Proverbs 31:10
¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.
Who can find {H4672} a virtuous {H2428} woman {H802}? for her price {H4377} is far {H7350} above rubies {H6443}.
Who can find a capable wife? Her value is far beyond that of pearls.
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.
A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.
Cross-References
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Proverbs 19:14 (44 votes)
¶ House and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife [is] from the LORD. -
Proverbs 12:4 (39 votes)
¶ A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones. -
Proverbs 18:22 (38 votes)
¶ [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD. -
Ephesians 5:25 (33 votes)
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; -
Ephesians 5:33 (33 votes)
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband. -
Proverbs 3:15 (22 votes)
She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. -
Song Of Solomon 6:8 (17 votes)
There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.
Commentary
Commentary on Proverbs 31:10
Proverbs 31:10 introduces the famous description of the "virtuous woman," often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman." This verse serves as the opening statement, setting the theme for the subsequent detailed portrayal of her character and capabilities. It immediately establishes her immense value, placing her worth far above the most precious material possessions.
Context
This verse is the beginning of the final chapter of Proverbs, which is presented as the words of King Lemuel, taught to him by his mother. This section (verses 10-31) is an acrostic poem in Hebrew, where each successive verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The mother's instruction to her son focuses on identifying and appreciating the qualities of an ideal wife, a partner who would be a true blessing and asset to his life. It shifts from earlier warnings against immoral women to celebrating a woman of exceptional character and diligence.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The key phrase in Hebrew is "virtuous woman," which translates to eshet chayil (אֵשֶׁת־חַיִל). The word chayil is rich in meaning and goes beyond mere "virtue" or "goodness." It encompasses:
Thus, an eshet chayil is not merely a "good" woman, but a woman of strength, capability, excellence, and valor, whose character is productive and valuable. Her worth "far above rubies" (a symbol of great material wealth) directly contrasts her intrinsic, powerful value with external riches, much like Proverbs 12:4 describes a virtuous woman as a crown to her husband.
Practical Application
For a general audience, Proverbs 31:10 offers profound insights:
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.