Proverbs 31:15

KJV

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

KJV (with Strong's)

She riseth {H6965} also while it is yet night {H3915}, and giveth {H5414} meat {H2964} to her household {H1004}, and a portion {H2706} to her maidens {H5291}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It's still dark when she rises to give food to her household and orders to the young women serving her.

Berean Standard Bible

She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants.

American Standard Version

She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:15 portrays the industrious and proactive nature of the virtuous woman, highlighting her diligent management of the household. She rises before dawn to ensure that both her family and her servants are adequately provided for, demonstrating foresight, responsible stewardship, and a tireless commitment to the well-being of those under her care. This verse underscores her role as a vigilant and compassionate provider, setting the tone for a day of productive labor and careful provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the acrostic poem found in [Proverbs 31:10-31](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10-31 - The Virtuous Woman"), which describes the "excellent wife" or "virtuous woman." Following the initial declaration of her immense worth (verse 10) and her husband's trust in her (verse 11), the poem begins to detail her practical actions. Verse 15 specifically illustrates her proactive diligence in household management, building upon the theme of her bringing good, not harm, to her husband (verse 12) and her diligent work with her hands (verse 13). It precedes further descriptions of her entrepreneurial spirit (verse 16) and strength (verse 17), painting a holistic picture of a woman who is both spiritually and practically capable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the household was the primary economic and social unit. A woman's role in managing the home was crucial, encompassing everything from food preparation and clothing production to overseeing servants and potentially engaging in trade. The phrase "while it is yet night" emphasizes an extraordinary level of diligence, going beyond the expected. It suggests a pre-dawn start to a long day, reflecting the demanding nature of managing a large household in a pre-industrial society where all provisions had to be prepared from scratch. The mention of "maidens" (servants) indicates a household of some means, where the mistress was responsible not only for her immediate family but also for the welfare and labor of her staff, requiring careful organization and distribution of resources.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 31:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and this specific chapter. It exemplifies **diligence and industry**, showcasing a work ethic that prioritizes the needs of others above personal comfort, echoing the wisdom found in passages like [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - The Ant as a Teacher of Diligence"). The act of providing "meat" and "a portion" highlights **responsible stewardship and provision**, demonstrating foresight and careful planning to ensure the sustenance of the entire household. This proactive care for both family and employees also underscores the theme of **compassionate leadership** and the practical outworking of wisdom within the domestic sphere.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **riseth (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, a primitive root meaning "to rise" in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive, and causative. Here, it literally refers to getting up from bed, but the context "while it is yet night" intensifies its meaning, indicating an early, deliberate, and energetic start to the day, signifying exceptional diligence and initiative.
* **night (Hebrew, _layil'_):** From H3915, properly meaning "a twist (away of the light)," referring to the period of darkness. The phrase "while it is yet night" emphasizes the pre-dawn hour, highlighting the woman's commitment to beginning her tasks before the sun rises, demonstrating her foresight and dedication to her responsibilities.
* **portion (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** From H2706, meaning "an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)." In this context, it refers to an allotted share or a prescribed amount of food given to her maidens. This word underscores her organized and equitable distribution of provisions, ensuring that each servant receives their due, reflecting fair and systematic management.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She riseth also while it is yet night":** This clause immediately establishes the woman's extraordinary diligence and proactive nature. She does not wait for the day to fully begin but anticipates needs, getting up before dawn. This early rising is not merely a habit but a purposeful act, indicating a deep commitment to her responsibilities and a desire to get ahead of the day's demands. It speaks to her discipline and foresight in managing her time and energy.
* **"and giveth meat to her household":** Following her early rising, her first action is to provide sustenance. The term "meat" (Hebrew: `ṭereph`, H2964) here refers to general food or provisions, not exclusively flesh. This highlights her role as the primary provider of nourishment for her family ("household," Hebrew: `bayith`, H1004), ensuring they are fed and ready for the day. It signifies her practical care and the foundational importance of food in daily life.
* **"and a portion to her maidens":** This final clause extends her care beyond her immediate family to her servants. By giving "a portion" (Hebrew: `chôq`, H2706), she demonstrates fair and systematic distribution, ensuring that her employees are also well-provisioned. This shows her responsible stewardship of all those under her authority, reflecting a just and compassionate approach to labor relations within her domestic sphere.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:15 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Imagery** is prominent, painting a vivid picture of the woman rising in the darkness, preparing food for her entire household. This visual emphasizes her industriousness and the quiet, unseen labor that underpins the well-being of her home. The phrase "while it is yet night" functions as a form of **hyperbole** or **emphasis**, underscoring her exceptional dedication and going beyond mere early rising to suggest an almost tireless commitment. The structure of the verse also exhibits **parallelism**, particularly in the second half: "giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." This parallel construction highlights the two groups she provides for and reinforces the comprehensive nature of her care. The term "household" can also be seen as a form of **synecdoche**, where the dwelling place represents all the people living within it, including family and servants, further emphasizing the broad scope of her responsibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:15 beautifully illustrates the biblical principles of diligence, responsible stewardship, and selfless service. The woman's proactive approach to her duties, rising "while it is yet night," embodies a work ethic that is highly valued throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true wisdom is not merely intellectual but practical and active. Her provision for both family and servants demonstrates a holistic understanding of care and responsibility, reflecting a heart that prioritizes the well-being of others and manages resources wisely. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that faithful living often involves consistent, behind-the-scenes effort that ensures the flourishing of those within our sphere of influence.

