Proverbs 31:22

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple.

She maketh {H6213} herself coverings of tapestry {H4765}; her clothing {H3830} is silk {H8336} and purple {H713}.

She makes her own quilts; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Commentary

Proverbs 31:22 offers a glimpse into the industriousness and provision of the virtuous woman, highlighting her ability to adorn her home and herself with items of quality and prestige. This verse is part of the larger acrostic poem describing the ideal wife and homemaker in the final chapter of Proverbs.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, textiles were not merely utilitarian; they were significant indicators of status, wealth, and skill. "Coverings of tapestry" (or fine bedspreads/hangings) would have been intricate, hand-woven items, signifying domestic artistry and a well-appointed home. "Silk" was an imported luxury, likely from the East, highly valued for its softness and luster. "Purple" dye was exceptionally expensive, extracted from specific sea snails, and its color was often associated with royalty, nobility, and high religious office (e.g., priestly garments, royal robes). For the woman to possess or even produce such items speaks volumes about her household's prosperity and her own diligent management and skill, reflecting the overall picture of her capability described in Proverbs 31:10-31.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Diligence and Skill: The phrase "she maketh herself coverings" suggests her active role in producing or overseeing the creation of fine goods, showcasing her skill and dedication to her home's comfort and beauty. This aligns with her hands-on approach to household management seen elsewhere in the chapter, such as her seeking wool and flax (Proverbs 31:13).
  • Provision and Prosperity: The expensive materials like silk and purple indicate the household's prosperity, which is a result of the woman's wise and diligent work. Her efforts contribute not only to basic needs but also to a life of abundance and dignity.
  • Dignity and Esteem: Her fine clothing and household furnishings reflect honor and respect, both for herself and for her family. This outward appearance of quality is a testament to her internal virtues and capabilities, symbolizing the "strength and honour" with which she is clothed (Proverbs 31:25).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tapestry" (ืžึทืจึฐื‘ึทื“ึดึผื™ื - marbaddim) refers to richly embroidered or woven coverings, often for beds. The term for "silk" (ืฉึตืืฉื - shesh) here is more broadly translated as "fine linen" or "byssus" in other contexts, referring to high-quality, expensive fabric, often white. However, given its pairing with "purple," "silk" or very fine, luxurious linen is the intended meaning, emphasizing its value. "Purple" (ืึทืจึฐื’ึธึผืžึธืŸ - argaman) denotes the highly prized Tyrian purple dye, a symbol of royalty and luxury throughout the ancient Near East.

Practical Application

While few today weave their own tapestries or dye their own purple silk, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. This verse encourages:

  • Excellence in Stewardship: It's about using our talents and resources wisely to create a comfortable, beautiful, and well-ordered environment for our families.
  • Value of Diligence: Hard work and skill, whether in domestic tasks, professional careers, or creative pursuits, bring forth tangible results that benefit others and bring honor.
  • Invest in Quality: Not necessarily in extravagant spending, but in making thoughtful choices that reflect care, foresight, and a desire for lasting value in our homes and lives. The virtuous woman's efforts allow her family to be well-provided for and respected, even at the city gates (Proverbs 31:23).

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

  • Revelation 19:8

    And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

  • Genesis 41:42

    And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

  • Proverbs 7:16

    I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved [works], with fine linen of Egypt.

  • Revelation 19:14

    And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

  • 1 Peter 3:3

    Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

  • Psalms 45:13

    The king's daughter [is] all glorious within: her clothing [is] of wrought gold.

  • Psalms 45:14

    She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
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