Proverbs 31:20
Proverbs 31:20 in Multiple Translations
She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Her hands are stretched out to the poor; yes, she is open-handed to those who are in need.
She's generous to the poor, and gives help to the needy.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poore, and putteth foorth her hands to the needie.
Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy.
She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yes, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor.
She generously helps [MTY] those who are poor and needy [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:20
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 31:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ֭פָּ/הּ
פָּרְשָׂ֣ה
לֶ/עָנִ֑י
וְ֝/יָדֶ֗י/הָ
שִׁלְּחָ֥ה
לָֽ/אֶבְיֽוֹן
כַּ֭פָּ/הּ
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs | Suff
פָּרְשָׂ֣ה
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לֶ/עָנִ֑י
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Prep | Adj
וְ֝/יָדֶ֗י/הָ
yâd
H3027
hand
Conj | N-cd | Suff
שִׁלְּחָ֥ה
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
לָֽ/אֶבְיֽוֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 31:20
כַּ֭פָּ/הּ
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
פָּרְשָׂ֣ה
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
לֶ/עָנִ֑י
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Prep | Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
וְ֝/יָדֶ֗י/הָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Conj | N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
שִׁלְּחָ֥ה
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לָֽ/אֶבְיֽוֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
Study Notes — Proverbs 31:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 31:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:20
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 31:20
Context — The Virtues of a Noble Woman
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.
21When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet. 22She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 4:28 | He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. |
| 2 | Hebrews 13:16 | And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:9 | A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. |
| 4 | Proverbs 19:17 | Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. |
| 5 | Romans 12:13 | Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. |
| 6 | Psalms 41:1 | Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 15:11 | For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land. |
| 8 | Acts 20:34–35 | You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” |
| 9 | Psalms 112:9 | He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
| 10 | Job 31:16–20 | If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— if I have seen one perish for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak, if his heart has not blessed me for warming him with the fleece of my sheep, |
Proverbs 31:20 Summary
This verse is talking about a woman who is kind and generous to people who are struggling. She is willing to help those in need, just like Jesus taught us to do in Matthew 25:31-46. To open our arms to the poor means to be willing to listen, to care, and to provide for them in any way we can, as seen in Acts 2:45. By following her example, we can show God's love to those around us and make a real difference in their lives, as encouraged in Galatians 2:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to open her arms to the poor?
This means that the virtuous woman is willing to help and care for those in need, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46, where He separates the sheep from the goats based on how they treated the poor and needy.
How can I reach out to the needy like the virtuous woman?
You can start by looking for opportunities to serve others in your community, such as volunteering at a local food bank or soup kitchen, as seen in Acts 2:45, where the early church shared their resources with those in need.
Is it only the woman's responsibility to care for the poor?
No, caring for the poor and needy is a responsibility for all believers, as taught in Galatians 2:10 and James 1:27, where we are called to remember the poor and care for orphans and widows.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:10-31, who is a woman of great character, wisdom, and kindness, as seen in her hard work, business skills, and care for her family, as described in Proverbs 31:13-16 and Proverbs 31:18-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can open my arms to the poor and reach out to the needy in my community?
- How can I balance my own needs and responsibilities with the desire to care for others?
- What does it mean to 'reach out my hands' to those in need, and how can I do this in a practical way?
- How can I cultivate a heart of compassion and kindness, like the virtuous woman, and what role does prayer and Bible study play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:20
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor,.... Her liberality is very extensive, reaches to many, and at a distance; it is done with great cheerfulness and readiness; to do good and communicate, she
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:20
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 31:20
To relieve their necessities. Her designs are generous and noble; for she labours not only to supply her own and her household necessities, or to support her own state, much less to feed her pride and luxury, but that she may have wherewith to supply the wants of others who crave or need her assistance; which also procures God’ s blessing upon her husband, and children, and whole family, to whom, by this means, she brings both honour and advantage.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:20
Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.Ver. 20. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor.] She laboureth with her hands to that purpose, and findeth by experience that not getting but giving is the way to thrive. See my Common Place of Alms. Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.] ‘ Nittily needy,’ as one phraseth it. To those that are extremely poor she not only stretcheth but reacheth, not her hand only, but both hands; yea, she hath her almoners to give to those that she cannot go to, as Queen Anne Boleyn had. For, besides what she dealt and distributed by the hands of others, she carried ever about her a certain little purse; out of which she was wont to scatter about daily some alms to the needy, thinking no day well spent wherein some man had not fared the better by some benefit at her hands. The like is told of Placilla, wife to the Emperor Theodosius, that for her courtesy and bounty to the poor she was called φιλοπτωχως, The poor man’ s friend. Acts and Mon., fol. 957.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:20
(20) She streteheth out her hand to the poor.—Either in sympathy or with alms; “yea, she reacheth forth (both) her hands to the needy;” she is keenly alive to their sorrows, and pities them and aids them with all her power.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:20
Verse 20. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor] 11. She is truly charitable. She knows that in every portion of a man's gain God requires a lot for the poor; and if this is not given, God's blessing is not in the rest. And she is not contented to give common alms. While with one hand (יד yad) she relieves the general poor, with both hands (ידיה yadeyha) she gives to the needy, לעני leaney, to the afflicted poor.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:20
20. stretcheth out] Rather, spreadeth out.her hand] Lit. her palm. The whole expression, spreadeth out her palm (holding out the gift for acceptance) denotes the open-handed liberality with which she disperses abroad and gives to the poor (Psalms 112:9; 2 Corinthians 9:9). “The hand which is thus held out to the poor is precisely the hand which has been laid on the distaff and the spindle; not the lazy hand or the useless hand, but the hand which is supple with toil, dexterous with acquired skill.” Horton.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:20
The industry is not selfish, but bears the fruit of an open-handed charity.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:20
20. Stretcheth out… to the poor — She spreads out or opens her palm.
Sermons on Proverbs 31:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Young Man's Attitude Towards Women by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the loss of innocence and beauty in our culture. He laments how the simple act of touching hands can no longer evoke a sense of awe and excite |
|
At the Gate of the Monastery by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of hospitality and service within the monastery, appointing a wise old woman as the porter to receive and give messages with maturi |
|
(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Errors in Thinking by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a man who is struggling and feeling unable to be the person he wants to be. However, he realizes that through Jesus Christ, he can find freed |
|
Building Communication Skills by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love, as taught in Ephesians 4:15. He highlights the balanced approach of Jesus, who spoke the truth |
|
Secure in the Love of God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of speech and the power of words. He starts by emphasizing the command in Ephesians 4:28 to stop stealing completely, highlig |
|
|
Communication Skills Our Conversation by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of effective communication and conversation skills. He emphasizes the need to speak truthfully and avoid lying, as well as the |
|
Can God Speak to You? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning to God. He encourages listeners to not be governed by the negative influences of the world, such as |