Proverbs 31:20 — Word Study
WLCכַּ֭פָּהּ פָּרְשָׂ֣ה לֶעָנִ֑י וְ֝יָדֶ֗יהָ שִׁלְּחָ֥ה לָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃
BSAShe openspâras■ [stretches out, spreads forth] her armskaph [hands, palms] to the poorʻânîy [afflicted, humble, weak] and reaches outshâlach■ [sends forth, extends] her handsyâd [palms, strength] to the needyʼebyôwn [those in need, oppressed, poor]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כַּ֭פָּהּ | palm her | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| פָּרְשָׂ֣ה | she spreads out | Verb, Qal, perfect third person feminine singular |
| לֶעָנִ֑י | to poor [person] | Preposition |
| וְ֝יָדֶ֗יהָ | and hands her | Conjunction, noun common both dual construct, suffix |
| שִׁלְּחָ֥ה | she stretches out | Verb, Piel, perfect third person feminine singular |
| לָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃ | to the needy [person] | Preposition |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. |
| KJV | She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. |
| ASV | She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. |
| YLT | Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy. |
| WEB | She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy. |
| BBE | Her hands are stretched out to the poor; yes, she is open-handed to those who are in need. |
All translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse, emphasizing the woman's outreach to the poor and needy.
The sentence consists of a main clause describing her action and a subordinate clause that adds detail about whom she helps.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbפָּרַשׂ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 31:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Virtuous Woman's Deedsgenerated
Proverbs 31:20 describes a woman who is generous and compassionate, opening her arms to the poor and extending her hands to those in need. This verse highlights her active role in caring for the less fortunate, contrasting with the preceding verses that detail her industriousness and wisdom. Her actions reflect a deep commitment to her family and community, showcasing the qualities of a virtuous woman.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:24 | Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, |
| 2 | Romans 10:21 | But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 19:17 | Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. |
| 4 | Proverbs 22:9 | A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. |
| 5 | Job 31:16–20 | If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — פָּרְשָׂ֣ה, pa.re.Sahgenerated
The verb פָּרַשׂ (paras) means to spread out or scatter. It conveys the idea of extending oneself physically and metaphorically, suggesting an openness to help and support others.
In this verse, it emphasizes the woman's proactive generosity, as she spreads her arms to embrace those who are poor and in need, demonstrating her compassion and willingness to assist.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase opens her arms and reaches out her hands, consistent with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main action is governed by two verbs: פָּרְשָׂ֣ה (she spreads out) and שִׁלְּחָ֥ה (she stretches out), which describe her generous actions.
The sentence structure highlights her dual efforts to help the poor and needy, with the verbs leading the clause and the objects following, emphasizing her active role.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates פָּרְשָׂ֣ה as διήνοιχεν (she opened), which captures the essence of the Hebrew meaning while focusing on the action of opening.
This choice indicates a slight interpretive shift towards the act of opening as a gesture of generosity, aligning with the broader themes of compassion found in the Greek text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 31:20 describes a woman who is generous and caring. She opens her arms to help the poor and reaches out her hands to those in need. This shows her compassion and willingness to support others.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies a willingness to embrace and support those who are less fortunate.
It highlights her generosity and compassion, showing that she actively seeks to help others.
It demonstrates care for the vulnerable and reflects a commitment to justice and mercy.
We can learn the importance of generosity and the impact of reaching out to those in need.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I open my arms to help those in need in my community?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of generosity like the woman described in this verse?
- What are some practical steps I can take to reach out to the poor and needy?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of compassion and service?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early church writers have commented on this verse to illustrate the importance of generosity and charitable works.
Brethren, let us not be ashamed to practice holy works of wool. If anyone has a full storeroom or granary, all those things are on the distaff; let them pass over to the spindle.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 31 →
"She opened her hand to the needy," etc. This can indeed be understood concerning works of alms which are generally done for the poor, but it is better understood concerning the word of the Lord,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 31 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 31:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleShe 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
Read John Gill on Proverbs 31 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryWho 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.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 31 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleTo 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.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 31 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 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…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 31 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 31 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 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.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 31 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges20. 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.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 31 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe industry is not selfish, but bears the fruit of an open-handed charity.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 31 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She extends her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.
Tyndale line
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.
She spreadeth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yes, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poore, and putteth foorth her hands to the needie.
Strictly literal
She stretcheth out her hand to the afflicted, and she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy.
She has spread forth her hand to the poor, || Indeed, she sent forth her hands to the needy.
She spreadeth out wide her open palm to the poor: yea, her hands she stretcheth forth to the needy.
She reaches out with her hand to poor people; she reaches out with her hands to needy people.
From the Latin
She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor.
Simplified
She's generous to the poor, and gives help to the needy.
Her hands are stretched out to the poor; yes, she is open-handed to those who are in need.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree in their wording, with all six words matched, indicating a consistent understanding of the verse across these traditions.
כַּ֭פָּהּ פָּרְשָׂ֣ה לֶעָנִ֑י וְ֝יָדֶ֗יהָ שִׁלְּחָ֥ה לָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 31:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
כַּף (kaph) refers to the hollow or flat part of the hand, including the palm and the sole of the foot. It can also denote power and is used to describe various hollow objects, such as bowls or handles. The word encompasses a range of meanings related to the shape and function of hands and feet, as well as items that are hand-shaped.
כַּף 192 n.f. hollow, or flat of the hand, palm, sole of foot, hand
base
H3709 כַּף hollow, or flat of the hand, palm, sole of foot, hand
3709 kaph kaf
from 3721; the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an
animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling,
the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree);
figuratively, power:--branch, + foot, hand((-ful), -dle,
(-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon.
see HEBREW for 03721
כַּף (kaph) — palm.
