Proverbs 31:18
Proverbs 31:18 in Multiple Translations
She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable; Her lamp goeth not out by night.
She sees that her marketing is of profit to her: her light does not go out by night.
She knows that the things she makes are valuable. She keeps busy—her lamp burns late into the night.
She feeleth that her marchandise is good: her candle is not put out by night.
She hath perceived when her merchandise [is] good, Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night.
She knows when she is getting a good profit from her business. When it is necessary, she works [MTY] until it is late at night.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:18
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 31:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טָ֭עֲמָה
כִּי
ט֣וֹב
סַחְרָ֑/הּ
לֹֽא
יִכְבֶּ֖ה
ב/ליל
בַ/לַּ֣יְלָה
נֵרָֽ/הּ
טָ֭עֲמָה
ṭâʻam
H2938
to perceive
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
סַחְרָ֑/הּ
çachar
H5504
profit
N-ms | Suff
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִכְבֶּ֖ה
kâbâh
H3518
to quench
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ב/ליל
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
בַ/לַּ֣יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
נֵרָֽ/הּ
nîyr
H5216
lamp
N-ms | 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 31:18
טָ֭עֲמָה
ṭâʻam
H2938
"to perceive"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to taste or perceive something, and is often used figuratively. In the Old Testament, it describes experiencing or understanding something. The KJV translates it as 'taste' or 'perceive'.
Definition: 1) to taste, perceive, eat 1a) (Qal) to taste Aramaic equivalent: te.am (טְעֵם "to feed" H2939)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] but, perceive, taste. See also: 1 Samuel 14:24; Job 12:11; Psalms 34:9.
כִּי
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.
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
סַחְרָ֑/הּ
çachar
H5504
"profit"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to profit or gain from trade or business. It describes the income or benefit that comes from buying and selling goods. This word is used to talk about the benefits of commerce and trade.
Definition: 1) traffic, gain, profit, gain from merchandise 1a) traffic, gain from traffic Also means: sa.char (סָ֫חַר "merchandise" H5505)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: merchandise. See also: Proverbs 3:14; Proverbs 31:18; Isaiah 23:18.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִכְבֶּ֖ה
kâbâh
H3518
"to quench"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To quench means to put out or extinguish something, like a fire or a flame, as seen in Ezekiel 20:47 where God warns of a fire that will not be quenched. It can also refer to satisfying a desire or need.
Definition: 1) to quench, put out, be put out, be quenched, be extinguished 1a) (Qal) to be quenched, be extinguished 1b) (Piel) to quench, extinguish
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: go (put) out, quench. See also: Leviticus 6:5; Isaiah 34:10; Proverbs 26:20.
ב/ליל
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | 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.
בַ/לַּ֣יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | 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.
נֵרָֽ/הּ
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
N-ms | Suff
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
Study Notes — Proverbs 31:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 31:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 31:18
Context — The Virtues of a Noble Woman
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.
18She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 2:9 | Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. |
| 2 | Matthew 25:3–10 | The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. |
| 3 | Psalms 127:2 | In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved. |
| 4 | Genesis 31:40 | As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. |
| 5 | 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9 | For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. |
Proverbs 31:18 Summary
[This verse is telling us that the virtuous woman is able to see the good that comes from her hard work and is diligent in all that she does, even into the night. She is a great example of what it means to be responsible and trustworthy, as seen in Proverbs 28:20. By following her example and trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, we can reflect His character and bring glory to Him in our daily lives. As we strive to be like the virtuous woman, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life of purpose and diligence.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for her gain to be good in Proverbs 31:18?
This refers to the virtuous woman's ability to manage her household and finances wisely, as seen in her ability to buy a field and plant a vineyard in Proverbs 31:16, ultimately bringing her a sense of fulfillment and joy, as stated in Ecclesiastes 2:24.
Why is the lamp not being extinguished at night significant?
The lamp represents her diligence and hard work, as seen in Proverbs 31:17, where she girds herself with strength, and it not being extinguished signifies her unwavering commitment to her responsibilities, even in the evening, as encouraged in Psalm 127:2.
