Proverbs 31:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:22 vividly portrays the industriousness and refined taste of the virtuous woman, showcasing her ability to not only provide for her household's basic needs but also to adorn her home and herself with items of exceptional quality and prestige. This verse underscores her diligent labor, wise management, and the resulting prosperity and dignity that characterize her and her family within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31:22 is an integral part of the acrostic poem (verses 10-31) that describes the "excellent wife" or "virtuous woman" (Hebrew: *eshet chayil*). Each verse, beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, builds a comprehensive portrait of her character, responsibilities, and impact. This particular verse follows descriptions of her active provision (e.g., [seeking wool and flax](/proverbs/31-13 "Proverbs 31:13 - Her Diligence in Provision")), her foresight (e.g., [rising while it is yet night](/proverbs/31-15 "Proverbs 31:15 - Her Early Rising and Provision")), and her strength (e.g., [girding her loins with strength](/proverbs/31-17 "Proverbs 31:17 - Her Strength and Diligence")). Verse 22 specifically highlights the *quality* and *luxury* of her provisions, moving beyond mere functionality to demonstrate a level of abundance and aesthetic care that reflects her diligent and skilled management, setting the stage for the public honor her husband receives in [Proverbs 31:23](/proverbs/31-23 "Proverbs 31:23 - Her Husband Honored at the Gates").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, textiles were far more than simple coverings; they were potent symbols of status, wealth, and domestic skill. The creation of "coverings of tapestry" would have involved intricate weaving or embroidery, demanding significant time, artistry, and access to quality materials. These were not common household items but rather luxurious furnishings, indicative of a well-appointed home. "Silk" (or fine linen) and "purple" were exceptionally valuable commodities. Silk was an imported luxury, likely from the Far East, prized for its softness and luster, while purple dye, particularly the renowned Tyrian purple, was extracted from rare Murex sea snails and was exorbitantly expensive. Its color was universally associated with royalty, nobility, and high religious office (e.g., the [priestly garments](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments") and the [curtains of the tabernacle](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - The Tabernacle Curtains")). For a woman to possess or even produce such items spoke volumes about her household's prosperity and her own diligent management, skill, and discerning taste, reflecting the overall picture of her capability described throughout [Proverbs 31](/proverbs/31 "Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Woman").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the broader poem and the book of Proverbs. It reinforces the theme of **Diligence and Skill**, demonstrating that the virtuous woman's labor extends beyond basic necessities to the creation of beauty and luxury, showcasing her mastery of domestic arts and her commitment to excellence. It highlights **Provision and Prosperity**, indicating that her wise and diligent work leads to a household that is not merely self-sufficient but abundant, capable of affording and producing items of high value. Furthermore, the presence of such fine materials speaks to **Dignity and Esteem**, both for the woman herself and for her family. Her outward appearance of quality and the richness of her home are a testament to her internal virtues and capabilities, symbolizing the "strength and honor" with which she is ultimately clothed, as stated in [Proverbs 31:25](/proverbs/31-25 "Proverbs 31:25 - Her Strength and Honor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **maketh (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root is broad in its application, meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it signifies her active role in production, overseeing, or creating. It implies not just passive acquisition but intentional, skilled labor or management in the procurement and preparation of these valuable items. It speaks to her industriousness and capability.
* **coverings of tapestry (Hebrew, _marbad'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to spread out," this word refers to a coverlet or richly woven covering, often for beds or as hangings. It denotes items of comfort, beauty, and luxury, suggesting intricate craftsmanship rather than simple, utilitarian fabrics. The plural form (implied in the KJV's "coverings") further emphasizes the abundance and quality of these furnishings.
* **purple (Hebrew, _ʼargâmân'_):** Of foreign origin, this term specifically refers to the highly prized purple dye or the dyed stuff itself. As noted in the historical context, purple was a color associated with royalty, nobility, and wealth throughout the ancient Near East due to its rarity and the difficulty of its production. Its inclusion here immediately signals the high status and prosperity of the woman's household.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She maketh herself coverings of tapestry":** This clause emphasizes the woman's proactive and skillful engagement in providing for her home. The phrase "maketh herself" suggests either her direct involvement in the intricate weaving or embroidery of these luxurious coverings, or her oversight and management of others who produce them. "Coverings of tapestry" denotes richly woven or embroidered textiles, likely used as bedspreads or wall hangings, signifying not just comfort but also aesthetic beauty and domestic artistry within her household.
* **"her clothing is silk and purple":** This part of the verse highlights the quality and prestige of her personal attire. "Silk" (or fine linen, as *shêsh* can also denote) refers to a high-quality, luxurious fabric, often imported and expensive. "Purple" (from *ʼargâmân*) signifies the most costly and prestigious dye available in the ancient world, reserved for royalty, nobility, and the very wealthy. Together, these materials indicate that her personal clothing reflects her status, the prosperity of her household, and the dignity she carries, which is a direct outcome of her diligent and wise management.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs rich **Imagery** to paint a picture of luxury and status. The mention of "coverings of tapestry," "silk," and "purple" immediately conjures visuals of opulence, fine craftsmanship, and vibrant colors, appealing directly to the reader's sense of sight and touch. This vivid description serves as a form of **Symbolism**, where the material wealth and fine adornments are not merely ends in themselves, but outward manifestations of the woman's inner virtues—her diligence, wisdom, and excellent stewardship. The quality of her possessions and clothing **Metonymically** represents the honor and prosperity she brings to her household. Furthermore, the specific choice of "purple" acts as a powerful **Allusion** to royalty and high societal standing, elevating the woman's status beyond mere domestic competence to one of regal dignity and influence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:22 illustrates the biblical principle that diligence, wisdom, and skillful labor lead to prosperity and honor, not as an end in themselves, but as a byproduct of righteous living and faithful stewardship. This verse connects the tangible, material blessings of a well-managed home to the spiritual virtues of the woman. It suggests that excellence in one's sphere of influence, whether domestic or public, brings forth a visible testimony of God's blessing and the fruit of hard work. The quality of her provisions and clothing points to a life lived with intentionality and foresight, reflecting a holistic view of well-being where material comfort is intertwined with moral character.

* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth")
* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [1 Timothy 2:9](/1_timothy/2-9 "1 Timothy 2:9-10 - Adornment and Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific context of weaving tapestries and dyeing purple silk may seem distant, the underlying principles of Proverbs 31:22 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary life. This verse calls us to embrace excellence and diligence in our own spheres, whether in managing our homes, pursuing our careers, or engaging in creative endeavors. It encourages us to use our talents and resources not just for basic survival, but to create environments of beauty, comfort, and order that reflect care and intentionality. It's about being good stewards of what we've been given, investing our time and effort into quality that honors God and blesses those around us. This doesn't necessitate extravagance, but rather a thoughtful approach to our responsibilities, ensuring that our efforts contribute to a life of dignity, abundance, and a testimony of God's provision and our faithful labor. Our "clothing" and "coverings" today might manifest as a well-maintained home, a commitment to quality in our work, or even the spiritual "garments" of character we cultivate.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to exercise diligence and skill, and how can you pursue excellence in those areas?**
* **How does the quality of your "coverings" (your home, your work, your environment) reflect your stewardship and values?**
* **Beyond material possessions, what "silk and purple" qualities—such as integrity, wisdom, or generosity—are you cultivating in your character?**

### FAQ
**Does Proverbs 31:22 promote materialism or extravagant spending?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 31:22 does not promote materialism or reckless extravagance. Instead, it highlights the *results* of the virtuous woman's diligent and wise management. The "silk and purple" are not acquired through frivolous spending but are indicators of the prosperity and honor that arise from her hard work, foresight, and skillful provision (as seen in [Proverbs 31:13-18](/proverbs/31-13 "Proverbs 31:13-18 - Her Industriousness")). Her ability to provide such luxurious items for her household speaks to her exceptional stewardship and the abundance that God grants to those who are faithful and industrious. It underscores a life of dignity and provision, not one of self-indulgent consumption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:22, with its depiction of the virtuous woman adorning her household and herself with "coverings of tapestry" and "silk and purple," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Christ himself is the ultimate embodiment of wisdom and diligence, tirelessly working to "make" a spiritual covering and adornment for His bride, the Church. Just as the virtuous woman prepares fine things for her household, Christ "loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The "silk and purple" can be seen as foreshadowing the righteousness of Christ, which becomes the spiritual clothing of believers. Revelation speaks of the bride of Christ being "clothed in fine linen, bright and pure—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints" ([Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - The Bride's Fine Linen")). Thus, the material adornment in Proverbs 31:22 points to the spiritual splendor and purity that Christ provides for His people, making them beautiful and honored in the eyes of God, reflecting His own perfect work and sacrificial love.

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

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.