: 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)
כַּף (kaph) — palm: sole.
: sole/paw
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)
כַּף (kaph) — palm: dish.
: dish/socket
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3fs
פָּרַשׂ (paras) is a Hebrew verb meaning to spread out or scatter. It encompasses actions like breaking apart, dispersing, and stretching forth. The word appears in various forms, including Qal (to spread), Niphal (to be scattered), and Piel (to scatter). The entries collectively highlight its use in contexts of spreading or scattering, but do not provide specific verse references.
פָּרַשׂ vb. spread out, spread
Qal
spread out
spread
Niph. they shall be scattered
Pi.
spread out
= scatter
base
H6566 פָּרַשׂ spread out, spread
6566 paras paw-ras'
a primitive root; to break apart, disperse, etc.:--break,
chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth,
selves, out), stretch (forth, out).
פָּרַשׂ (pa.ra.s) — to spread.
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
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singularHVqp3fs
עָנִי (aniy) describes a state of being poor, afflicted, or humble. It is built from the root meaning to be depressed in mind or circumstances. The entries indicate it covers a range of meanings including needy, lowly, and wretched. There is a noted disagreement regarding its relationship to another word, עָנָה (anah), with some lexicons viewing one as subjective and the other as objective.
עָנִי adj. poor, afflicted, humble
base
H6041 עָנִי poor, afflicted, humble
6041 `aniy aw-nee'
from 6031; depressed, in mind or circumstances (practically
the same as 6035, although the margin constantly disputes
this, making 6035 subjective and 6041 objective):--afflicted,
humble, lowly, needy, poor.
see HEBREW for 06031
see HEBREW for 06035
see HEBREW for 06035
see HEBREW for 06041
עָנִי (a.ni) — afflicted.
1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched
1a) poor, needy
1b) poor and weak
1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched
1d) humble, lowly
Prep | Adj — PrepositionHRd/Aamsa
יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
יָד 1604 n.f. hand
hand
Fig. = strength, power
Fig. = side
יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—
sign, monument
part, fractional part or share
time, repetition
axle-trees
stays, supports for laver
tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
a (beckoning) hand
יַד with prep.
base
H3027 יָד hand . hand
. Fig. = strength, power
. Fig. = side
. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument
. part, fractional part or share
. time, repetition
. axle-trees
. stays, supports for laver
. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
. a (beckoning) hand
. יַד with prep.
3027 yad yawd
a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed
one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of
applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate
and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,
at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,
(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +
creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,
force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,
labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,
ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,
power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,
draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by
them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,
+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,
יָד (yad) — hand.
: 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
יָד (yad) — hand: power.
: 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
יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
Conj | N-cd | Suff — Conjunction · noun common both dual construct · suffixHC/Ncbdc/Sp3fs
The Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach) is a primitive root meaning 'to send' with a wide range of applications. It can refer to sending away, stretching out (especially a hand), or letting go. The entries indicate various forms, including sending off, casting out, and setting free. Notably, it can also imply divorce or being sent away in a marital context.
שָׁלַח 814 vb. send
Qal
send: human subj.
send: subj. י׳ (God)
stretch out, esp. acc. hand
rarely send away: human subj.
let loose
Niph. letters were sent
Pi.
send off, away, human subj.
send away, subj. י׳
give over
cast out
send out, forth
let go, set free
shoot forth branches
let down
shoot
Phrases
Pu. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
Hiph. and I (י׳) will send
base
H7971 שָׁלַח send .. send: human subj.
. send: subj. י׳ (God)
. stretch out, esp. acc. hand
. rarely send away: human subj.
. let loose
. letters were sent
. . send off, away, human subj.
. . send away, subj. י׳
. give over
. cast out
. send out, forth
. let go, set free
. shoot forth branches
. let down
. shoot
. Phrases
. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
. and I (י׳) will send
7971 shalach shaw-lakh'
a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great
variety of applications):--X any wise, appoint, bring (on the
way), cast (away, out), conduct, X 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).
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: depart.
: 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
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: let go.
: let_go/free
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
V-Piel-Perf-3fs — Verb · Piel · perfect third person feminine singularHVpp3fs
The Hebrew word אֶבְיוֹן (*ebyown*) means needy or poor, derived from a root indicating want. It describes individuals who are destitute, oppressed, or in need of help, particularly from God. This term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, often referring to the lowest social class and the importance of caring for such individuals.
אֶבְיוֹן adj. in want, needy, poor,—so, alw. abs., Dt 15:4 + 40 t.; אֶבְיֹנְךָ Ex 23:6 Dt 15:11; אֶבְיוֹנִים Am 4:1 + 14 t.; אֶבְיוֹנֵי (אֶבְיֹנֵי) Ex 23:11 Is 29:19; אֶבְיוֹנֶיהָ ψ 132:15—(Hex. only JED; mostly poet., 23 t. ψ) needy, chiefly poor (in material things); as adj. Dt 15:7, 7, 9; 24:14 ψ 109:16 (both ∥ עָנִי); elsewhere subst.; ψ 49:3 (∥ עָשִׁיר); Dt 15:4, 11; subj. to oppression & abuse Am 2:6…
Read the full entry →H34 אֶבְיוֹן in want, needy, poor
34 'ebyown eb-yone'
from 14, in the sense of want (especially in feeling);
destitute:--beggar, needy, poor (man).
see HEBREW for 014
אֶבְיוֹן (ev.yon) — needy.
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
Prep | Adj — PrepositionHRd/Aamsa