1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The words H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- of king H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
- Lemuel H3927 (לְמוּאֵל) — Lemuel or Lemoel, a symbolic name of Solomon
- the prophecy H4853 (מַשָּׂא) — a burden; specifically, tribute, or (abstractly) porterage; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
- that his mother H517 (אֵם) — a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
- taught H3256 (יָסַר) — to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
2 What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- What, my son H1248 (בַּר) — the heir (apparent to the throne)
- and what, the son H1248 (בַּר) — the heir (apparent to the throne)
- of my womb H990 (בֶּטֶן) — the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
- of my vows H5088 (נֶדֶר) — a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised
3 Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Give H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- not thy strength H2428 (חַיִל) — probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
- unto women H802 (אִשָּׁה) — a woman
- nor thy ways H1870 (דֶּרֶךְ) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
- to that which destroyeth H4229 (מָחָה) — properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat; also to touch, i.e. reach to
- kings H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- not for kings H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
- O Lemuel H3927 (לְמוּאֵל) — Lemuel or Lemoel, a symbolic name of Solomon
- to drink H8354 (שָׁתָה) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
- wine H3196 (יַיִן) — wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
- nor for H176 (אוֹ) — desire (and so probably in Proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
- nor for H335 (אַי) — where? hence how?
- princes H7336 (רָזַן) — probably to be heavy, i.e. (figuratively) honorable
- strong drink H7941 (שֵׁכָר) — an intoxicant, i.e. intensely alcoholic liquor
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Lest they drink H8354 (שָׁתָה) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
- and forget H7911 (שָׁכַח) — to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
- the law H2710 (חָקַק) — properly, to hack, i.e. engrave (Judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or…
- and pervert H8138 (שָׁנָה) — to fold, i.e. duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)
- the judgment H1779 (דִּין) — judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
- of any of the afflicted H6040 (עֳנִי) — depression, i.e. misery
- of any of the afflicted H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Give H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- strong drink H7941 (שֵׁכָר) — an intoxicant, i.e. intensely alcoholic liquor
- unto him that is ready to perish H6 (אָבַד) — properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
- and wine H3196 (יַיִן) — wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
- unto those that be of heavy H4751 (מַר) — bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
- hearts H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Let him drink H8354 (שָׁתָה) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
- and forget H7911 (שָׁכַח) — to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
- his poverty H7389 (רֵישׁ) — poverty
- and remember H2142 (זָכַר) — properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
- his misery H5999 (עָמָל) — toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Open H6605 (פָּתַח) — to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
- thy mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- for the dumb H483 (אִלֵּם) — speechless
- in the cause H1779 (דִּין) — judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
- of all such as are appointed H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- to destruction H2475 (חֲלוֹף) — properly, surviving; by implication (collectively) orphans
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Open H6605 (פָּתַח) — to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
- thy mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- judge H8199 (שָׁפַט) — to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figur…
- righteously H6664 (צֶדֶק) — the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
- and plead H1777 (דִּין) — to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
- the cause of the poor H6041 (עָנִי) — depressed, in mind or circumstances
- and needy H34 (אֶבְיוֹן) — destitute
10 A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Who can find H4672 (מָצָא) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
- a virtuous H2428 (חַיִל) — probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
- woman H802 (אִשָּׁה) — a woman
- for her price H4377 (מֶכֶר) — merchandise; also value
- far H7350 (רָחוֹק) — remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
- above rubies H6443 (פָּנִין) — probably a pearl (as round)
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- of her husband H1167 (בַּעַל) — a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
- doth safely trust H982 (בָּטַח) — properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as 2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
- in her, so that he shall have no need H2637 (חָסֵר) — to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen
- of spoil H7998 (שָׁלָל) — booty
12 She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She will do H1580 (גָּמַל) — to treat a person (well or ill), i.e. benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e. (specifically) to wean
- him good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- and not evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- all the days H3117 (יוֹם) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated ter…
- of her life H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
13 She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She seeketh H1875 (דָּרַשׁ) — properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
- wool H6785 (צֶמֶר) — wool
- and flax H6593 (פִּשְׁתֶּה) — linen (i.e. the thread, as carded)
- and worketh H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- willingly H2656 (חֵפֶץ) — pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)
- with her hands H3709 (כַּף) — the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); fig…
14 She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She is like the merchants’ H5503 (סָחַר) — to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate
- ships H591 (אֳנִיָּה) — a ship
- she bringeth H935 (בּוֹא) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
- her food H3899 (לֶחֶם) — food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
- from afar H4801 (מֶרְחָק) — remoteness, i.e. (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She riseth H6965 (קוּם) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
- also while it is yet night H3915 (לַיִל) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity
- and giveth H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- meat H2964 (טֶרֶף) — something torn, i.e. a fragment, e.g. a fresh leaf, prey, food
- to her household H1004 (בַּיִת) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
- and a portion H2706 (חֹק) — an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
- to her maidens H5291 (נַעֲרָה) — a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She considereth H2161 (זָמַם) — to plan, usually in a bad sense
- a field H7704 (שָׂדֶה) — a field (as flat)
- and buyeth H3947 (לָקַח) — to take (in the widest variety of applications)
- it: with the fruit H6529 (פְּרִי) — fruit (literally or figuratively)
- of her hands H3709 (כַּף) — the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); fig…
- she planteth H5193 (נָטַע) — properly, to strike in, i.e. fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
- a vineyard H3754 (כֶּרֶם) — a garden or vineyard
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She girdeth H2296 (חָגַר) — to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)
- her loins H4975 (מֹתֶן) — properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
- with strength H5797 (עֹז) — strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
- and strengtheneth H553 (אָמַץ) — to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
- her arms H2220 (זְרוֹעַ) — the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable; Her lamp goeth not out by night.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She perceiveth H2938 (טָעַם) — to taste; figuratively, to perceive
- that her merchandise H5504 (סַחַר) — profit (from trade)
- good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- her candle H5216 (נִיר) — a lamp (i.e. the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
- goeth not out H3518 (כָּבָה) — to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)
- by night H3915 (לַיִל) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity
19 She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She layeth H7971 (שָׁלַח) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
- her hands H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
- to the spindle H3601 (כִּישׁוֹר) — literally a director, i.e. the spindle or shank of a distaff, by which it is twirled
- and her hands H3709 (כַּף) — the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); fig…
- hold H8551 (תָּמַךְ) — to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close
- the distaff H6418 (פֶּלֶךְ) — a circuit (i.e. district); also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She stretcheth out H6566 (פָּרַשׂ) — to break apart, disperse, etc.
