Untitled Sermon (2)

I. Introduction The passage of Proverbs 31:10-31, commonly known as the "Virtuous Woman" or "Proverbs 31 Woman," is often quoted and studied by women seeking to understand and embody biblical womanhood. However, this passage is not just for women but also for all believers as it contains timeless principles for godly living. This section in the book of Proverbs is an acrostic poem, with each verse starting with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. II. Textual Variants The Masoretic Text, which is the authoritative Hebrew text of the Old Testament, does not have any significant textual variants in this passage. However, the Septuagint, which is the Greek translation of the Old Testament, has a few variations in the wording. For example, in verse 12, the Septuagint has "You will taste no need of plunder" instead of "She does him good, and not harm." In verse 16, the Septuagint has "She sets her hands to the wheel" instead of "She puts her hands to the distaff." And in verse 27, the Septuagint has "She looks well after her household" instead of "She looks well to the ways of her household." III. Grammatical Analysis A. Verse 10 1. "A wife of noble character" (אֵ֥שֶׁת חַֽ֝יִל) - The Hebrew word for "wife" here literally means "woman" and the word for "noble character" is often translated as "valor" or "strength." The phrase could be understood as a woman of strength and courage or a woman of noble character and virtue. 2. "Who can find?" (מִי־יִמְצָא־אֵֽשֶׁת) - The literal translation of this phrase is "who can find a woman." This question implies that finding a woman with noble character is rare and worthy of seeking. B. Verse 11 1. "Her husband trusts her" (בָּ֘טַ֤ח בָּ֭֘הּ בִּלְבָבָ֑֗הּ) - The verb for "trusts" here can also mean "confides in" or "has confidence in." This implies a deep level of trust and intimacy between the husband and wife. 2. "She gives him no reason to regret it" (וְֽ֝שָׁלָלָ֗הּ לֹֽא־יחְסָֽר) - The word for "regret" here can also mean "grieve" or "do harm." The implication is that the husband has no cause to regret or grieve over his trust and confidence in his wife. C. Verse 12 1. "She does him good, and not harm" (גְמָ֜לַת־וְלֹ֣א רַע) - The word for "good" here can also mean "benefit" or "kindness." The word for "harm" can also mean "evil" or "disaster." The verse highlights the positive impact of a virtuous wife on her husband's life. D. Verse 13 1. "She seeks wool and flax" (צִמְרָ֥ה וּפִֽשְׁתִּֽים) - These were important materials for making clothing in ancient times. The verse emphasizes the industriousness and resourcefulness of the virtuous woman. 2. "Works with willing hands" (וַ֭תָּעַשׂ בְּחֵ֣פֶץ כַּפֶּ֑יהָ) - The word for "willing" here can also mean "desire" or "pleasure." This signifies that the virtuous woman takes joy and satisfaction in her work. E. Verse 14 1. "She is like the ships of the merchant" (כָּתֹ֣נ֠וֹת סֹ֭חֵר עָֽלֲתָ֑ה) - The Hebrew word for "merchant" can also mean "trader" or "merchandise." This suggests that the virtuous woman is a valuable and profitable asset to her household. 2. "From far away" (כִּמְרָחוֹק֙ תָּֽבִיא) - This phrase indicates that the virtuous woman is not afraid to take risks or seek out opportunities for her household. F. Verse 15 1. "She rises while it is still night" (וַתָּ֤קָם בְּֽעוֹד־לָ֗֨יְלָה) - This verse highlights the diligence and hard work of the virtuous woman, willing to wake up early and start her day. 2. "Provides food for her household" (וַ֭תֵּתֵן טֶ֣רֶף לְבֵיתָ֑הּ) - The word for "food" here can also mean "prey" or "morsel." This implies that the virtuous woman is resourceful and provides not just basic sustenance but also delicacies for her family. G. Verse 16 1. "She considers a field" (שָֽׂדֶה־תָעֲטֶ֥רֶ) - The phrase can also be translated as "she considers a vineyard" or "she looks at a field." This indicates that the virtuous woman is involved in managing the family's assets and investments. 2. "With the fruit of her hands" (מִפְּרִ֣י כַ֭פֶּיהָ) - The word for "fruit" here can also mean "gain" or "profit." This further emphasizes the industriousness and success of the virtuous woman's work. H. Verse 17 1. "She dresses herself with strength" (חֲֽגַרְפָּ֥ה בָֽעֹז) - The word for "strength" here can also mean "power" or "vigor." This verse portrays the virtuous woman as a strong and capable individual. 2. "She makes her arms strong" (וַתְּאַמֶּץ־זְרֹעוֹתֶֽיהָ) - The word for "strong" here can also mean "firm" or "established." This reinforces the image of the virtuous woman as a hard worker and physically strong. I. Verse 18 1. "She perceives her merchandise is profitable" (טוֹבָ֣ה סַחְרָ֣הּ לֹא־יכְבָ֑שׁ) - The word for "profitable" here can also mean "pleasant" or "desirable." This verse emphasizes the successful and fruitful endeavors of the virtuous woman. 2. "Her lamp does not go out at night" (נֵ֣ר לָ֭אָה לָ֣יְלָה) - This verse could have different meanings, such as the virtuous woman being diligent and working late into the night or being wise and prepared for any eventuality. J. Verse 19 1. "Distaff" (שִׁלְחָ֣ה) - This is a tool used for spinning wool into thread or yarn. The verse reinforces the industriousness and skill of the virtuous woman. 