Proverbs 31:24 — Word Study
WLCסָדִ֣ין עָ֭שְׂתָה וַתִּמְכֹּ֑ר וַ֝חֲג֗וֹר נָתְנָ֥ה לַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽי׃
BSAShe makesʻâsâh■ [fine, high-quality] ◂linen garmentsçâdîyn [a type of garment] and sells [them]mâkar▸ [offers for sale, trades] she deliversnâthan■ [gives, provides] to the merchantsKᵉnaʻanîy [Canaanite, merchant]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| סָדִ֣ין | linen garment[s] | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| עָ֭שְׂתָה | she makes | Verb, Qal, perfect third person feminine singular |
| וַתִּמְכֹּ֑ר | and she sold | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person feminine singular |
| וַ֝חֲג֗וֹר | and a belt | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| נָתְנָ֥ה | she supplies | Verb, Qal, perfect third person feminine singular |
| לַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽי׃ | to the merchants | Preposition, noun gentilic masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants. |
| KJV | She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. |
| ASV | She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant. |
| YLT | Linen garments she hath made, and selleth, And a girdle she hath given to the merchant. |
| WEB | She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant. |
| BBE | She makes linen robes and gets a price for them, and traders take her cloth bands for a price. |
The translations agree on the meaning and actions described in the verse.
The verse consists of a main clause followed by two subordinate clauses, detailing the woman's actions.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbעָשָׂה
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 31:24
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 Womangenerated
Proverbs 31:24 is part of a larger description of a virtuous woman who is praised for her industriousness and wisdom. This section of Proverbs outlines the qualities of an ideal wife, emphasizing her ability to manage her household and contribute to her family's well-being. The verses surrounding this one highlight her strength, honor, and wisdom, painting a comprehensive picture of her character and capabilities.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 31:13–19 | She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 10:28 | Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 27:16 | Aram was your customer because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares. |
| 4 | Luke 16:19 | Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — סָדִין, sa.Dingenerated
The word סָדִין (sadiyn) refers to a linen garment, specifically a type of fine linen often associated with purity and elegance. It is derived from a root meaning to envelop, indicating its function as a covering. This term is used in the context of making clothing that is not only practical but also of high quality.
In this verse, the woman is depicted as someone who not only makes these garments but also engages in commerce, selling them to others. This illustrates her resourcefulness and ability to contribute economically.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations generally agree on the meaning of the verse.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb עָשְׂתָה ('as'tah), meaning 'she makes,' governs the structure of the verse, indicating the primary action of the woman. This is followed by two additional verbs: וַתִּמְכֹּ֑ר (va.tim.kor), meaning 'and she sold,' and נָתְנָ֥ה (na.te.nah), meaning 'she supplies.'
The sentence structure highlights her actions in a sequential manner, showing her industriousness in making, selling, and supplying.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates סָדִין as σινδόνας (sin-donas), which also refers to linen garments but may carry a slightly different connotation in the Greek context. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the garment's purpose and quality.
The use of ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen) for 'she made' aligns with the Hebrew verb, emphasizing the act of creation or production.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 31:24 describes a woman who makes high-quality linen garments and sells them, while also providing belts to merchants. This verse highlights her industrious nature and her role in the marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The verse portrays her as industrious and skilled, capable of making and selling garments, which reflects her resourcefulness and contribution to her household.
Linen is often associated with purity and quality, indicating that the garments she makes are not only practical but also of high value.
Commerce highlights the woman's active participation in the economy, showing that she is not only a caretaker at home but also engages in trade.
This verse exemplifies the qualities of the virtuous woman by showcasing her industriousness, skill, and ability to contribute to her family's well-being.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What skills do I have that I can use to serve others, just as the woman in this verse does?
- How can I be more resourceful in my daily life, similar to the woman described in Proverbs 31?
- In what ways can I contribute to my community or family using my talents?
- What does it mean to me to embody the qualities of a virtuous person in my actions?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators have noted the virtues of the woman described in this verse, emphasizing her industriousness and the significance of her work in the context of family and community.
She made a fine linen garment, and sold it, etc. In the weaving of fine linen is symbolized the holy preaching in which one softly rests, because the mind of the faithful is refreshed by a heavenly hope.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 31 →
The Chanaanite: The merchant, for Chanaanite, in Hebrew, signifies a merchant.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 31 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 31:24 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleShe maketh fine linen, and selleth [it],.... She not only seeks wool and flax, and spins it, but makes it up into fine linen, which she disposes of to advantage to herself and family.
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 BibleCuriously wrought of linen, and gold, or other precious materials, , which in those parts were used both by men, , and by women, .
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 31 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.Ver. 24. She maketh fine linen and sells it.] Such sindons as our Saviour’ s dead body was wrapt in, and for girdles. It was anciently no shame for a queen to make gain of her handiwork.
