Proverbs 31:28 kjv

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 31:28 nkjv

Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:28 niv

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:28 esv

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:28 nlt

Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 28 Meaning

Proverbs 31:28 portrays the culmination of a virtuous woman's life and character, highlighting the profound respect and admiration she earns from those closest to her. Her diligent and loving efforts within her family are not unnoticed but are met with spontaneous and heartfelt commendation. This verse signifies that her greatest reward and validation come from her children and husband, who publicly acknowledge her excellence and declare her worthy of praise and blessing.

Proverbs 31 28 Context

Proverbs 31:28 is a pivotal verse within the eulogy of the "excellent wife" (also known as the "woman of valor" or Eshet Chayil), which spans verses 10-31 of Proverbs. This entire section forms an acrostic poem, where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is presented as the instruction of King Lemuel's mother, outlining the ideal qualities of a virtuous woman.

Historically and culturally, the ancient Israelite household was the foundational unit of society and economy. Women, while primarily focused on domestic life, held significant responsibilities that contributed to the family's wealth, reputation, and well-being. This passage offers a rich portrait of such a woman, whose value far surpasses material possessions (Prov 31:10). The virtues described throughout the chapter — diligence, foresight, compassion, wisdom, and strength — collectively lead to the outcome described in verse 28: the unreserved praise of her immediate family. This familial praise is a profound cultural statement, as one's honor in the community was deeply tied to the respect and blessing received from one's own household. It contrasts with external flattery, emphasizing authentic, heartfelt appreciation arising from daily observation of her character and work.

Proverbs 31 28 Word analysis

• Her children: (בָּנֶיהָ, baneiha)
  • This refers to her male and female offspring, encompassing all her progeny.
  • Significance: Their testimony is vital, as they are the direct beneficiaries and closest observers of her nurture and training. Their honor of her validates her maternal influence and successful upbringing.
• rise up: (וַיָּקֻמוּ, vayyaqumu)
  • This Hebrew verb implies an active, deliberate posture, not passive agreement. It denotes a public act, perhaps standing to address her or show reverence.
  • Significance: It suggests they reach an age of maturity where they can genuinely appreciate her efforts and actively express their respect, which reflects their own good character developed under her guidance.
• and call her blessed: (וַיְאַשְּׁרוּהָ, vay’ashsheruha)
  • From the Hebrew root אָשַׁר ('ashar), meaning "to be straight, happy, to pronounce happy or blessed, to congratulate."
  • Significance: It’s more than just a polite nod; it's a declaration that she is truly happy, flourishing, and favored, not necessarily by fortune, but by God and her family due to her righteous character. It is an affirmation of her wise and diligent path.
• Her husband: (בַּעְלָהּ, ba’alah)
  • Literally "her master" or "her lord," a common term for husband in Hebrew culture, reflecting the patriarchal structure.
  • Significance: In the context of the Proverbs 31 woman, this title underscores the respect she commands, demonstrating that a submissive position (in the biblical sense of recognizing roles) does not equate to a lack of honor or agency. He is not forced but willing.
• also: This small but crucial word emphasizes that his praise complements and confirms the children's. There is unity in the family's recognition of her worth.
• and he praises her: (וַיְהַלְלֶהָ, vayhal’leha)
  • From the Hebrew root הָלַל (halal), meaning "to praise, to commend, to boast of." This is the same root used for praising God.
  • Significance: His praise is not mere flattery but a sincere, often public, acclamation of her virtue and profound value. It signifies his deep appreciation, respect, and admiration for her character, efforts, and the life she builds for their household. This public commendation further solidifies her honorable standing.

Proverbs 31 28 Bonus section

The spontaneous praise from the family in Proverbs 31:28 stands as an authentic testament, contrasting sharply with the fleeting flattery or seeking of applause from the wider public that might tempt many. Her worth is established not by external validation, but by the tangible, positive impact of her character and labor within her own household. This verse also lays the groundwork for the ultimate public recognition mentioned in verse 31 ("her works praise her in the gates"), as the familial blessing is the immediate, direct 'fruit' that emanates from within the home before her good reputation spreads to the community. It also highlights the idea that true success is found not in personal ambition divorced from family, but in building up the household in God's wisdom, where even the "smallest" and "least noticed" acts of diligence and love bear abundant fruit of honor and blessedness.

Proverbs 31 28 Commentary

Proverbs 31:28 distills the ultimate reward for the virtuous woman described throughout the chapter: the unprompted and heartfelt honor from her most intimate sphere – her family. This praise is profoundly significant because it arises from sustained observation of her character, hard work, and wise management within the home. Her children "rise up," implying a mature recognition of her sacrifices and teachings, validating her maternal impact by pronouncing her "blessed" – fortunate, flourishing, and genuinely happy in her ways. Her husband, often her "lord" in the ancient sense, echoes and amplifies this commendation, praising her publicly with an esteem akin to the reverence for wisdom itself. This familial testimony is far more valuable than fleeting external accolades, for it speaks to a legacy built on integrity, love, and spiritual maturity that genuinely blesses those she leads and nurtures. Her home becomes the primary stage where her godliness is both tested and triumphantly confirmed. This verse subtly contrasts with the superficiality of earthly achievements by prioritizing the sincere respect gained within the most personal relationships, affirming that a life invested in faithful living yields profound, lasting honor.