Proverbs 31:21 kjv

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Proverbs 31:21 nkjv

She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

Proverbs 31:21 niv

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

Proverbs 31:21 esv

She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

Proverbs 31:21 nlt

She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm clothes.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 21 Meaning

Proverbs 31:21 describes the capable wife's foresight and diligent provision for her family, ensuring their comfort and well-being even in challenging conditions. She does not fear the onset of winter or snow because she has wisely prepared by clothing her household in warm, likely thick or scarlet, garments. This verse highlights her proactive planning, hard work, and the resulting security and protection she offers to her loved ones.

Proverbs 31 21 Context

Proverbs 31:21 is part of the final poem in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 31:10-31), an acrostic tribute to the "woman of valor" or "excellent wife" (Eshet Chayil in Hebrew). This poem presents an idealized, yet attainable, picture of a capable, diligent, and God-fearing woman whose actions bring honor and blessing to her family and community. The immediate context of verses 10-31 details various aspects of her industriousness, wisdom, generosity, and strong character, painting a portrait of comprehensive management of the home, finances, and external dealings. Historically and culturally, the poem reflects ancient Israelite life where women played a crucial role in the household economy, particularly in textile production, food preservation, and managing servants. Preparing for adverse weather conditions like snow was a practical necessity, demonstrating true foresight and skill in household governance in a region where winter could bring genuine hardship, especially in higher elevations. The poem as a whole challenges the notion of a passive woman and champions an active, vital role within the family unit and beyond, serving as an encouragement for wisdom and diligent application of principles throughout life.

Proverbs 31 21 Word analysis

• She is not afraid (lo'-tîrā' - לֹא־תִירָא): Lo (לא) is a negation, "not." Tîrā' comes from the root yare' (ירא), meaning to fear, revere, be afraid. Here, it signifies an absence of apprehension or anxiety concerning future difficulties (like winter). This lack of fear stems from her thorough preparation, not from a lack of awareness of the challenge. It suggests confidence in her own diligent efforts.

• of the snow (miššeleg - מִשֶּׁלֶג): Min (מִן) indicates "from" or "of." Sheleg (שֶׁלֶג) is the Hebrew word for snow. Snow in ancient Israel could mean cold, harsh winters, posing a threat to health and survival without proper warmth. This represents a tangible and potentially dangerous challenge for a household.

• for her household (lĕbêtāh - לְבֵיתָהּ): Le (לְ) means "for" or "to." Bêt (בַּיִת) refers to a house, family, or household. The suffix āh (הּ) denotes "her." This emphasizes that her concern and actions are primarily directed towards the welfare of those under her care.

• for all her household (kî kol-bêtāh - כִּי כָל־בֵּיתָהּ): Kî (כִּי) acts as a causal conjunction, meaning "because" or "for." Kol (כָּל) means "all" or "every." This repeats and intensifies the focus on the entirety of her family, reinforcing her comprehensive provision.

• are clothed with scarlet (lābuš šānî - לָבוּשׁ שָׁנִי): Lābūš (לָבוּשׁ) is a participle meaning "clothed" or "wearing." Shānî (שָׁנִי) refers to the color scarlet, a crimson dye derived from the coccus ilicis insect.

  • Significance of Shānî (Scarlet):
    • Warmth: Scarlet cloth, often wool, was known for being warm, potentially signifying thicker or higher-quality garments suitable for cold weather. Some scholars suggest "scarlet" could refer to a "double-dyed" or "twice-spun" fabric (shana meaning to repeat), implying durability and double thickness, which would provide superior warmth. This double-layering or double-thread aspect of the fabric itself ensures comfort against the cold.
    • Wealth/Status: Scarlet was an expensive dye, indicating that the woman's industry allowed her household to be well-provided for, beyond mere necessity, to a degree of comfort or even luxury. It speaks to her economic acumen and the prosperity she cultivates.
    • Preparation: This isn't just about color; it's about material and warmth. The "scarlet" signifies not a display of opulence, but robust, suitable attire, acquired or made by her, ensuring their practical protection.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • She is not afraid... for her household: This phrase highlights her strong, responsible leadership within the home. Her fearlessness is not recklessness but a confident composure born from preparedness and diligence. It portrays a calm, capable leader who ensures the security of those dependent on her.
  • of the snow... clothed with scarlet: This juxtaposition illustrates the challenge (snow) and her effective solution (warm, quality clothing). It points to a practical wisdom that anticipates future needs and provides for them in advance. The specific detail of "scarlet" signifies a comprehensive, qualitative level of provision that ensures warmth, comfort, and perhaps dignity for the entire family during the harsh winter. This reveals her profound ability to manage resources and time effectively for optimal outcomes.

Proverbs 31 21 Bonus section

• The Proactive Vs. Reactive Mindset: This verse powerfully demonstrates a proactive approach to life's challenges. Rather than reacting to the harshness of winter, the woman of valor anticipates it and prepares extensively. This foresight saves her family from potential suffering and instills a sense of security.
• Beyond Physical Warmth: While shānî (scarlet) points to physical warmth and perhaps material wealth, it also symbolizes the inner peace and dignity that result from diligent provision. Her family is not only warm but also respected and well-regarded, which reflects on her efforts.
• Holistic Household Management: The proverb implicitly speaks to the complete spectrum of household management, from acquiring raw materials (as seen in earlier verses about wool and flax) to processing them, and then distributing the final products (clothing). It showcases an integrated system of provision.
• An Example of God's Provision: While the verse describes human diligence, it also subtly mirrors a theological truth: just as God anticipates and provides for His people, so too a wise and capable human provides for her sphere of influence, mirroring divine attributes in a practical sense.

Proverbs 31 21 Commentary

Proverbs 31:21 beautifully illustrates the practical wisdom and foresight of the ideal woman. Her ability to look ahead, anticipate future challenges (like the cold of winter and snow), and actively prepare for them, frees her and her household from anxiety. Her lack of fear is a direct result of her diligence and excellent management. By ensuring "all her household are clothed with scarlet," she provides not just basic warmth, but durable, perhaps luxuriously warm, garments, reflecting the fruit of her skilled labor and resourceful acquisition. This verse is less about a literal fear of snow and more about the comprehensive preparedness that transforms potential hardship into security. It sets an example of proactive, responsible living, where planning and hard work mitigate future stress and foster well-being for the entire family. It inspires us to be prudent stewards, providing not just for today's needs but wisely anticipating tomorrow's, embodying thoughtful care for our loved ones and responsibilities.