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 31 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 24. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it] 15. She is here remarkable for carrying on a traffic of splendid and ornamental dresses, or habits, as she is, Proverbs 31:13, for "a coarser manufacture," The סדון sidon is supposed to come from [Arabic] in Arabic; and to signify a kind of loose inner garment, shirt, chemise, or fine muslin covering. Some of these are so exceedingly fine, like the abrooam, that when spread on the grass, they are scarcely discernible. Some such garments as these are still worn by ladies in India and in China, and are so thin and transparent, that every part of the body may be seen through them. I have many representations of persons clothed in this way before…
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 31 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges24. fine linen] Rather, linen garments. The word, which is not the same as that rendered fine linen in Proverbs 31:22, denotes not the material but a made-up garment, σινδόνας LXX.; sindonem, Vulg. It is rendered sheets, A.V., but linen garments, R.V., in Judges 14:12-13, where it is described in the note in this Series as “a wide flowing under-garment of linen, worn next the body.” See Isaiah 3:23. girdles] These were often richly worked and very valuable. See 1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Samuel 18:11. the merchant] Lit. the Canaanite (as in Job 41:6 [Heb. 40:30]; Isaiah 23:8), because the Canaanites were the great merchants of the time. See note in this Series on Zechariah 14:21. This verse adds as…
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 31 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleFine linen - Not the same word as in Proverbs 31:22 note; it describes a made-up garment Isaiah 3:23. Merchant - literally, “Canaanite,” i. e., the Phoenician merchant.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 31 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible24. Fine linen — ργιο, (sadhin,) fine undergarments; those worn next the body — shirts. In the East these are frequently made of very fine and elegant texture — transparent gauze — and worn by persons of rank, especially ladies.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon 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 makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.
She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Tyndale line
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
She maketh linen garments and selleth them; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it ; and delivereth girdles to the merchant.
She maketh sheetes, and selleth them, and giueth girdels vnto the marchant.
Strictly literal
She maketh body linen and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Linen garments she hath made, and selleth, And a girdle she hath given to the merchant.
She has made linen garments, and sells, || And she has given a girdle to the merchant.
Fine tunics she maketh, and selleth them, and girdles she furnisheth unto the merchant.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and she supplies sashes to the merchants.
From the Latin
She made fine linen, and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chanaanite.
Simplified
She makes linen clothes for sale, and supplies merchants with belts.
She makes linen robes and gets a price for them, and traders take her cloth bands for a price.
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 largely agree in their wording. The Septuagint matches five out of the six words from the Hebrew text, indicating a strong correspondence between the two versions.
סָדִ֣ין עָ֭שְׂתָה וַתִּמְכֹּ֑ר וַ֝חֲג֗וֹר נָתְנָ֥ה לַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽי׃
5 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 31:24
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.
סָדִין (sadiyn) refers to a linen wrapper, possibly a foreign term. It is described as a rectangular piece of fine linen, used as an outer garment or for sleeping. The word is derived from a root meaning to envelop, indicating its function as a covering.
סָדִין n.[m.] linen wrapper (perh. foreign word)
base
H5466 סָדִין linen wrapper (perh. foreign word)
5466 cadiyn saw-deen'
from an unused root meaning to envelop; a wrapper, i.e.
shirt:--fine linen, sheet.
סָדִין (sa.din) — linen.
1) linen wrapper
1a) rectangular piece of fine linen worn as outer, or at night, as a sole garment
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.
עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make
Qal 2524
do (1560 t.)
deal with
oft. in phr. do kindness with
abs. act, act with effect
make (670 t.)
produce, yield
prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
make offering
attend to, put in order
observe, celebrate, religious festival
acquire property of various kinds
appoint priests
bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
use
spend, pass, days of life
Niph.
97be done
be made, of concr. things
be produced from vine
be prepared, of food
be offered
be observed, passover
be used
Pu. I was made
base
[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze
base
H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)
. deal with
. oft. in phr. do kindness with
. abs. act, act with effect
. . make (670 + t.)
. produce, yield
. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
. make offering
. attend to, put in order
. observe, celebrate, religious festival
. acquire property of various kinds
. appoint priests
. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
. use
. spend, pass, days of life
. . be done
. . be made, of concr. things
. be produced from vine
. be prepared, of food
. be offered
. be observed, passover
. be used
. I was made
H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze
6213 `asah aw-saw'
a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and
widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,
appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,
bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal
(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)
execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +
finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go
about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X
indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,
make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,
bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,
provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,
spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be
(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.
