Proverbs 31:15
Proverbs 31:15 in Multiple Translations
She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.
She gets up while it is still night, and gives meat to her family, and their food to her servant-girls.
She gets up while it's still dark to make breakfast for her family, and to plan what her servant girls need to do.
And she riseth, whiles it is yet night: and giueth the portion to her houshold, and the ordinarie to her maides.
Yea, she riseth while yet night, And giveth food to her household, And a portion to her damsels.
She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth food to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens.
She gets up before dawn to prepare food for her family. Then she plans the work that her servant girls will do on that day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:15
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 31:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תָּ֤קָם
בְּ/ע֬וֹד
לַ֗יְלָה
וַ/תִּתֵּ֣ן
טֶ֣רֶף
לְ/בֵיתָ֑/הּ
וְ֝/חֹ֗ק
לְ/נַעֲרֹתֶֽי/הָ
וַ/תָּ֤קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בְּ/ע֬וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Prep | Adv
לַ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
וַ/תִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
טֶ֣רֶף
ṭereph
H2964
prey
N-ms
לְ/בֵיתָ֑/הּ
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/חֹ֗ק
chôq
H2706
statute
Conj | N-ms
לְ/נַעֲרֹתֶֽי/הָ
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 31:15
וַ/תָּ֤קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
בְּ/ע֬וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Prep | Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
לַ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
וַ/תִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
טֶ֣רֶף
ṭereph
H2964
"prey"
N-ms
This word refers to something that has been torn apart, like prey or food. In Genesis 49:27 and Isaiah 18:6, it describes the spoils of war or the leftovers of a predator's meal.
Definition: 1) prey, food, leaf 1a) prey 1b) food 1c) leaf
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: leaf, meat, prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:9; Isaiah 5:29; Psalms 76:5.
לְ/בֵיתָ֑/הּ
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וְ֝/חֹ֗ק
chôq
H2706
"statute"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
לְ/נַעֲרֹתֶֽי/הָ
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 31:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 31:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 31:15
Context — The Virtues of a Noble Woman
13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants.
16She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:11 | Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. |
| 2 | Mark 1:35 | Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray. |
| 3 | Luke 12:42 | And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:13 | Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:147–148 | I rise before dawn and cry for help; in Your word I have put my hope. My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
| 7 | Joshua 3:1 | Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 36:15 | Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. |
| 9 | Matthew 24:25 | See, I have told you in advance. |
Proverbs 31:15 Summary
The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:15 shows us what it means to love and care for our families by rising early to provide for them. This is not just about getting a head start on the day, but about putting others first and serving them with kindness and humility, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28. By following her example, we can learn to prioritize our time and energy to serve others, and to trust in God's provision and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7. As we strive to be like the virtuous woman, we can ask God to help us develop a heart of love and service, and to use our time and talents to bless those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the virtuous woman to rise while it is still night?
This indicates her diligence and willingness to go the extra mile to care for her family, as seen in Proverbs 31:15, and is reminiscent of the Psalmist's habit of rising early to pray in Psalms 119:147-148.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the virtuous woman's character?
This verse showcases her selfless nature and dedication to her household, echoing the teachings of Titus 2:5 and 1 Timothy 5:14, where women are encouraged to be workers at home.
Is the virtuous woman's rising early a call to legalism or works-based righteousness?
No, her rising early is a demonstration of her love and devotion to her family and her faith, as seen in Proverbs 31:15, and is not intended to be a burden or a means of earning salvation, as clarified in Ephesians 2:8-9.
How can I apply this verse to my own life as a Christian?
By embracing the virtues of diligence, selflessness, and love, as demonstrated by the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:15, and seeking to serve others in humility and kindness, as taught in Philippians 2:3-4 and Matthew 20:26-28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my love and care for my family, just like the virtuous woman?
- How can I prioritize my time and energy to serve others, even when it's difficult or early in the morning?
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of rising early to seek God and serve others, as seen in Psalms 57:8 and Mark 1:35?
- How does the example of the virtuous woman challenge me to re-examine my own habits and priorities, and what changes can I make to become more like her?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:15
She riseth also while it is yet night,.... That is, before the ascent of the morning, as Aben Ezra explains it, before break of day; a great while before day, as Christ is said to rise to pray, Mr
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:15
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The praises of a virtuous woman; forming a Hebrew acrostic. The 22 years begin with the several 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet consecutively; M.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
While it is yet night; early in the morning, to redeem thee. Giveth meat; distributeth all her necessary provisions. A portion; either, 1. Of work, which she allots to them. Or rather, 2. Of provisions for them; for so this word is used, ,14 Proverbs 30:8, and no where, to my remembrance, of an allotment of work. And so this clause agrees best with the former, expressing the same thing in other words, according to the manner.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
Proverbs 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.Ver. 15. She riseth also while it is yet night.] That is, Betime in the morning - "a great while before day," as our Saviour also did to pray. And a portion to her maids.] She neither pines nor pampers them, but allows them that which is sufficient. Three things, saith Aristotle, a man owes to his servants: work, meat, and correction, - εργα, τροφηνκολασιν
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
(15) And giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.—Gives out food for her household, and the allotted portion of provisions (comp. Proverbs 30:8) or work (comp. Exodus 5:14) to her maidens.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
Verse 15. She riseth also while it is yet night] 4. She is an economist of time; and when the nights are long, and the days short, her family not only spend a part of the evening after sunset in domestic labour, but they all arise before daylight, and prepare the day's food, that they may not have their labour interrupted. To those who are going to the fields, and to the flocks, she gives the food necessary for the day: טרף teref, prey, a term taken from hunting, the object of which was, the supplying their natural wants: hence applied to daily food. See Clarke on Proverbs 30:8. And to the women who are to be employed within, she gives חק chok, the task - the kind of work they are to do, the materials out of which they are to form it, and the quantity she expects from each. Thus all the servants are settled: their food, work, and tasks appointed. Every thing is done orderly.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:15
15. a portion] So R.V. margin. But R.V. text, their task, the pensum, or amount of wool weighed out to each maiden for her day’s task. Comp. “Noctem addens operi, famulasque ad lumina longo Exercet penso.” Virg. Æn. VIII. 411, 412. Dean Plumptre (Speak. Comm.) compares the picture of Lucretia, Liv. i. 57: “nocte sera, deditam lanæ, inter lucubrantes ancillas in medio ædium sedentem invenerunt”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:15
A portion to her maidens - The daily task assigned to each at the same time as the daily food. Compare Proverbs 30:8; Exodus 5:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:15
15. A portion — The allotted portion, or the assigned tasks. It is the same word as in Proverbs 30:8, which see. While it is yet night — That is, before daylight. The Orientals generally rise very early in the morning.
Sermons on Proverbs 31:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Maturity of a Spiritual Leader by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having someone behind us pouring on oil to keep us moving and generating power in our leadership positions. He encourages l |
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Take Heed to Yourself by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, Billy Graham reflects on the life of a man who dedicated himself to one thing rather than dabbling in many things. He emphasizes the importance of finding the one t |
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Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate for God's glory. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness o |
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A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of anguish in the church and in individual believers' lives, highlighting the need for deep sorrow and distress over the spiritual condition o |
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(God and Man) Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in our faith. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness of t |
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The Movements Between World Wars by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon recounts historical revivals and movements of God in various countries, highlighting the impact of prayer, powerful preaching, and the work of true Christians in bringi |
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One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. |