Proverbs 31:2

KJV

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

KJV (with Strong's)

What, my son {H1248}? and what, the son {H1248} of my womb {H990}? and what, the son {H1248} of my vows {H5088}?

Complete Jewish Bible

No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my vows!

Berean Standard Bible

What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows?

American Standard Version

What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:2 serves as a deeply emotional and urgent opening to the maternal instruction given to King Lemuel. Through a series of rhetorical questions, the queen mother expresses profound love, concern, and a solemn appeal to her son, underscoring the gravity and significance of the wisdom she is about to impart concerning righteous leadership and personal integrity, rooted in their intimate familial bond and a sacred dedication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introductory statement in [Proverbs 31:1](/proverbs/31-1 "Proverbs 31:1 - Introduction to King Lemuel's Mother's Words"), which attributes the subsequent "words of King Lemuel" to the "prophecy that his mother taught him." This establishes a unique literary setting: a royal mother's direct, passionate instruction to her son, who is a king. Unlike much of Proverbs, which often features a father's advice to his son or general wisdom sayings, this section highlights the crucial role of a queen mother in shaping a future monarch. The term "prophecy" (מַשָּׂא, _massa'_) is significant; it often denotes a weighty, divinely inspired utterance, elevating the mother's counsel beyond mere parental advice to a prophetic charge, demanding solemn attention. The urgency and rhetorical intensity of [Proverbs 31:2](/proverbs/31-2 "Proverbs 31:2 - The Mother's Urgent Appeal") set a solemn tone, preparing the listener for the weighty counsel on justice, leadership, and the ideal woman that follows in [Proverbs 31](/proverbs/31 "Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Woman and King Lemuel's Mother's Instruction").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and particularly in Israel, the role of the mother, especially a queen mother (Hebrew: _gebirah_), was highly significant. Queen mothers often held considerable influence and authority, acting as advisors to their sons (e.g., Bathsheba with Solomon, [1 Kings 2:19](/1_kings/2-19 "1 Kings 2:19 - Bathsheba's Influence on Solomon")). Education within the family was paramount, with parents responsible for instilling moral and spiritual values from a young age. The "prophecy" in [Proverbs 31:1](/proverbs/31-1 "Proverbs 31:1 - Introduction to King Lemuel's Mother's Words") suggests a divinely inspired or weighty utterance, elevating the mother's counsel beyond mere parental advice to a prophetic charge. The emphasis on a "son of vows" further connects Lemuel to a tradition of individuals dedicated to God from birth, like [Samuel](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for Samuel"), placing a unique spiritual burden and expectation upon his life and rule, implying a sacred obligation to fulfill a divine purpose.
* **Key Themes:** The opening of [Proverbs 31](/proverbs/31 "Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Woman and King Lemuel's Mother's Instruction") immediately introduces several profound themes. First, it highlights **Profound Maternal Love and Concern**, evident in the mother's triple, escalating address, which conveys deep affection and a desperate desire for her son's well-being and righteous conduct. This passionate appeal underscores the biblical emphasis on parental instruction as a labor of love, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-9 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Teaching Children Diligently"). Second, the rhetorical "What?" emphasizes **The Gravity of the Message**, demanding Lemuel's full attention and signaling that the forthcoming instruction is not trivial but concerns matters of life and death, particularly for a king responsible for justice and governance. This urgency is typical of wisdom literature's call to heed instruction ([Proverbs 1:8-9](/proverbs/1-8-9 "Proverbs 1:8-9 - Heeding Parental Instruction")). Finally, the phrase "son of my vows" introduces the theme of **Divine Dedication and Purpose**, suggesting Lemuel's life may have been consecrated to God, imbuing his royal responsibilities with a sacred dimension and underscoring the spiritual expectations placed upon him, mirroring the dedication seen in figures like [Hannah's vow for Samuel](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bar'_):** This term (H1248), borrowed from a root meaning "heir apparent to the throne," signifies not merely a biological offspring but one destined for a position of authority and responsibility. The mother's repeated use emphasizes Lemuel's identity as her child and, implicitly, as the future king, highlighting the weight of his inherited role and the importance of the counsel for his reign. It speaks to the lineage and destiny inherent in his position.
* **womb (Hebrew, _beṭen'_):** Referring to the belly or, more specifically, the womb (H990), this word underscores the intimate, biological connection between mother and son. It speaks to the profound physical and emotional bond formed from conception, emphasizing the deep, visceral love and concern that motivates her urgent address. It grounds her instruction in the most fundamental and undeniable aspect of their relationship, highlighting the personal sacrifice and investment of the mother.
* **vows (Hebrew, _neder'_):** This term (H5088) refers to a promise made to God, often in a moment of earnest prayer or dedication. The phrase "son of my vows" suggests that Lemuel's birth may have been the result of a specific prayer or promise made by his mother, perhaps for a child who would serve God's purposes, or a dedication of the child to God's service. This adds a layer of spiritual significance and divine purpose to Lemuel's life and the instruction he receives, implying a sacred obligation and a life consecrated for a specific, God-ordained mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What, my son?"**: This opening phrase, a direct translation of the Hebrew _mah-lli_, is not a literal question seeking information, but an exclamation of deep concern, urgency, or even a rhetorical plea. It conveys the mother's intense emotional state, akin to "What is it with you, my son, that I must impress this upon you?" or "What can I say to you that will truly convey the gravity of this?" It immediately seeks to capture Lemuel's full attention, signaling the profound importance of her forthcoming words.
