¶ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
The words {H1697} of king {H4428} Lemuel {H3927}, the prophecy {H4853} that his mother {H517} taught {H3256} him.
The words of King L'mu'el, the prophecy with which his mother disciplined him:
These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him:
The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Proverbs 6:20
¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: -
2 Timothy 1:5
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. -
Proverbs 1:8
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: -
2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. -
Proverbs 30:1
¶ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, [even] the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
Proverbs 31:1 introduces a unique section of the book of Proverbs, distinct from the sayings of Solomon. This verse attributes the following words to King Lemuel, explicitly stating that they are a "prophecy" or authoritative oracle taught to him by his mother.
Context
Unlike many other sections of Proverbs that begin with "The proverbs of Solomon," this chapter opens with an attribution to an otherwise unknown "King Lemuel." While his identity is debated—some scholars suggest he might be a symbolic figure or even an alternative name for Solomon—the most significant detail is that the wisdom originates from his mother. This highlights the profound and respected role of maternal instruction in ancient Israelite society, particularly in shaping the character and conduct of a future ruler. This introduction sets the stage for the weighty counsel that follows, which includes advice for a king on righteous rule and, famously, the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The name Lemuel (לְמוּאֵל) in Hebrew is often interpreted as "belonging to God" or "devoted to God." This meaning itself could be symbolic, indicating a king who is dedicated to divine principles. The word translated "prophecy" is massa' (מַשָּׂא), which can mean "burden," "oracle," or "prophecy." In this context, it denotes a solemn, weighty utterance, often implying a divine origin or a message of profound importance, rather than solely a predictive prophecy.
Significance and Application
Proverbs 31:1 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of parental wisdom and the responsibility of parents to instill godly principles in their children. For individuals, it encourages openness to receive wise counsel, recognizing that profound truth can come from unexpected sources, especially within the family. For leaders, it highlights that effective governance is rooted in moral character, often shaped by early instruction. The "prophecy" aspect also reminds us that truly beneficial advice aligns with divine truth, guiding us towards a life of righteousness and integrity, much like the call for righteousness in kingship.