2. "Spindle" (כַּֽף) - This was a tool used for twisting and winding thread into a ball. The verse highlights the attention to detail and dexterity of the virtuous woman. K. Verse 20 1. "Her hand opens to the poor" (כַּ֭ף פָּתְחֵ֣ה לָֽאֶבְי֑וֹן) - This verse depicts the compassionate and generous nature of the virtuous woman, always willing to help those in need. 2. "Her hand extends to the needy" (מִשְׁלַ֥ח יָדֶֽיהָ לָֽעָנִ֑י) - This phrase further emphasizes the idea of the virtuous woman's generosity and willingness to give to those in need. L. Verse 21 1. "She is not afraid for her household" (לְבֵֽיתָהּ־לֹ֣א תִ֭ירָא) - The virtuous woman is not only concerned with taking care of her household, but she is also confident and not fearful about the future. 2. "In the snow for all her household are clothed in crimson" (בְּשָׁ֗לֶג כָּל־בֵּ֣יתָהּ לָבִ֑ישׁ שָׁנִֽינִים) - This verse could have different meanings, such as the virtuous woman being prepared and providing warm clothing for her household or being wealthy and able to afford luxurious clothing for her family. M. Verse 22 1. "She makes bed-coverings for herself" (עֱטוּי֣ות עָ֭שֲׂתָה לָּ֑הּ) - The word for "bed-coverings" here can also mean "coverlets," "blankets," or "tapestry." This verse highlights the virtuous woman's skill in making beautiful and comfortable items for her household. 2. "She is clothed in fine linen and purple" (וּשְׁשַׁרְצְים֙ וּאְרִגָּמִ֔ים לָ֖בָשָׁה) - The word for "fine linen" here can also mean "sheets" or "cloaks." The word for "purple" can also mean "scarlet" or "crimson." This verse portrays the virtuous woman as being well-dressed and elegant. N. Verse 23 1. "Her husband is known in the gates" (נוֹדַ֣ע בַּ֖שְּׁעָרִ֑ים בְּרֹאשׁ֖וֹ עָמִ֣יד) - The phrase can also be translated as "her husband is respected in the city" or "at the head of the city he sits." This verse demonstrates the honor and respect the virtuous woman's husband receives in the community. 2. "When he sits among the elders of the land" (בִּֽ֝שְׁבֹת֗וֹ עִם־זִקְנֵ֥י אָֽרֶץ) - This phrase could mean that the husband is recognized as a leader among the elders or that he is honored as a wise and respected man. O. Verse 24 1. "She makes linen garments and sells them" (פִּשְׁתֵ֣י וּמָֽחֳרָ֑ץ עָ֝שְׂתָ֗ה וַֽתִּמְכְּרָֽהּ) - This verse reveals the virtuous woman's economic acumen and ability to provide for her family by making and selling goods. 2. "And she supplies the merchants with sashes" (וְאַזְרִ֗ים נָתְנָ֥ה לַכְּנַֽעֲנִֽי) - The word for "sashes" here can also mean "belts" or "girdles." The verse depicts the virtuous woman's ability to not only meet the needs of her household but also engage in trade and commerce to benefit her family. P. Verse 25 1. "Strength and dignity are her clothing" (עֹ֣ז וְהֽוֹד־לָ֭בָּשָׁה) - This verse speaks to the inner character of the virtuous woman, which is characterized by strength and dignity. 2. "And she laughs at the time to come" (וַתִּשְׂחַ֣ק לְי֣וֹם אַ֑חֲרוֹן) - The word for "laughs" here can also mean "rejoices" or "smiles." This verse shows the confidence and trust the virtuous woman has in the future, knowing that she has prepared and worked hard for it. Q. Verse 26 1. "She opens her mouth with wisdom" (פִּ֣יָ֭הּ פָּתְחָ֣ה בְחָכְמָ֑ה) - This verse highlights the virtuous woman's intelligence and discernment, which she uses in her speech and interactions with others. 2. "The teaching of kindness is on her tongue" (וְת֣וֹרַת חֶ֖סֶד עַל־לְשׁוֹנָֽהּ) - The word for "kindness" here can also mean "mercy" or "loving kindness." The verse portrays the virtuous woman as a teacher of wisdom and kindness. R. Verse 27 1. "She looks well to the ways of her household" (צַפָּ֤ה דְרָכֶ֨יהָ֙ בֵּ֣יתָהּ) - The word for "looks well" here can also mean "to watch" or "to be attentive to." This verse highlights the virtuous woman's diligence and carefulness in managing and overseeing her household. 2. "And does not eat the bread of idleness" (וְלֶ֣חֶם עָ֭צְלוּת לֹ֣א תֹֽאכַל־) - The phrase can also be translated as "the bread of idleness she does not eat." This verse emphasizes the virtuous woman's aversion to laziness and idle living. S. Verse 28 1. "Her children rise up and call her blessed" (קָמ֤וּ בָנֶ֨יהָ וִֽיאֻשְּׁר֔וּהָ) - This verse highlights the respect and honor the virtuous woman receives from her children for her godly character and influence on their lives. 2. "Her husband also, and he praises her" (בַּֽעַלְהָ֣ וְ֭יַשְׁבְּחֶ֑הָ) - The word for "praises" here can also mean "glorifies" or "boasts." This verse shows the appreciation and admiration the husband has for his virtuous wife. T. Verse 29 1. "Many women have done excellently" (רַבּ֖וֹת בָּנ֣וֹת עָשֽׂוּ־חָ֑֑֑יִל) - The word for "women" here can also mean "valiant or virtuous women." This acknowledges that there are many women of noble character and virtue, but the virtuous woman described in this passage surpasses them all. 2. "But you surpass them all" (וְ֭אַתְּ עָלִיָּ֥ם כֻּלָּֽנָה) - This verse concludes by acknowledging the exceptional and extraordinary character of the virtuous woman. U. Verse 30 1. "Charm is deceitful" (שֶֽׁ֫קֶר הַ֭חֵן) - The word for "charm" here can also mean "grace" or "beauty." The verse warns against relying on external beauty or charm, as it can be deceptive. 2. "And beauty is vain" (הֶֽבֶ

