Proverbs 31:10 kjv

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10 nkjv

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10 niv

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Proverbs 31:10 esv

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

Proverbs 31:10 nlt

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 10 Meaning

Proverbs 31:10 describes the exceptional and immeasurable value of a woman characterized by hayil, a Hebrew word signifying strength, competence, valor, and excellent character. Such a woman is presented as incredibly rare and precious, her intrinsic worth far exceeding that of even the most valuable material treasures, such as rubies or costly jewels. This verse introduces the ideal "woman of valor," emphasizing that true value lies not in external wealth or beauty, but in deep spiritual and practical excellence.

Proverbs 31 10 Context

Proverbs 31:10 is the introductory verse to the famous acrostic poem (verses 10-31), describing the "woman of valor" or "excellent wife." This poem forms the conclusion of the Book of Proverbs. The preceding verses (Proverbs 31:1-9) contain the "words of King Lemuel," taught to him by his mother, cautioning against destructive behaviors (like drunkenness and chasing women) and advocating for justice for the oppressed. Immediately following this warning to a king, the depiction of the ideal wife or woman of excellence serves as a positive counter-image.

Historically and culturally, the poem reflects ancient Israelite societal structures where a woman's contribution to the household, family, and community was highly valued and recognized through practical skills, diligence, and moral integrity. The description here is not a simple domestic manual but a multifaceted ideal of a woman who contributes to the prosperity, reputation, and well-being of her family and household in every sense—morally, economically, and socially. It presents an ultimate standard of feminine excellence.

Word Analysis

• Who can find? (מִי יִמְצָא mi yimtsaʾ): A rhetorical question indicating extreme rarity. It implies that such a woman is a rare and precious discovery, not easily come by. This immediately sets a high value on her before any qualities are described. It also suggests that true virtue is sought after, not simply given or commonplace.
• a virtuous wife (אֵשֶׁת־חַיִל ʼeshet ḥayil):
  • אֵשֶׁת (ʼeshet): Hebrew for "woman" or "wife." The context clearly points to "wife."
  • חַיִל (ḥayil): This is a crucial, multifaceted word. It means "strength, power, ability, might, efficiency, wealth, army, virtue, valor, excellent character." It's often translated as "virtuous," "noble," or "excellent." In other contexts, it describes male warriors or wealthy, powerful individuals. Applied to a woman, it conveys a strong, competent, and active excellence in all aspects of life—moral integrity, wise administration of the household, diligence in business, and resourceful provision for her family. It goes beyond mere passive virtue, embodying active strength and capability.
• For her worth (וְרָחֹק מִפְּנִינִים מִכְרָהּ vəraḥoq mipənīnīm mikrāh):
  • מִכְרָהּ (mikrāh): This noun, with the feminine possessive suffix "her," means "her price," "her value," or "that which she is sold for." It emphasizes the inherent preciousness and value of the hayil woman, not as an object for sale, but as one whose intrinsic worth could not be purchased or equated with material goods.
• is far above (וְרָחֹק מִפְּנִינִים vəraḥoq mipənīnīm):
  • וְרָחֹק (vəraḥoq): "And far off," "at a great distance." This intensifies the comparison, indicating a profound qualitative and quantitative superiority. Her value is not merely "more than," but "far beyond" or "immeasurably superior to."
  • מִפְּנִינִים (mipənīnīm): "From rubies," "than rubies." The preposition min can indicate comparison.
• rubies (פְּנִינִים pənīnīm): Precious stones, often identified as pearls or coral in ancient texts. In the ancient world, these were among the most coveted and valuable material possessions. The book of Proverbs frequently uses rubies/precious stones as a benchmark for ultimate material value, often to contrast with the superior value of wisdom, understanding, or character (e.g., Prov 3:15, 8:11, 20:15).

Words-group analysis:

• "Who can find a virtuous wife?": This opening immediately establishes the central theme: the exceptional rarity and therefore supreme value of such a woman. It implies that her worth is not obvious but discovered by those who recognize true quality. This is a quest, a seeking out of profound excellence.
• "For her worth is far above rubies.": This statement provides the answer to the rhetorical question, declaring her incomparable value. Rubies serve as the ultimate ancient symbol of material wealth and beauty, and the "woman of hayil" transcends them all. This highlights a biblical principle: true human value lies not in possessions or outward adornment but in inner character and active, God-honoring conduct.

Proverbs 31 10 Bonus section

• Acrostic Poem: Proverbs 31:10-31 is an acrostic poem, meaning each successive verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This literary device emphasizes the completeness and comprehensiveness of the description, as if covering all facets of the ideal woman from A to Z (or Aleph to Tav).
• Ruth as an Example: Ruth in the Old Testament is explicitly called "a woman of excellence/valor" (ʼeshet ḥayil) in Ruth 3:11, illustrating that this is not just an ideal, but a real possibility for those who demonstrate faithfulness, loyalty, and diligent action rooted in righteousness.
• Counterpoint to Other Proverbs: This description serves as a powerful contrast to the "foolish woman" or the "contentious wife" portrayed in other parts of Proverbs, and especially the "strange woman" (e.g., Prov 2:16, 5:3-14, 7:5-27) who leads men astray. The virtuous wife is a blessing and a safeguard.
• Focus on Internal Character: The verse immediately pivots from a search to an assessment of her internal, active character, implying that true value originates from within, manifesting through godly deeds and wisdom, rather than outward appearances or superficial adornments (as later verses in the chapter and other New Testament passages confirm).

Proverbs 31 10 Commentary

Proverbs 31:10 is the gateway to one of the Bible's most celebrated portrayals of righteous womanhood. The question "Who can find?" immediately signals the rarity of such a treasure. The Hebrew term ʼeshet ḥayil transcends simple morality; it encompasses competence, diligence, courage, and productive capability. This woman is not merely "good" in a passive sense but actively excels in all spheres of her life – family, home, business, and community. She is a powerhouse of virtue and wisdom applied practically. Her true "worth" (her mikrah or "price") is declared to be "far above rubies," emphasizing that character, industry, and spiritual devotion yield a value that no amount of material wealth can rival or purchase. This sets the standard not just for women, but for humanity: true riches are found in godliness, wisdom, and active good. This verse invites all believers to pursue an active, robust virtue that is immeasurably valuable in God's eyes and brings profound blessing to those around them.