Proverbs 31:16 kjv

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:16 nkjv

She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:16 niv

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:16 esv

She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:16 nlt

She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 16 Meaning

Proverbs 31:16 describes the virtuous woman as possessing acute business acumen and practical intelligence. She carefully evaluates economic opportunities, such as purchasing a field, not acting impulsively but with thoughtful consideration. Furthermore, she uses the profits or results of her own industrious labor to make further investments, specifically planting a vineyard. This highlights her diligence, foresight, financial prudence, and capacity to contribute significantly to the household's prosperity through her personal endeavors and long-term vision.

Proverbs 31 16 Context

Proverbs 31:16 is part of the final section of the book of Proverbs (31:10-31), an acrostic poem known as "The Song of the Excellent Wife" or "Woman of Valor" (’Eshet ḥayil). This poem describes the ideal characteristics and actions of a virtuous wife, presented as a model for both men seeking a wife and women seeking to develop their character. The preceding verses introduce her diligence, trustworthiness, and early rising, setting the stage for her wider activities. This specific verse broadens the scope beyond purely domestic chores, showing her involvement in external economic ventures that contribute to the family's wealth and security. The cultural context reveals that women in ancient Israel had varying levels of autonomy and involvement in household management and commerce, making this portrayal exemplary of the highest capabilities. It counteracts any notion that a woman's value is solely in idleness or simple household labor, presenting a sophisticated manager and investor.

Proverbs 31 16 Word analysis

• She (הִיא, hi): Refers to the "virtuous woman" or "wife of noble character" introduced in Proverbs 31:10 (אֵשֶׁת־חַיִל, ’Eshet ḥayil). This pronoun emphasizes her individual agency and active role. It is her initiative.
• considers (זָמְמָה, zāmᵉmāh): From the root זָמַם (zamam), meaning to plot, devise, ponder, or plan. It signifies a thoughtful, deliberate, and shrewd evaluation, not an impulsive act. She strategically assesses the opportunity.
• a field (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): Refers to agricultural land. This signifies a significant capital investment and a source of future production, demonstrating foresight for the family's long-term security.
• and buys it (וַתִּקָּחֵהוּ, wattikkaḥēhû): From לָקַח (laqaḥ), meaning to take, seize, or purchase. This implies she possesses the means, either directly through her earnings or by managing family finances, to execute the transaction. It's a completed act of acquisition.
• with the fruit (מִפְּרִי, mippěrî): Literally "from the fruit" or "by means of the produce." This emphasizes that the resources for the next investment come directly from her previous labor and success. It signifies earnings or accumulated profits from her work.
• of her hands (כַּפֶּיהָ, kappèhā): Her own physical effort, skill, and industry. This highlights her productivity and economic independence, contrasting with simply inheriting wealth or relying solely on her husband's income.
• she plants (נָטְעָה, nāṭ‘ah): From נָטַע (naṭa‘), meaning to set, plant, or transplant. This action signifies an act of cultivation, requiring patience and a long-term vision. It indicates active participation in production.
• a vineyard (כֶּרֶם, kerem): A specific type of agricultural land known for producing grapes. Vineyards require significant upfront investment, specialized knowledge, and years of care before yielding a full harvest, underscoring her long-term planning and commitment.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "She considers a field and buys it": This phrase highlights her intellectual capacity and decisive action. She isn't merely a worker but a strategist and an investor, capable of identifying value and executing significant financial transactions. This shows her as a capable manager of resources, discerning what is beneficial for her household's future.
• "with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard": This clause directly links her industrious labor with profitable, long-term investment. It's a virtuous cycle: her diligence generates capital, which she then wisely reinvests into a productive asset (vineyard), ensuring sustained provision and growth. This portrays her as economically self-sufficient and proactive in wealth creation, leveraging her hard work for generational benefit.

Proverbs 31 16 Bonus section

This verse subtly challenges ancient Near Eastern and even some modern perceptions that confine a woman's value solely to the domestic realm. The ’Eshet ḥayil is praised not only for her internal household management but also for her outward economic engagement. Her business acumen, land acquisition, and agricultural investment were significant roles often associated with men. This passage affirms women's capacity for strategic financial planning, autonomous decision-making, and active contribution to family wealth creation, reflecting God's valuing of diligent labor and wise stewardship regardless of gender. The ownership and management of land was a marker of prosperity and stability in ancient Israel, highlighting her considerable impact on the family's social and economic standing. This passage thereby presents a comprehensive and aspirational model of womanhood rooted in godly wisdom, industry, and entrepreneurial spirit, for the benefit of the entire household.

Proverbs 31 16 Commentary

Proverbs 31:16 showcases the multi-faceted capability of the virtuous woman, extending beyond the domestic sphere into commercial and agricultural enterprise. This verse depicts her as a shrewd and proactive businesswoman, not just a manager of household affairs. Her decision to "consider a field and buy it" implies a rigorous process of assessment—evaluating the land's potential, its value, and the family's needs—before making a significant investment. This is not a casual purchase but a calculated acquisition. Furthermore, her initiative to "plant a vineyard with the fruit of her hands" demonstrates that she is generating wealth through her own efforts (Proverbs 31:24 mentions her making and selling linen garments). This is not her squandering inherited wealth but cultivating new prosperity directly from her labor. The vineyard itself is a symbol of long-term investment and patience, as it takes years to bear fruit, indicating her vision and commitment to enduring productivity for her household's welfare. The virtuous woman embodies diligence, foresight, and sound financial management, setting an example of how work and wisdom can lead to lasting prosperity.

For instance, her approach can be likened to a family saving diligently from current earnings to buy a piece of property that, over time, can be cultivated to provide future income or resources, perhaps for the children's education or old age. This wise, productive, and future-oriented perspective makes her a pillar of family security and prosperity.