Is this verse only applicable to women who are married or have children?
While the context of Proverbs 31 is a married woman, the principles of hard work, financial wisdom, and diligence can be applied to anyone, regardless of their marital status or family situation, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, where all believers are called to work heartily for the Lord.
How can I, as a believer, apply the principles of this verse to my own life?
By embracing a strong work ethic, being wise with your finances, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, you can reflect the character of the virtuous woman and bring glory to God in your daily life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of working diligently, even when it's difficult?
- How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even when I'm uncertain about the future, and what does this verse teach me about His faithfulness?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to those around me, like the virtuous woman, who opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy in Proverbs 31:20?
- What are some practical steps I can take to develop a stronger work ethic and be more responsible with my time and resources?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:18
She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good,.... That it turns to good account; that her trading to heaven is of great advantage; that she grows rich hereby; that her merchandise with Wisdom, or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:18
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 31:18
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; she finds great comfort and good success in her labours. Her candle goeth not out by night; which is not to be taken strictly, but only signifies her unwearied care and industry, which is oft expressed by labouring day and night, or continually.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:18
Proverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night.Ver. 18. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good.] She feels the sweet of it, and is heartened to redouble her diligence, as a draught horse feeling his load coming, draws the harder. The good soul doth the same. For, having once tasted how sweet the Lord is, it can never have enough of him, but is carried after him with strength of desire, as the doves to their dove cotes, as the eagles to the carcases. No reason would satisfy Moses, but when God had done much for him he must still have more.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:18
Verse 18. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good] 8. She takes care to manufacture the best articles of the kind, and to lay on a reasonable price that she may secure a ready sale. Her goods are in high repute, and she knows she can sell as much as she can make. And she finds that while she pleases her customers, she increases her own profits. 9. She is watchful and careful. Her candle - her lamp, burns all night, which is of great advantage in case of sudden alarms; and in the times and places where there were so many banditti, this was a very necessary family regulation. Perhaps some works were carried on during the night, those employed sleeping in the daytime. Thus labour never stood still; whilst some slept, others worked. This was no unusual thing in ancient times; and it prevails now; but alas! little children are often thus employed to help to support their indigent parents, and to fill the coffers of their unfeeling taskmasters.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:18
18. perceiveth] Lit. tasteth, A.V. margin (ἐγεύσατο, LXX.; gustavit, Vulg.), finds by experience. good] i.e. profitable, R.V. Comp. “better than the merchandise of silver,” Proverbs 3:14. her candle] Rather, lamp. To be understood literally, see Proverbs 31:15, not figuratively as in Proverbs 13:9; Proverbs 20:20.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:18
18. She perceiveth — Literally, tastes, proves. Her merchandise is good — Valuable, profitable, and highly appreciated, and this makes her all the more industrious; so that sometimes, at least, she
Sermons on Proverbs 31:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Thessalonians) Paul's Part by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Thessalonians and divides the first chapter into two parts: Paul's part and the Thessalonians' part. In Paul's part, he talks ab |
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The Wisdom of a Master Soul-Winner by David Legge | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of passionate preaching and evangelism. He uses the analogy of a watchman sounding the trumpet to warn the city, stating that |
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Reality & Paul 2 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and perils faced by Christians in their journey of faith. He emphasizes the importance of staying committed to Christ despite |
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The Gospel Our Trust #1 by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the bad news before embracing the good news of the gospel. He states that the gospel presupposes the fact th |
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A True Witness #3 by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this video, the discussion group focuses on ways to enhance their witness for Christ. One suggestion is for Christians to spend time in prayer and reflection, preparing themselv |
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Entitled by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the dangerous mindset of entitlement that has infiltrated society and even the church, emphasizing how entitlement is rooted in arrogance, selfishness, a |
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Homily 2 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the calamity that has befallen the city due to the tumult over the overthrow of the Emperor Theodosius' statues, emphasizing the need for tears, lame |