Proverbs 31:20 kjv

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Proverbs 31:20 nkjv

She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

Proverbs 31:20 niv

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

Proverbs 31:20 esv

She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

Proverbs 31:20 nlt

She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 20 Meaning

Proverbs 31:20 describes a key characteristic of the "excellent wife" (also translated "virtuous woman" or "capable wife"): her active and deliberate compassion for the less fortunate. She is portrayed not only as diligently managing her household but also extending her benevolence and material help directly to the poor and needy outside her immediate family. This verse highlights her practical generosity as an integral part of her righteous character, demonstrating her wisdom and piety through tangible acts of mercy.

Proverbs 31 20 Context

Proverbs 31:20 is situated within the lengthy description of the "excellent wife" found in Proverbs 31:10-31. This passage forms an acrostic poem, where each successive verse begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It paints a picture of an ideal woman whose value surpasses rubies. Her qualities encompass diligence in managing her household, shrewd financial foresight, strength, wisdom, and above all, active benevolence.

This specific verse contrasts with her prior actions primarily focused within the household (e.g., v. 15, feeding her household; v. 18, her lamp does not go out). Here, her sphere of influence and compassion extends outward. Historically, Israelite society, shaped by the Mosaic Law, held a strong communal ethic where care for the poor, widow, and orphan was not merely charity but a divinely commanded act of justice. Unlike many ancient cultures where the poor were often disregarded or seen as a burden, the Hebrew Scriptures consistently elevated the plight of the vulnerable and called God's people to active compassion. This woman exemplifies the covenantal ethic that stood in direct contrast to pagan practices which often neglected or even exploited the weak. Her actions embody the true worship and righteousness taught throughout the Hebrew Bible, distinguishing the people of God by their practical love.

Proverbs 31 20 Word analysis

• She (הִ): Refers to the "excellent wife" (ʾēshet ḥayil), the subject of the entire poem (Pr 31:10-31). Her actions are intrinsic to her described character.
• stretches out (פָּרְשָׂה - pārsāh): From the root pāraś (פּרשׂ), meaning "to spread out," "to stretch out," "to extend." It implies a deliberate, open, and reaching action, not a casual or forced gesture. It's a proactive reaching towards. In other contexts, this verb is used for spreading wings (Psa 68:14) or stretching hands in prayer (Psa 143:6), suggesting a purposeful and committed act.
• her hand (יָדָהּ - yādāh): Singular form, representing a tangible and direct action of giving or aiding. The hand is the instrument of generosity and assistance.
• to the poor (לֶעָנִי - leʿānî): ʿĀnî (עָנִי) is a broad Hebrew term for the poor, afflicted, humble, meek, or oppressed. It implies a state of being economically disadvantaged, marginalized, or suffering, often in need of help. It points to social vulnerability beyond mere lack of wealth.
• Yes, she reaches (וְיָדֶיהָ שִׁלְּחָהּ - weyaḏeyhā shilleḥāh): This is a parallelism, common in Hebrew poetry, emphasizing and intensifying the previous clause. The initial "Yes" is a common way to translate the intensifying waw connective.
• out her hands (וְיָדֶיהָ - weyaḏeyhā): Now plural, "hands." This repetition and shift to the plural denote a sustained, abundant, or full commitment to the act. It is not just a single gesture but a consistent disposition of helpfulness and openhandedness.
• to the needy (לָאֶבְיוֹן - lāʾeḇyōn): ʾEḇyôn (אֶבְיוֹן) refers to someone who is absolutely destitute, in dire poverty, or an utterly dependent beggar. It often highlights their reliance on others for basic survival. This word strengthens ʿānî, indicating that her compassion extends to those in the most severe need.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• She stretches out her hand to the poor: This phrase establishes her active, individual initiative in caring for the vulnerable. Her care isn't passive or distant; it's a direct, physical engagement with those in need. It speaks of tangible aid.
• Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy: The repetition and intensification with "hands" in the plural underscore the depth and consistency of her benevolence. It’s a purposeful, deliberate, and abundant expression of charity towards the most distressed, demonstrating a character truly invested in mercy and practical aid. The pairing of ʿānî and ʾeḇyôn indicates a comprehensive scope of her concern for all degrees of poverty and affliction.

Proverbs 31 20 Bonus section

This verse emphasizes that the excellence of the woman described in Proverbs 31 is not merely internal piety or domestic efficiency, but finds its practical application in acts of social compassion. Her virtues are not confined to the walls of her home; they radiate outward to benefit the wider community, especially those most marginalized. This aspect underscores that her faith is "active through love" (Gal 5:6) and that she embodies the spirit of righteousness and justice, which are central themes of biblical wisdom. It also highlights a balanced life where personal prosperity and household management empower acts of selflessness and mercy, showing a deep integration of spiritual values with daily conduct.

Proverbs 31 20 Commentary

Proverbs 31:20 captures the external dimension of the virtuous woman’s wisdom and godliness. Her diligence within the home (earning, managing, providing for her family) directly enables her compassion outside the home. She is not merely financially shrewd or domestically efficient; her prosperity and capability are channeled into practical expressions of love for the vulnerable. Her "stretched-out hands" are a visual testament to an active, engaged benevolence that aligns her character with God's heart for justice and mercy. This verse underlines that true righteousness in God’s eyes is not just internal piety but is outwardly manifested in selfless deeds that meet tangible human needs, moving from abstract principle to concrete action. It exemplifies that an ordered household serves as a launching pad for wider societal good.

• Example 1: A homemaker diligently manages her family's finances and resources, allowing her to regularly volunteer at a local food bank and donate surplus garden produce to neighbors in need.
• Example 2: A woman, through her effective stewardship of family assets, is able to discreetly provide school supplies and clothing for children from struggling families in her community.