Proverbs 31:19

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She layeth {H7971} her hands {H3027} to the spindle {H3601}, and her hands {H3709} hold {H8551} the distaff {H6418}.

She puts her hands to the staff with the flax; her fingers hold the spinning rod.

She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.

Commentary

Context

Proverbs 31:19 is part of a larger acrostic poem (verses 10-31) that describes the ideal "virtuous woman" or "excellent wife" in ancient Israel. This passage is a celebration of a woman's strength, wisdom, and comprehensive management of her household. Following verses that highlight her early rising and careful consideration of purchases, verse 19 specifically details her hands-on involvement in a vital domestic industry: textile production. It paints a picture of a woman deeply engaged in the practical work necessary for her family's well-being, underscoring her industrious character which is a hallmark of the Proverbs 31 woman.

Key Themes

  • Diligence and Industry: The verse emphasizes her active engagement in work, specifically with her hands. She is not idle but constantly productive, contributing meaningfully to her household's needs.
  • Provision and Self-Sufficiency: By spinning her own thread, she ensures that her family has clothing, a fundamental necessity. This highlights her role in providing for and strengthening her household from within.
  • Skill and Craftsmanship: Operating the spindle and distaff effectively required skill and practice. The verse implies her proficiency in these essential domestic arts, producing quality materials.
  • Hands-On Management: Beyond delegating, the virtuous woman is directly involved in the labor, setting an example and ensuring the work is done properly. This reflects a proactive approach to household management.

Linguistic Insights

The "spindle" and "distaff" are ancient tools for spinning fiber into thread or yarn. The distaff is a staff used to hold the raw fibers (like wool or flax), while the spindle is a stick with a weight (a whorl) that twists the fibers into thread as it is spun. This verse vividly portrays the woman's direct, physical labor in this process. "She layeth her hands to the spindle" indicates her firm grasp and control, while "her hands hold the distaff" shows her steady management of the raw material. The repetition of "her hands" underscores the personal, diligent effort she invests in this work.

Significance and Application

Proverbs 31:19 illustrates that true strength and character are often demonstrated through diligent, productive effort. In ancient times, textile production was a laborious but essential task, directly impacting a family's comfort and status. The woman's commitment to this work exemplifies a timeless principle: value is created through hard work and purposeful activity. Her diligence in spinning allowed her to dress her household warmly and even sell garments, bringing honor and profit. This principle extends beyond literal spinning; it speaks to the importance of being productive, developing skills, and contributing actively to one's family and community, whether through traditional crafts, professional work, or diligent household management. It encourages a proactive approach to life, valuing effort over idleness, and recognizing that diligent hands bring prosperity and respect.

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

  • Exodus 35:25

    And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, [both] of blue, and of purple, [and] of scarlet, and of fine linen.

  • Exodus 35:26

    And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' [hair].
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