- her hand H3709 (כַּף) — the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); fig…
- to the poor H6041 (עָנִי) — depressed, in mind or circumstances
- yea, she reacheth forth H7971 (שָׁלַח) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
- her hands H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
- to the needy H34 (אֶבְיוֹן) — destitute
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She is not afraid H3372 (יָרֵא) — to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
- of the snow H7950 (שֶׁלֶג) — snow (probably from its whiteness)
- for her household H1004 (בַּיִת) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
- for all her household H1004 (בַּיִת) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
- clothed H3847 (לָבַשׁ) — properly, wrap around, i.e. (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
- with scarlet H8144 (שָׁנִי) — crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
22 She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She maketh H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- herself coverings of tapestry H4765 (מַרְבַד) — a coverlet
- her clothing H3830 (לְבוּשׁ) — a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
- silk H8336 (שֵׁשׁ) — bleached stuff, i.e. white linen or (by analogy) marble
- and purple H713 (אַרְגָּמָן) — purple (the color or the dyed stuff)
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Her husband H1167 (בַּעַל) — a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
- is known H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- in the gates H8179 (שַׁעַר) — an opening, i.e. door or gate
- when he sitteth H3427 (יָשַׁב) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
- among the elders H2205 (זָקֵן) — old
- of the land H776 (אֶרֶץ) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She maketh H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- fine linen H5466 (סָדִין) — a wrapper, i.e. shirt
- and selleth H4376 (מָכַר) — to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
- and delivereth H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- girdles H2289 (חָגוֹר) — belted
- unto the merchant H3669 (כְּנַעַנִי) — a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the Canaanites standing for their neighbors the Ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile caravans)
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Strength H5797 (עֹז) — strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
- and honour H1926 (הָדָר) — magnificence, i.e. ornament or splendor
- her clothing H3830 (לְבוּשׁ) — a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
- and she shall rejoice H7832 (שָׂחַק) — to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
- in time H3117 (יוֹם) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated ter…
- to come H314 (אַחֲרוֹן) — hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She openeth H6605 (פָּתַח) — to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
- her mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- with wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- and in her tongue H3956 (לָשׁוֹן) — the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of…
- the law H8451 (תּוֹרָה) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch
- of kindness H2617 (חֶסֶד) — kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- She looketh well H6822 (צָפָה) — properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
- to the ways H1979 (הֲלִיכָה) — a walking; by implication, a procession or march, a caravan
- of her household H1004 (בַּיִת) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
- and eateth H398 (אָכַל) — to eat (literally or figuratively)
- not the bread H3899 (לֶחֶם) — food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
- of idleness H6104 (עַצְלוּת) — indolence
28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Her children H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- arise up H6965 (קוּם) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
- and call her blessed H833 (אָשַׁר) — to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper
- her husband H1167 (בַּעַל) — a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
- and he praiseth H1984 (הָלַל) — to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to ce…
29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Many H7227 (רַב) — abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
- daughters H1323 (בַּת) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
- have done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- virtuously H2428 (חַיִל) — probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
- but thou excellest H5927 (עָלָה) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Favour H2580 (חֵן) — graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
- deceitful H8267 (שֶׁקֶר) — an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
- and beauty H3308 (יֳפִי) — beauty
- vain H1892 (הֶבֶל) — emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
- a woman H802 (אִשָּׁה) — a woman
- feareth H3373 (יָרֵא) — fearing; morally, reverent
- Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
- she shall be praised H1984 (הָלַל) — to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to ce…
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Give H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- her of the fruit H6529 (פְּרִי) — fruit (literally or figuratively)
- of her hands H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
- and let her own works H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
- praise H1984 (הָלַל) — to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to ce…
- her in the gates H8179 (שַׁעַר) — an opening, i.e. door or gate