Proverbs 31:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:17 vividly portrays the industriousness and inner fortitude of the virtuous woman, highlighting her proactive approach to life and her physical and mental readiness for diligent labor. This verse encapsulates the essence of her strength and preparedness, serving as a testament to her capacity for sustained effort and effective management, which undergirds all her admirable endeavors described in the surrounding text.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the acrostic poem found in [Proverbs 31:10-31](/proverbs/31 "Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Woman"), which extols the qualities of an "excellent wife" or "virtuous woman" (Hebrew: *eshet chayil*). Each verse, beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, builds a comprehensive portrait of a woman of profound character and competence. Following descriptions of her diligent search for wool and flax ([Proverbs 31:13](/proverbs/31-13 "Proverbs 31:13 - Diligent Work")), her provision for her household ([Proverbs 31:15](/proverbs/31-15 "Proverbs 31:15 - Rising Early to Provide")), and her shrewd financial dealings involving land and vineyards ([Proverbs 31:16](/proverbs/31-16 "Proverbs 31:16 - Wise Investments")), verse 17 specifically focuses on the physical and inner strength that enables her extensive and diverse activities. It underscores the foundational physical and mental readiness required for her multifaceted responsibilities, setting the stage for subsequent verses that detail her generosity, foresight, and respected standing in the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, daily life often demanded significant physical exertion, particularly for women managing households, cultivating resources, and engaging in commerce. The imagery of "girding her loins" refers to the common practice of securing long, flowing garments with a belt to allow for freedom of movement during strenuous activity, such as work, travel, or even battle. This was a universal gesture of preparing for action. The "arms" were the primary tools for many tasks, from grinding grain and spinning thread to drawing water and tending fields. Therefore, strong arms were not merely a sign of physical prowess but a necessity for productive living. The cultural expectation for a woman of valor extended beyond domestic duties to include active participation in the economic well-being of her family and community, often involving physically demanding labor and astute business acumen, as exemplified by the woman in this passage.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 31:17 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **diligence and industry**, portraying a woman who actively prepares herself for work rather than shying away from it. This aligns with Proverbs' frequent commendation of hard work and warnings against laziness, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard"). Secondly, the verse highlights **inner and outer strength**, emphasizing that her capability is not merely physical but also stems from an inner resolve and moral fortitude, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 24:5](/proverbs/24-5 "Proverbs 24:5 - A Wise Man Is Strong"). The concept of "strength" (Hebrew: *ʻôz*) often encompasses power, might, and steadfastness, suggesting a holistic robustness. Finally, the imagery conveys **proactive preparation**, demonstrating that she does not passively await challenges but actively equips herself to meet them with vigor and determination, a characteristic of wisdom found throughout the book, urging foresight and readiness for life's demands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **girdeth (Hebrew, _châgar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)" or "to restrain." In the context of "girding her loins," it literally means to gather up and secure one's flowing outer garments with a belt, preparing for physical exertion, travel, or battle. Figuratively, it denotes readiness, preparation, and the act of bracing oneself for strenuous activity or a challenge. It implies a deliberate and active posture of readiness.
* **strength (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be strong," this noun refers to strength in various applications, including force, security, majesty, and praise. It encompasses physical might, but also courage, power, and steadfastness. When applied to the loins, it suggests not only physical vigor but also inner resolve, resilience, and the moral fortitude necessary to undertake demanding tasks with vigor and determination.
* **strengtheneth (Hebrew, _ʼâmats'_):** This primitive root means "to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)." It implies confirming, establishing, fortifying, or making strong. The verb indicates a deliberate act of making her arms firm, powerful, and capable, suggesting a continuous process of building and maintaining physical capability, perhaps through exercise or consistent labor, but also a mental resolve to apply that strength effectively.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She girdeth her loins with strength":** This clause describes the woman's active and intentional preparation for work. "Girding her loins" is an idiom for gathering her long robes and securing them with a belt, a necessary action for any demanding physical activity. The addition "with strength" emphasizes that this preparation is not merely functional but is imbued with vigor, resilience, and inner resolve. It signifies that she approaches her tasks with full commitment, energy, and a robust spirit, ready to engage with whatever demands lie ahead.
* **"and strengtheneth her arms":** This second clause complements the first by focusing on the instruments of her labor. Her "arms" are the primary means by which she performs her numerous tasks, from spinning and weaving to managing property and providing for her household. The verb "strengtheneth" (H553, *ʼâmats*) suggests a deliberate act of making her arms firm, powerful, and capable. This could imply physical training, but more broadly, it signifies her consistent application of effort and her readiness to exert physical power in her work. It speaks to her active development and maintenance of the physical capacity required for her industrious life.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:17 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. The primary device is **Metaphorical Language**, particularly in the phrase "She girdeth her loins with strength." While "girding the loins" was a literal action in ancient times, here it functions metaphorically to represent not just physical preparation but also mental readiness, determination, and the summoning of inner fortitude for demanding tasks. The "strength" with which she girds herself is not merely physical muscle but also resilience and resolve. **Synecdoche** is also present, where "loins" and "arms" represent the whole person and her capacity for work. Her strong loins (core) and arms signify her overall physical and mental vigor. Furthermore, the verse uses **Imagery** to create a vivid picture of an active, capable, and resolute woman, contrasting sharply with the passive or lazy figures often critiqued in Proverbs. This imagery evokes a sense of purposeful action and robust capability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The portrayal of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:17 resonates deeply with biblical themes of diligence, stewardship, and the holistic nature of strength. Her active preparation and robust engagement in labor reflect a theology of work as a divine calling, where human effort, empowered by God, contributes to flourishing. This strength is not merely physical but encompasses moral fortitude and spiritual resilience, enabling her to fulfill her God-given responsibilities with excellence. The passage implicitly teaches that true strength is expressed through diligent service and wise management of one's abilities and resources, reflecting God's own industrious and purposeful nature in creation. It underscores the value of proactive living and the cultivation of both inner and outer capabilities for the glory of God and the good of others.