The historical and cultural context of the biblical passage Proverbs 31:10-31 greatly affects its syntax and structure. This passage is part of the Book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wise teachings and moral instructions written primarily by King Solomon. It was written during a time when Israel was a monarchy, and the intended audience would have been the people of Israel, particularly those in positions of power and influence. One aspect of the passage's structure that reflects its cultural context is its use of parallelism and poetic language. Proverbs were often written in parallel lines, with the second line reinforcing or expanding upon the first. This was a common literary technique in ancient Near Eastern cultures, and it is seen throughout the Book of Proverbs. For example, in verse 10, the first line states "An excellent wife who can find?" and the second line provides the answer, "She is far more precious than jewels." Additionally, the passage's use of imagery and metaphors would have been familiar to the original audience. For example, comparing a wife to a "merchant ship" in verse 14 would have been seen as a valuable and complementary role, as trade and commerce were important aspects of Israelite society. Furthermore, the passage includes cultural idioms and practices that would have been understood by the original audience. For example, the description of the "virtuous wife" as one who "rises while it is still night" (verse 15) and "watches over the affairs of her household" (verse 27) reflects traditional gender roles and expectations for women within an Israelite household. The structure and syntax of this passage also reflect the cultural values of the time. There is a clear hierarchy in the passage, with the wife being subject to and praised by her husband, and she, in turn, being praised by her children and the community. This aligns with the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, where men held positions of power and women's role was largely domestic. In conclusion, the historical and cultural context of the biblical passage Proverbs 31:10-31 greatly influences its syntax and structure. The use of parallelism, imagery, and cultural idioms reflect the literary and societal norms of the time, providing insight into the values and expectations of the original audience.

This innovative feature delves into the rich meanings of key words and phrases within any biblical passage, considering their context in the original languages. It illuminates how translation variations can significantly impact interpretation, offering insights into the nuanced spectrum of biblical terms. Enhance your understanding of Scripture by uncovering the layers of meaning behind its sacred words, bridging the gap between ancient texts and contemporary study.

Proverbs 31:10-31 is a passage that describes the qualities and virtues of an excellent and virtuous wife. It is often referred to as the Woman of Valor passage and is typically interpreted as a guide for women in biblical times to follow.