* **"and what, the son of my womb?"**: This second phrase intensifies the emotional appeal by emphasizing the biological and intimate bond. "Son of my womb" highlights the profound physical connection and the deep, personal investment the mother has in her child, recalling the pains and joys of childbirth and nurturing. It speaks to the visceral love and the suffering or joy experienced during his birth and upbringing, making her subsequent counsel even more poignant and difficult to ignore. It grounds her appeal in the undeniable reality of their shared life.
* **"and what, the son of my vows?"**: The final phrase reaches a climax of emotional and spiritual intensity. "Son of my vows" suggests that Lemuel's very existence may be tied to a sacred promise or dedication made to God, perhaps for his birth or for his future service. This elevates the stakes, implying that his life has a divine purpose and that the instruction he is about to receive is not merely human wisdom but carries the weight of a spiritual covenant or destiny. It underscores the profound spiritual investment his mother has made in him, appealing to his sense of divine obligation.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:2 is rich with **rhetorical questions** and **repetition**, which together create a powerful **climax** or **crescendo**. The repeated "What?" (מַה־לִּֽי / _mah-lli_) functions not as an interrogative seeking information, but as an exclamation of profound emotional intensity, conveying urgency, concern, and a desperate plea for attention. This **anaphora** (repetition at the beginning of successive clauses) builds a sense of mounting importance and solemnity, ensuring the king's full attention. Furthermore, the progression from the general "my son" to the more intimate "son of my womb" and finally to the sacred "son of my vows" is a masterful use of **gradation** or **climax**, escalating the emotional and spiritual weight of the address. This tripartite structure emphasizes the multifaceted relationship between mother and son—filial, biological, and spiritual—and underscores the solemnity and gravity of the wisdom that is about to be imparted. The mother's words are a deeply personal and prayerful charge, designed to penetrate the heart of the future king and impress upon him the profound significance of his calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:2 profoundly illustrates the biblical emphasis on the intergenerational transmission of wisdom and the sacred duty of parents, particularly mothers, to instruct their children in righteousness. The mother's passionate address to King Lemuel is a testament to the enduring power of maternal influence and the deep spiritual investment involved in raising a child, especially one destined for leadership. It highlights the concept of a dedicated life, where one's existence is not merely accidental but purposed by God, often in response to prayer and vows. This dedication places a unique responsibility on the individual to live in accordance with that divine purpose, making the reception of wise counsel not just beneficial but imperative for fulfilling one's calling. The verse sets the stage for the practical outworking of wisdom in governance and personal character, demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in moral integrity and divine guidance, a truth vital for both personal and societal flourishing.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching Children Diligently")
* [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for Samuel")
* [Psalm 78:4](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - Passing on God's Deeds to Generations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:2 is a poignant reminder of the profound and often sacrificial love parents, especially mothers, pour into their children. It challenges us to consider the depth of our own parental or mentorship roles, urging us to impart not just rules, but character, values, and spiritual truth with genuine emotional investment and prayer. For those who are "sons" or "daughters" in any sense—whether literally, or as disciples, or those under spiritual authority—this verse calls us to truly listen to and honor the guidance of those who genuinely care for our spiritual and moral development. It underscores the idea that our lives can be seen as "sons/daughters of vows" – dedicated to God's purpose and therefore subject to His wise instruction, often delivered through trusted mentors, family, or the Word itself. The urgency in the mother's voice should resonate with us, prompting us to take seriously the counsel that shapes our character and calling, recognizing the immense impact of intentional, prayerful guidance and the importance of heeding such devoted counsel for a life of integrity and purpose that honors both human and divine investment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the mother's emotional appeal in Proverbs 31:2 reflect the depth of parental love and concern in your own life or in your understanding of parenting and mentorship?**
* **In what ways might you be considered a "son/daughter of vows," dedicated to a purpose beyond yourself, and how does that influence your receptiveness to wisdom and guidance from God and trusted sources?**
* **What specific counsel, whether from family, mentors, or Scripture, do you need to heed with greater urgency and seriousness in your life right now to align with your divine purpose?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the triple repetition of "What, my son?" in this verse?**