* [Ecclesiastes 9:10](/ecclesiastes/9-10 "Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatever Your Hand Finds to Do")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:17 offers a powerful and timeless call to cultivate a spirit of proactive diligence and comprehensive strength in every area of life. It challenges us to not merely react to circumstances but to intentionally prepare ourselves, both physically and mentally, for the demands of our callings, whether in our professional lives, family responsibilities, or spiritual disciplines. The "girding of loins" is a metaphor for intentional readiness, urging us to shed complacency and embrace a posture of vigor and determination. This means developing not only our physical capabilities but also our intellectual sharpness, emotional resilience, and spiritual fortitude. It encourages us to approach our tasks with a robust spirit, understanding that our efforts, when offered to God, are part of our worship and contribute to the well-being of our communities. The virtuous woman's example inspires us to be resourceful, disciplined, and courageous in the face of life's challenges, always striving to use our God-given abilities to their fullest potential for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "gird your loins with strength" – to intentionally prepare yourself for greater diligence or a new challenge?**
* **How can you proactively "strengthen your arms" – develop your skills, knowledge, or physical well-being – to better serve your family, community, or calling?**
* **What does "strength" mean to you beyond physical power, and how can you cultivate this holistic strength in your daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "girding her loins" in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "girding her loins" is a powerful metaphor for intentional preparation, mental readiness, and summoning one's inner resolve for a task or challenge. While ancient people literally gathered their long robes to allow for freedom of movement during work or travel, today it signifies mentally and emotionally bracing oneself, focusing one's energy, and committing fully to an endeavor. It speaks to a proactive mindset, shedding distractions and complacency to engage with purpose and vigor, whether it's tackling a demanding project, facing a difficult conversation, or committing to a new spiritual discipline. It's about being ready to exert effort and face challenges head-on, much like the apostle Peter exhorted believers to "gird up the loins of your mind" in [1 Peter 1:13](/1_peter/1-13 "1 Peter 1:13 - Be Sober and Hope Fully").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:17, in its celebration of diligent strength and proactive readiness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the virtuous woman exemplifies human effort and capability, Christ perfectly embodies divine strength and unwavering readiness for His redemptive mission. He "girded His loins" for the ultimate work of salvation, setting His face like a flint towards Jerusalem and the cross ([Isaiah 50:7](/isaiah/50-7 "Isaiah 50:7 - I Have Set My Face Like a Flint")). His entire earthly life was a demonstration of strengthening His "arms" for the Father's will, from His tireless ministry of teaching and healing ([Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus Taught and Healed")) to His resolute endurance of suffering. It was through His perfect strength and obedience, even unto death on the cross, that He accomplished the work of atonement, providing the ultimate example of strength applied for the good of others ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedient to Death")). Furthermore, Christ, through the Holy Spirit, empowers believers to "gird their loins with strength" for the work of the Kingdom, enabling us to live diligent and purposeful lives, not in our own limited power, but by the might of His Spirit working within us ([Ephesians 3:16](/ephesians/3-16 "Ephesians 3:16 - Strengthened with Power Through His Spirit")). He is the source of true strength, enabling His followers to be strong and courageous in every good work, reflecting His character to a watching world.

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

Job 38:3

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

Ephesians 6:10

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

1 Peter 1:13

¶ 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.