
Conj | N-fs
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תִירַ֥שׁ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
גְּבִרְתָּֽ/הּ
gᵉbereth
H1404
"lady"
N-fs | Suff
This word means 'lady' or 'mistress', referring to a woman of high social status, such as a queen or the mistress of a household. It is used to describe women like the Queen of Sheba or the mistress of a large estate.
Definition: 1) lady, queen 2) mistress (of servants)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: lady, mistress. See also: Genesis 16:4; Psalms 123:2; Proverbs 30:23.
Study Notes — Proverbs 30:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 30:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 30:23
Context — The Words of Agur
21Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:
22a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food,
23an unloved woman who marries, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress.
24Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise: 25The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:19 | Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife. |
| 2 | Proverbs 27:15 | A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike— |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:21 | A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end. |
| 4 | Proverbs 21:9 | Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:13 | A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. |
Proverbs 30:23 Summary
Proverbs 30:23 talks about two surprising things: an unloved woman who gets married and a maidservant who becomes more important than her boss. This shows us that God can do unexpected things in our lives, just like He did for people in the Bible, such as Ruth (Ruth 1:4) and Esther (Esther 2:17). It reminds us to trust God, because He can bring about amazing changes, as seen in Proverbs 19:21, where it says that God's purpose prevails, even when our plans don't work out as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for an unloved woman to marry in Proverbs 30:23?
This phrase suggests a woman who was not loved or valued in her previous life circumstances, perhaps due to her social status or family background, but finds love and acceptance in marriage, as seen in the story of Ruth in the Book of Ruth 1:4, where she finds love and acceptance with Boaz.
How does a maidservant supplant her mistress?
This phrase implies that the maidservant rises to a position of authority or influence, potentially even surpassing her mistress, much like the story of Esther in the Book of Esther 2:17, where she becomes queen and finds favor with the king.
What is the significance of these two examples in Proverbs 30:23?
These examples highlight the idea that God can bring about unexpected and remarkable changes in people's lives, as seen in Proverbs 19:21, where it says that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger list of things that are remarkable or unexpected, including a servant becoming king and a fool being filled with food, as seen in Proverbs 30:22, and it sets the stage for the discussion of small but wise creatures in Proverbs 30:24-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God has brought about unexpected changes in my life, and how can I trust Him for future transformations?
- How can I, like the unloved woman in Proverbs 30:23, find love and acceptance in my relationships with others, and what does this say about God's character?
- In what ways can I, like the maidservant, rise to positions of influence and authority, and how can I use these opportunities to serve and honor God?
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like an 'unloved woman' or a 'maidservant', and how can I trust God to bring about change and redemption in these areas?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:23
For an odious [woman], when she is married,.... Odious for her person, her ugliness, and the deformity of her body; or rather for the ill qualities of her mind, which, while single, she endeavours to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:23
For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:23
Odious; proud, and perverse, and full of hateful and offensive qualities. When she is married; for then she displayeth and exerciseth all those ill humours, which before for her own ends she concealed; then she is puffed up, and imperious, and becomes intolerable to her own family, and to her relations and neighbours. That is heir to her mistress; that possesseth her estate, either by the gift of her mistress, into whose favour she had insinuated herself by her cunning and officious carriage; or rather by the marriage of her master, which great and sudden change transports her beside herself, and makes her insufferably proud, and scornful, and injurious to all that converse with her.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:23
Proverbs 30:23 For an odious [woman] when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.Ver. 23. For an odious woman when she is married.] Such a one was Peninnah, who vexed good Hannah, "to make her to thunder," as the original hath it. Such was Jezebel, Herodias, Messalina, wife to the Emperor Claudias, who was her agent to effect her sinful purposes, and her patient to sustain her lewd conditions. She compelled also other Roman ladies to be as lewd as herself, and those that would not she hated, and banished them from the court. And an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.] That succeeds her in the marriage bed; her good and her blood will rise together, as we see in Hagar. Hence that counsel of the Greek poet: “Mηποτεδουλευσασαγυνηδεσποιναγενοιτο” “ Never make thy maid thy mistress.” Such hens will be apt to crow, such wives to breed disturbance in the family. 1 Samuel 1:6. Dio in Claudio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:23
(23) For an odious woman when she is married.—She pays off, with interest, the slights which she had formerly to endure from her married friends. An handmaid that is heir to her mistress, and who is nervously anxious to preserve her newly-acquired dignity.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:23
23. odious] Lit. hated, as in Deuteronomy 21:15; Isaiah 60:15. Her disposition is such as always to secure for her aversion and dislike. when she is married] and so has both power and opportunity, which she lacked before, to display her true character, and cause misery. See Proverbs 21:9; Proverbs 21:19, Proverbs 27:15.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:23
Odious woman - One in whom there is nothing loveable. Marriage, which to most women is the state in which they find scope for their highest qualities, becomes to her only a sphere in which to make herself and others miserable.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:23
21-23. Three… four — Hence follows another enigma, the four intolerable things. The earth is disquieted — The land is disturbed, thrown into commotion. A servant when he reigneth — When he becomes a ruler.
Sermons on Proverbs 30:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Choosing a Wife - Beauty Is Vain by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing a godly spouse over outward beauty or charm. It warns against the consequences of marrying a contentious or ungodly partner, highl |
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(New Wine in New Wineskins) 3. God Needs Women by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the vital role of women in manifesting God's glory as originally intended at creation. He highlights that women are called to be helpers, mothers, and witness |
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Couples Night - Part 5 by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the challenges and dynamics of marriage, drawing examples from historical figures like John Wesley and biblical characters like David and his wife. It explo |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
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To Build or Not to Build by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares two stories from their family history to illustrate the challenges and trials they faced. The first story is about their grandmother, who experie |
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A Son That Brings Shame by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching the word of God and traveling across the nation. He recalls a powerful encounter with a man who commended him for fe |