Answer: The triple repetition of "What, my son?" (or more accurately, "What, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?") is a powerful rhetorical device. It's not a literal question seeking information, but an exclamation of deep emotional intensity, conveying urgency, concern, and a desperate plea for attention. This **anaphora** (repetition at the beginning of successive clauses) builds a sense of mounting importance and solemnity. The progression from "my son" to "son of my womb" (emphasizing biological connection) and "son of my vows" (emphasizing spiritual dedication) creates a **climax**, underscoring the multifaceted bond between mother and son and the profound gravity of the instruction she is about to deliver to King Lemuel. It's designed to ensure that the king fully grasps the immense weight and personal investment behind her words, preparing him for the crucial counsel that follows in [Proverbs 31](/proverbs/31 "Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Woman and King Lemuel's Mother's Instruction").

**Who is King Lemuel, and why is his mother's instruction so important?**

Answer: King Lemuel is an enigmatic figure mentioned only in [Proverbs 31:1](/proverbs/31-1 "Proverbs 31:1 - Introduction to King Lemuel's Mother's Words") and [Proverbs 31:2](/proverbs/31-2 "Proverbs 31:2 - The Mother's Urgent Appeal"). His identity is uncertain; some scholars suggest he might be a non-Israelite king, or even a symbolic name for Solomon or another Israelite monarch. Regardless of his precise identity, the importance lies in his mother's role. Her instruction is crucial because it represents the transmission of vital wisdom for righteous leadership and personal integrity, particularly within a royal context. In ancient cultures, queen mothers often held significant influence, and their counsel to their sons (especially future kings) was highly valued. The "prophecy" (מַשָּׂא, _massa'_) she imparts suggests a divinely inspired or weighty utterance, elevating her advice to a sacred charge. This highlights the biblical emphasis on parental instruction as foundational for societal well-being and the formation of just leaders, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching Children Diligently").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:2, with its urgent maternal appeal to a "son of vows" destined for kingship, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Lemuel was a son dedicated by his mother's vows, Jesus is the eternally begotten [Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), uniquely dedicated to the Father's will from eternity and perfectly fulfilling all divine purposes. He is the true and ultimate King, not just of a nation, but of all creation, whose reign is characterized by perfect justice and righteousness, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign"). The wisdom imparted to Lemuel was to guide him in earthly rule, but Christ embodies all wisdom, being the very [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God"), who became flesh to dwell among us. His entire life was a fulfillment of the Father's "vows" or divine plan for salvation, culminating in His obedient sacrifice on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Lemuel, who received instruction, Christ is the source of all true instruction, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who perfectly leads His people. The mother's passionate concern for Lemuel's righteous rule foreshadows the divine love and perfect governance of Christ, who truly "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and establishes an everlasting kingdom of peace and righteousness ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Isaiah 49:15

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

1 Samuel 1:11

And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

1 Samuel 1:28

Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.