Proverbs 31:17

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She girdeth {H2296} her loins {H4975} with strength {H5797}, and strengtheneth {H553} her arms {H2220}.

She gathers her strength around her and throws herself into her work.

She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong.

She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.

Commentary

Proverbs 31:17 is a vivid description of the industriousness and inner fortitude of the virtuous woman, a central figure in the final chapter of Proverbs. This verse highlights her proactive approach to life and her physical and mental readiness for diligent labor.

Context

This verse is part of an acrostic poem (Proverbs 31:10-31) that extols the qualities of an "excellent wife" or "virtuous woman" (Hebrew: eshet chayil). Far from being merely a homemaker, this woman is portrayed as a capable manager, entrepreneur, and compassionate individual whose worth is "far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10). The preceding verses detail her wisdom in managing her household, purchasing property, and engaging in commerce. Verse 17 specifically focuses on the strength and preparation that enable her extensive activities.

Key Themes

  • Diligence and Industry: The verse emphasizes her active engagement in work. "Girdeth her loins" signifies preparing for strenuous activity, much like an athlete or warrior prepares for exertion. Her strong arms are a testament to the physical labor she undertakes, from spinning and weaving to managing vineyards and trading. This reflects a commitment to hard work and productivity, a recurring theme throughout the book of Proverbs.
  • Inner and Outer Strength: Her "strength" is not just physical prowess but also includes mental resilience and moral fortitude. The Hebrew word for strength, 'oz (Χ’ΦΉΧ–), often conveys power, might, and steadfastness. She is strong in character, purpose, and capability, enabling her to effectively manage her responsibilities and pursue her ventures.
  • Proactive Preparation: The imagery of "girding her loins" suggests a deliberate and ready stance. She doesn't wait for tasks to overwhelm her; she actively prepares herself, both physically and mentally, to meet challenges and fulfill her duties with vigor. This contrasts with the sluggard often warned against in Proverbs (Proverbs 6:6).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "girdeth her loins with strength" is an ancient idiom. To "gird up one's loins" meant to pull up and secure long robes into a belt to allow for freedom of movement during work, travel, or battle. Spiritually, it signifies readiness, mental alertness, and determination. The Hebrew verb for "strengtheneth" ('emats - אמΧ₯) implies making firm, courageous, or strong, reinforcing the idea of a deliberate act of empowerment.

Practical Application

Proverbs 31:17 offers timeless wisdom applicable to all, not just women. It encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of diligence, discipline, and readiness. We are called to:

  • Embrace Hard Work: Approach tasks with vigor and commitment, understanding that diligence often leads to fruitfulness and blessing.
  • Develop Inner Fortitude: Cultivate not just physical strength, but also mental and spiritual resilience. Life's challenges require inner strength and a determined spirit.
  • Be Proactive: Prepare ourselves for the demands of life, whether in our careers, families, or spiritual walks. This involves intentional effort and a willingness to put in the necessary work.

The virtuous woman serves as a powerful example of someone who takes ownership of her responsibilities, actively preparing herself to serve her household and community with unwavering strength and purpose.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, 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.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Job 38:3

    Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

  • Ephesians 6:10

    ΒΆ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

  • 1 Peter 1:13

    ΒΆ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

  • 1 Kings 18:46

    And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

  • Luke 12:35

    Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning;

  • Ephesians 6:14

    Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

  • 2 Kings 4:29

    Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.
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