: do/perform
1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do, work, make, produce
1a1a) to do
1a1b) to work
1a1c) to deal (with)
1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect
1a2) to make
1a2a) to make
1a2b) to produce
1a2c) to prepare
1a2d) to make (an offering)
1a2e) to attend to, put in order
1a2f) to observe, celebrate
1a2g) to acquire (property)
1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute
1a2i) to bring about
1a2j) to use
1a2k) to spend, pass
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be done
1b2) to be made
1b3) to be produced
1b4) to be offered
1b5) to be observed
1b6) to be used
1c) (Pual) to be made
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.
(Piel) to press, squeeze
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.
: make(OBJECT)
1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do, work, make, produce
1a1a) to do
1a1b) to work
1a1c) to deal (with)
1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect
1a2) to make
1a2a) to make
1a2b) to produce
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singularHVqp3fs
מָכַר (makar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to sell.' It encompasses various forms, including selling merchandise, giving a daughter in marriage, or even selling oneself into slavery. The word appears in different grammatical forms, such as Qal (to sell), Niphal (to be sold), and Hithpael (to sell oneself). It reflects both literal and figurative senses of selling.
מָכַר vb. sell
Qal sell
Niph. be sold
Hithp. sell oneself as slave
base
H4376 מָכַר sell
4376 makar maw-kar'
a primitive root; to sell, literally (as merchandise, a
daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to
surrender):--X at all, sell (away, -er, self).
מָכַר (ma.khar) — to sell.
1) to sell
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to sell
1a2) seller (participle)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be sold
1b2) to sell oneself
1b3) to be given over to death
1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singularHc/Vqw3fs
חֲגוֹר (chagor) and its feminine form חֲגוֹרָה (chagowrah) both refer to a belt or girdle, used for the waist. The entries indicate that these terms can also denote a loin-covering or armor. The word is derived from a root meaning to bind or gird.
חֲגוֹר n.[m.] belt, girdle
base
חֲגוֹרָה n.f. girdle, loin-covering, belt
base
H2290a חֲגוֹר belt, girdle H2290b חֲגוֹרָה girdle, loin-covering, belt
2290 chagowr khag-ore'
or chagor {khag-ore'}; and (feminine) chagowrah
{khag-o-raw'}; or chagorah {khag-o-raw'}; from 2296; a belt
(for the waist):--apron, armour, gird(-le).
see HEBREW for 02296
חֲגוֹר (cha.gor) — belt.
girdle, belt
Another spelling of ha.go.rah (חֲגוֹרָה "belt" H2290B)
חֲגוֹרָה (ha.go.rah) — belt.
girdle, loin-covering, belt, loin-cloth, armour
Also means: cha.gor (חֲגוֹר "belt" H2290A)
HC/Ncmsa — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
See ARMOR; DRESS.
The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.
נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set
Qal 1917
give
Put, set
Make, constitute
Niph.
82be given
Be put, set
Hoph.
be given, bestowed
= be given to one for wife
be put upon
base
H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give
. Put, set
. Make, constitute
. . be given
. Be put, set
. . . be given, bestowed
. = be given to one for wife
. be put upon
5414 nathan naw-than'
a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of
application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,
assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,
hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +
cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X
without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),
grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),
(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,
occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X
pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send
(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,
strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,
turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)
God, yield.
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.
: 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
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.
: put/set/apppoint
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singularHVqp3fs
כְּנַעֲנִי (ken-ah-an-ee) refers to a Canaanite, an inhabitant of Canaan, and also denotes a merchant or trader. It is derived from the root word for Canaan, which can imply a connection to trade, as Canaanites were known for their mercantile activities. The term can also describe a woman from Canaan, first mentioned in Genesis 46:10.
כְּנַעֲנִי adj. et nom.gent.
base
כְּנַעֲנִי n.m. trader, merchant
base
H3669a כְּנַעֲנִי adj. et nom. gent. H3669b כְּנַעֲנִי trader, merchant
3669 Kna`aniy ken-ah-an-ee'
patrial from 3667; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by
implication, a pedlar (the Canaanites standing for their
neighbors the Ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile
caravans):--Canaanite, merchant, trafficker.
see HEBREW for 03667
כְּנַעֲנִי (ke.na.a.ni) — Canaanite.
Group of ke.na.an (כְּנַ֫עַן "Canaan" H3667A)
§ Canaanite, of Cana "zealous"
adj
descendant or inhabitant of Canaan
כְּנַעֲנִי (ke.na.a.ni) — merchant.
a merchant, trader
Group of ke.na.an (כְּנַ֫עַן "merchant" H3667B)
כְּנַעֲנִי (ke.na.a.ni) — Canaanitess.
Describing a woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.46.10;
mother of: Shaul (H7586H)
§ a merchant, trader
Prep | Ngmsa — Preposition · noun gentilic masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ngmsa