Proverbs 31:23
Proverbs 31:23 in Multiple Translations
Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Her husband is a man of note in the public place, when he takes his seat among the responsible men of the land.
Her husband is well-respected in the council at the town gates, where he sits with the town elders.
Her husband is knowen in the gates, when he sitteth with the Elders of the land.
Known in the gates is her husband, In his sitting with elders of the land.
Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Her husband is honourable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land.
Her husband is well known by the important people of the town; he sits with the other town leaders in the meetings of the town council.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:23
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 31:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נוֹדָ֣ע
בַּ/שְּׁעָרִ֣ים
בַּעְלָ֑/הּ
בְּ֝/שִׁבְתּ֗/וֹ
עִם
זִקְנֵי
אָֽרֶץ
נוֹדָ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Niphal
בַּ/שְּׁעָרִ֣ים
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Prep | N-mp
בַּעְלָ֑/הּ
baʻal
H1167
master
N-ms | Suff
בְּ֝/שִׁבְתּ֗/וֹ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
זִקְנֵי
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 31:23
נוֹדָ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Niphal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
בַּ/שְּׁעָרִ֣ים
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
בַּעְלָ֑/הּ
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-ms | Suff
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
בְּ֝/שִׁבְתּ֗/וֹ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
זִקְנֵי
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 31:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 31:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 31:23
Context — The Virtues of a Noble Woman
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.
23Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants. 25Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:4 | A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones. |
| 2 | Ruth 4:1 | Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 16:18 | You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. |
| 4 | Ruth 4:11 | “We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem. |
| 5 | Proverbs 24:7 | Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place. |
| 6 | Job 29:7 | When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square, |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 21:19 | his father and mother are to lay hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his hometown, |
Proverbs 31:23 Summary
This verse tells us that the husband of the virtuous woman is a respected and influential member of society, known for his wisdom and leadership at the city gate. This is a result of his wife's excellent character and hard work, which have contributed to his good reputation and success, much like the way a husband and wife are to work together in harmony, as described in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. As we strive to be like this virtuous woman, we can learn the importance of being a supportive and loving partner to our spouse, and of using our talents and abilities to bless and support our family, as seen in Proverbs 31:10-31 and Ephesians 5:33. By following these principles, we can build strong and respectful relationships, and be a positive influence in our communities, to the glory of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the husband to be known at the city gate?
In biblical times, the city gate was a place of importance where leaders and elders would gather to make decisions and conduct business, so for the husband to be known there indicates he is a respected and influential member of society, much like the leaders mentioned in Genesis 23:10 and Ruth 4:1-2.
How does the wife's character contribute to her husband's reputation?
The wife's excellent character, as described in Proverbs 31:10-31, contributes to her husband's good reputation, as seen in Proverbs 31:23, and is a testament to the importance of a wife being a helper and partner to her husband, as mentioned in Genesis 2:18.
What can we learn from the husband's position among the elders of the land?
The husband's position among the elders suggests that he is a wise and discerning individual, much like the elders mentioned in Exodus 18:13-26 and Deuteronomy 19:12, and that he is respected by his community for his leadership and judgment.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Proverbs 31?
This verse fits into the overall theme of Proverbs 31, which describes the characteristics of a virtuous woman, by showing how her excellent character and hard work contribute to the well-being and reputation of her family, as seen in Proverbs 31:10-31, and is reminiscent of the wisdom and virtue described in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can support and honor my spouse, and how can I be a positive influence on their reputation and relationships?
- How can I cultivate the characteristics of a virtuous and excellent spouse, as described in Proverbs 31, and what are some practical steps I can take to apply these principles in my own life?
- What are some ways that I can use my talents and abilities to bless and support my family, and how can I be a wise and discerning partner to my spouse?
- How can I prioritize building a strong and respectful relationship with my spouse, and what are some key principles from Scripture that can guide me in this effort, such as Ephesians 5:33 and 1 Peter 3:7?
- What are some ways that I can seek to be a positive influence in my community, and how can I use my position and influence to glorify God and bless others, as seen in Matthew 5:16 and Philippians 2:15?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is known in the gates,.... Of the city, where courts of justice were kept, and causes heard and tried by the judges, the elders of the land, later mentioned; among whom the husband of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:23
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 31:23
Known; observed and respected, not only for his own worth, but for his wife’ s sake; not only for those rich ornaments which by her care and diligence she provides for him, which others of his brethren, by reason of their wives’ sloth or luxury, are not able to procure, but also for his wisdom in choosing, and his happiness in enjoying, so excellent a wife, by whose prudent care, in the management of his domestic concerns, he hath perfect freedom wholly to attend upon public affairs. Sitteth among the elders of the land, in counsel or judgment.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:23
Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.Ver. 23. Her husband is known in the gates.] Is renowned and noted for his wife’ s worth, besides that he is a ruler in Israel.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:23
(23) Her husband is known in the gates.—See above on Proverbs 22:22. Instead of being a hindrance to her husband’s advancement, she furthers it. Her influence for good extends to him also. Having no domestic anxieties, he is set free to do his part in public life.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:23
Verse 23. Her husband is known in the gates] 14. She is a loving wife, and feels for the respectability and honour of her husband. He is an elder among his people, and he sits as a magistrate in the gate. He is respected not only on account of the neatness and cleanliness of his person and dress, but because he is the husband of a woman who is justly held in universal esteem. And her complete management of household affairs gives him full leisure to devote himself to the civil interests of the community.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:23
23. is known] both by the fitting attire and by the freedom from anxiety and distraction, which her care and industry secure to him. Dean Plumptre in Speaker’s Comm. quotes the words of Nausicaa to her father in Hom. Odyss. vi. 60: “’Tis meet for thee to sit among the princes, And hold thy council, with thy body clad In raiment fair and clean.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:23
The industry of the wife leaves the husband free to take his place among the elders that sit in councils.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:23
23. Known in the gates — He is recognised and honoured in the courts, or public assemblies. When he sitteth among the elders — The senators or magistrates, who sit by the gates to decide cases and to transact public business.
Sermons on Proverbs 31:23
| 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 |
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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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A Gift From God by Ed Wrather | Ed Wrather reflects on the importance of having a prudent spouse, highlighting the wisdom and guidance that comes from the Lord in relationships. He contrasts a prudent wife with a |
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Not Enough Pens- nor Enough Paper (A Brief Look Into Jewish Persecution) Introduction by Robert Wurtz II | John Piper preaches on the importance of praising and honoring women who fear the Lord, using Proverbs 31:30 as the focal point. He highlights the acrostic structure of Proverbs 31 |
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11. Spiritual Leader Will Have a Radiant Wife by Denny Kenaston | Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of husbands being spiritual leaders in their homes by nurturing and cherishing their wives to become radiant and godly women. He emphas |
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Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c |