1. Excellent/worthy/virtuous

In the original Hebrew, the word used is chayil which literally means strength, power, or wealth. However, in this context, it is used to describe a woman with inner strength and courage. It can also mean moral excellence or worthiness in character and conduct. Some translations use excellent or virtuous while others use capable or noble. These variations in translation give slightly different nuances to the meaning of the word, with some focusing on the moral character of the woman and others on her abilities and skills.

2. Far above rubies

This phrase is often interpreted to mean that the value of the woman described in this passage is like that of rare and precious rubies. However, in the original Hebrew, the word translated as rubies is paniyn which can also mean corals. This imagery is used to emphasize the womans worth and value, as both rubies and corals were highly prized in biblical times. The use of different translations can affect the interpretation of this phrase, as some may lean more towards emphasizing the rarity and value of rubies while others may focus on the womans preciousness and beauty.

3. She seeks wool and flax

This phrase refers to the womans industriousness and her commitment to providing for her household. However, the original Hebrew word for seeks is darash which can also mean inquire or search for. This suggests not just the physical gathering of materials, but also the womans proactive attitude in sourcing and obtaining resources for her family. Some translations use she chooses instead of seeks, which conveys a sense of intentional decision-making on the part of the woman.

4. She is like a merchants ship

This phrase emphasizes the womans diligence and resourcefulness in her household management. In the original Hebrew, the word merchants is actually Cushite, which refers to an ethnic group associated with trade and commerce. This could suggest that the woman is shrewd and savvy in managing the resources and finances of her household, similar to a successful merchant. Some translations also use traders instead of merchants to convey this idea further.

Overall, variations in translation can impact the interpretation of these terms by emphasizing different facets and nuances of the original Hebrew words. While some translations may focus more on the womans moral character, others may highlight her abilities and skills. It is important to consider the original language context in interpreting biblical passages to fully understand the meanings of these key words and phrases.

1. The value of a virtuous and capable wife: The passage emphasizes the important role of a wife in a household and highlights her characteristics and qualities. This reflects the biblical view of marriage as a partnership where both spouses contribute to the family’s well-being. 2. The fear of the Lord: The phrase “a woman who fears the Lord” is mentioned twice in the passage, highlighting the importance of having a reverent and respectful attitude towards God. This emphasizes that a wife’s character is ultimately rooted in her relationship with God. 3. The importance of hard work and diligence: The passage praises the woman for her hard work, productivity, and efficiency. This reflects the biblical principles of stewardship and the value of diligent labor. 4. The role of a woman in the household: The passage depicts a wife as a multitasker and a manager of the household, responsible for the welfare and provision of her family. This highlights the biblical teaching of a woman’s role in managing the household. 5. The worth of a woman: The passage describes the wife as “far more precious than jewels” and her worth is beyond measure. This emphasizes the value of a woman in God’s eyes, regardless of her social status or achievements. 6. The message of wisdom: The passage is part of the book of Proverbs, which is filled with wisdom sayings. This reflects the overall message of the passage to aspire to live a wise and godly life, guided by the fear of the Lord. The passage’s form, which is written as an acrostic poem, contributes to its message by highlighting the importance of each individual characteristic of a virtuous wife. It also adds a poetic beauty and memorability to the passage, making it a beloved and often quoted passage in Christian circles.

1. The value of a virtuous and capable wife: The passage emphasizes the important role of a wife in a household and highlights her characteristics and qualities. This reflects the biblical view of marriage as a partnership where both spouses contribute to the family’s well-being. 2. The fear of the Lord: The phrase “a woman who fears the Lord” is mentioned twice in the passage, highlighting the importance of having a reverent and respectful attitude towards God. This emphasizes that a wife’s character is ultimately rooted in her relationship with God. 3. The importance of hard work and diligence: The passage praises the woman for her hard work, productivity, and efficiency. This reflects the biblical principles of stewardship and the value of diligent labor. 4. The role of a woman in the household: The passage depicts a wife as a multitasker and a manager of the household, responsible for the welfare and provision of her family. This highlights the biblical teaching of a woman’s role in managing the household. 5. The worth of a woman: The passage describes the wife as “far more precious than jewels” and her worth is beyond measure. This emphasizes the value of a woman in God’s eyes, regardless of her social status or achievements. 6. The message of wisdom: The passage is part of the book of Proverbs, which is filled with wisdom sayings. This reflects the overall message of the passage to aspire to live a wise and godly life, guided by the fear of the Lord. The passage’s form, which is written as an acrostic poem, contributes to its message by highlighting the importance of each individual characteristic of a virtuous wife. It also adds a poetic beauty and memorability to the passage, making it a beloved and often quoted passage in Christian circles.