Proverbs 31:15 kjv

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

Proverbs 31:15 nkjv

She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.

Proverbs 31:15 niv

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

Proverbs 31:15 esv

She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

Proverbs 31:15 nlt

She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day's work for her servant girls.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 15 Meaning

Proverbs 31:15 describes a key characteristic of the "excellent wife" (or woman of valor): her extraordinary diligence, foresight, and practical management of her household. She demonstrates proactive care by rising before dawn to prepare sustenance for her entire family and equitably distribute specific portions to her servant girls. This verse highlights her industrious nature, her ability to lead and organize her domestic sphere effectively, and her responsible provision for all under her care, showcasing wisdom put into action.

Proverbs 31 15 Context

Proverbs 31:15 is a specific attribute in a broader poetic acrostic (Prov 31:10-31) describing the 'ēšet-ḥayil (אֵשֶׁת־חַיִל), commonly translated as "excellent wife," "virtuous woman," or "woman of valor." This passage is a culminating depiction of ideal wisdom applied to domestic and societal life, serving as an instructional model. Historically, in ancient Israelite culture, the household was the central economic and social unit. The woman's role was paramount in managing its internal affairs, including food preparation, textile production, and overseeing servants. The described actions are not just domestic duties but illustrate high-level managerial and leadership skills, contradicting any contemporary notion that women's roles were less significant or solely ornamental. By presenting this industrious and proactive figure, the text implicitly contrasts her with idleness, mismanagement, and short-sightedness.

Proverbs 31 15 Word analysis

• She rises: (Hebrew: תָּק֤וּם - tā·qūm) From the verb קוּם (qum), meaning "to rise," "stand up," "establish." This signifies a deliberate and active decision, not merely waking, but initiating action. It denotes proactivity and strong resolve.
• while it is yet night: (Hebrew: בְּעוֹד־ לַיְלָה - bəʿōḏ- layəlāh) This emphasizes her early awakening, before the demands of the day begin, showcasing remarkable discipline and foresight. It highlights her initiative, going beyond minimal requirements and seizing productive hours for preparation.
• and provides: (Hebrew: וַתִּתֵּ֥ן - wat·tit·tēn) "And she gives." This indicates her role as the active dispenser and organizer. It is not passive management but direct action and authority.
• food: (Hebrew: טֶ֫רֶף - ṭe·reph) While it can mean "prey" (something acquired for sustenance), here it refers to "provision" or "nourishment." This term underscores her role in ensuring sustenance for the household, which might involve preparing meals, overseeing food processing (as suggested by her economic activities in Prov 31:13-14, 18), or ensuring the household has enough for the day.
• for her household: (Hebrew: לְבֵיתָ֑הּ - lə·ḇê·ṯāh) Refers to her family members, including husband, children, and any other relatives living under her roof. This highlights her primary responsibility to care for her immediate family.
• and portions: (Hebrew: וְחֹ֖ק - wə·ḥōq) Meaning "statute," "decree," "allotment," or "assigned portion." This term implies orderly, just, and precise distribution. It speaks of good management and stewardship, ensuring fairness and adequate supply for each individual, avoiding waste.
• for her servant girls: (Hebrew: לְנַעֲרֹתֶֽיהָ׃ - lə·na·ʿa·rō·ṯehā) Referring to her young female servants or maidservants. This demonstrates her administrative and supervisory role, extending her care and order to her employees, reflecting ethical leadership and a concern for all dependents.
• "She rises while it is yet night": This phrase highlights exceptional diligence, self-discipline, and proactive management, setting her apart from those who might wait for dawn or for others to begin their duties. It suggests a deeply rooted work ethic driven by foresight and commitment to her responsibilities.
• "provides food for her household and portions for her servant girls": This grouping emphasizes her dual role as nurturer and administrator. She ensures sustenance for her entire family, while also justly and methodically providing for her staff, showcasing excellent organizational skills, equitable distribution, and compassionate oversight of her entire domain.

Proverbs 31 15 Bonus section

• The portrayal of the 'ēšet-ḥayil (woman of valor) throughout Proverbs 31 often presents her as an allegory for wisdom itself, not just an ideal woman. Her diligent actions thus become concrete examples of wisdom's practical outworking in daily life, applicable to anyone seeking to live a life aligned with God's principles.
• Her early rising and preparation are also an inversion of the characteristic laziness condemned elsewhere in Proverbs (e.g., the sluggard who turns on his bed like a door on its hinges). This highlights the strong value placed on industry and preparedness within biblical wisdom literature.
• The provision for servant girls also reflects ethical labor practices rooted in ancient Near Eastern law and divine commandments, which mandated fair treatment and provision for dependents and workers (Deut 15:13-14). Her actions embody justice and righteousness in the domestic sphere.

Proverbs 31 15 Commentary

Proverbs 31:15 paints a picture of exceptional diligence and disciplined initiative. The woman of valor rises while it is still night, signifying her foresight and proactive approach. She doesn't react to hunger but anticipates it, preparing meals and provisions before others are even awake. This pre-dawn activity suggests an unselfish devotion to her household's well-being. Furthermore, her ability to "provide food" and mete out "portions for her servant girls" underscores her role not just as a worker, but as a skilled manager and steward. "Portions" (ḥōq) implies ordered, equitable distribution, revealing her organized mind and fair leadership. She understands the needs of her entire household, from her closest family to those who serve her, demonstrating both practical competence and a considerate heart. This proactive, organized provision ensures her household runs smoothly and everyone's needs are met, testifying to her exemplary management and devotion.