* [Proverbs 6:6](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")
* [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:15 offers profound insights into a life characterized by purpose and diligence, extending far beyond the specific context of an ancient household. The virtuous woman's early rising is not about legalistic adherence to a time, but about a spirit of proactivity and anticipation. It challenges us to consider where we can take greater initiative in our own lives—whether in our spiritual disciplines, our work, our family responsibilities, or our service to the community. Her careful provision for everyone, from family to employees, calls us to be mindful stewards of all the resources and relationships God has entrusted to us. This verse inspires us to cultivate a disciplined approach to our responsibilities, ensuring that we are not merely reactive but thoughtfully and generously meeting the needs of those around us, always striving for excellence in our daily tasks for the glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to be more proactive, "rising while it is yet night" to address responsibilities before they become urgent?**
* **How does my daily routine reflect a spirit of diligence and foresight in providing for the needs of my "household," however that may be defined in my life (family, colleagues, community)?**
* **Am I a good steward of my time and resources, ensuring that I am not only meeting my own needs but also thoughtfully providing for others under my care or influence?**

### FAQ

**What does "meat" mean in Proverbs 31:15?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the word "meat" (Hebrew: `ṭereph`, H2964) does not exclusively refer to animal flesh as it often does in modern English. Instead, it broadly means "food," "sustenance," or "provisions." This is consistent with its usage in other Old Testament passages, where it refers to general nourishment. Therefore, the virtuous woman is providing all necessary food for her household and maidens, not just meat.

**Is this verse a command for all women to wake up early?**

Answer: While the verse highlights the virtuous woman's early rising, it is not a literal command for all individuals, particularly women, to wake up "while it is yet night." Instead, it emphasizes the **principle of diligence, foresight, and proactive management**. The early hour serves as a powerful illustration of her exceptional work ethic and commitment to anticipating and meeting the needs of her household. The application for us today is to cultivate a spirit of initiative and responsibility in our own spheres, ensuring that we are diligent in our duties and care for those entrusted to us, regardless of the specific time we begin our day.

**What is the significance of the virtuous woman providing a "portion" to her "maidens"?**

Answer: The provision of a "portion" (Hebrew: `chôq`, H2706) to her "maidens" (Hebrew: `naʻărâh`, H5291, meaning young women or female servants) signifies several important aspects of her character. First, it demonstrates her **comprehensive care** that extends beyond her immediate family to all members of her household, including those who serve her. Second, the term "portion" implies a **systematic and equitable distribution**, indicating that she is organized and fair in her management. This highlights her responsible **stewardship** and compassionate leadership, ensuring that even her employees are well-cared for and receive their due, reflecting a just and benevolent approach to those under her authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:15, with its depiction of diligent provision and selfless care, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the virtuous woman diligently provides physical sustenance for her household, Jesus is the ultimate provider of spiritual nourishment, the very [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies eternal hunger. His ministry was characterized by tireless diligence, rising early to pray and teach, and working late into the night to heal and minister to the crowds, demonstrating a commitment far exceeding even the most industrious human effort (see [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays Early in the Morning")).

Moreover, Christ's care extends to His "household"—the Church—for whom He laid down His life, offering the ultimate "portion" of salvation and eternal life (see [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")). He did not merely give food for a day but offered Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a sacrifice that provides eternal provision for all who believe. The virtuous woman's foresight in preparing for her household foreshadows Christ's divine foresight in preparing a place for His disciples (see [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Thus, the diligent, self-sacrificing provision of the Proverbs 31 woman points to the infinitely greater and more complete provision found in our Lord Jesus, who gives not just "meat" but Himself, the very source of life and sustenance for all eternity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Proverbs 20:13

¶ Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Luke 12:42

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season?

Psalms 119:147

¶ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

Psalms 119:148

Mine eyes prevent the [night] watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

Joshua 3:1

¶ And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.