Proverbs 31:23

KJV

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Her husband {H1167} is known {H3045} in the gates {H8179}, when he sitteth {H3427} among the elders {H2205} of the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her husband is known at the city gates when he sits with the leaders of the land.

Berean Standard Bible

Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land.

American Standard Version

Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:23 illuminates a profound aspect of the virtuous wife's influence: her exemplary character, diligent management of her household, and wise conduct directly contribute to her husband's public standing and respect within the community. This verse portrays a man whose esteemed position among the city's leaders is a testament to the order, prosperity, and moral integrity fostered within his home, largely through his wife's capable hands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the renowned acrostic poem in [Proverbs 31:10-31](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10-31 - The Virtuous Woman"), which describes the "excellent wife" or "woman of valor." Following a detailed enumeration of her diverse virtues—ranging from her industriousness in business and household management to her compassion for the poor and her wise instruction—verse 23 shifts the focus. It moves from her internal qualities and domestic achievements to their external, public impact, specifically on her husband's reputation. This culmination underscores that her private excellence translates into public honor for the family unit, demonstrating the holistic and far-reaching nature of her wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the "gates" and "elders" is deeply rooted in ancient Israelite society. The city gates were not merely points of entry but served as the central public square, the hub of community life. Here, commerce was conducted, legal disputes were settled, public announcements were made, and community leaders gathered. To be "known in the gates" signified public recognition, respect, and often, influence. The "elders of the land" were the respected, experienced, and wise men who formed the governing body of the community, responsible for justice, counsel, and civic administration. For a man to "sit among" them indicated his qualification, integrity, and esteemed status, enabling him to participate in the most significant public affairs. This scene is vividly depicted in passages like [Ruth 4:1-12](/ruth/4-1 "Ruth 4:1-12 - Boaz at the City Gate"), where Boaz conducts legal proceedings with the elders at the gate.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes. Firstly, **Reputation and Honor** are central, illustrating how the wife's character and actions directly elevate her husband's public esteem. A well-ordered and morally sound home, managed by a capable wife, reflects positively on the man's leadership and judgment, allowing him to command respect in public life. Secondly, it highlights the **Mutual Influence in Marriage**, showcasing a synergistic relationship where the wife's excellence enables her husband's public success, and his respected position, in turn, brings honor and stability to the entire family. This dynamic is echoed in [Proverbs 12:4](/proverbs/12-4 "Proverbs 12:4 - A Virtuous Wife is a Crown"), which states, "A virtuous wife is a crown to her husband." Thirdly, the verse touches upon **Community Leadership and Wisdom**, portraying the husband as a respected voice in civic governance. His ability to sit among the elders implies not just power, but a foundation of wisdom, integrity, and stability, which is significantly supported by the excellence of his domestic life. The value of a good name, fostered by such a life, is emphasized throughout Proverbs, as seen in [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is More Desirable Than Great Riches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Husband (Hebrew, _baʻal'_):** From H1167, meaning "master" or "owner," and by extension, "husband." This term emphasizes the man's position as the head of the household and his responsibility for its welfare. In this context, it highlights that the wife's actions directly contribute to the public perception and standing of the one who is the head of their family. Her excellence brings honor to his leadership.
* **Known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know," but encompassing a vast range of senses including to ascertain, recognize, acknowledge, understand, or be familiar with. Here, it implies more than mere recognition; it suggests being deeply respected, understood, and acknowledged for one's character, wisdom, and standing. He is not just seen, but truly esteemed and considered worthy of his place among the leaders.
* **Elders (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** From H2205, meaning "old," "aged," or "ancient man," referring to the respected, older leaders of the community. These were individuals whose wisdom, experience, and integrity qualified them to serve as judges, counselors, and administrators in public affairs. The husband's ability to "sit among" them signifies his elevated status and participation in the most significant community decisions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Her husband is known in the gates":** This clause establishes the public recognition and high regard for the husband. The "gates" (H8179, _shaʻar_) symbolize the public sphere, the place where community life, commerce, and legal matters transpired. To be "known" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) in this context means to be recognized, respected, and acknowledged for his character and standing. This public honor is presented as a direct consequence of his wife's virtuous conduct and wise management of their home.
* **"when he sitteth among the elders of the land":** This phrase further specifies the nature and extent of the husband's public standing. "Sitteth" (H3427, _yâshab_) implies a position of authority, deliberation, and judgment, often associated with judicial or leadership roles. To "sit among the elders" (H2205, _zâqên_) means he is counted among the most respected and influential leaders of the community (H776, _ʼerets_). His presence in such a distinguished assembly is a clear indicator of his integrity, wisdom, and the stable, well-ordered domestic life that enables his public engagement.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:23 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Synecdoche** is evident in the phrase "in the gates," where the "gates" represent the entire public sphere, encompassing all civic, commercial, and judicial activities. This allows for a concise yet comprehensive depiction of the husband's public prominence. **Metonymy** is also present, as "sitting among the elders" stands for the husband's esteemed position, authority, and participation in community governance, rather than merely the physical act of sitting. The verse also functions as a clear example of **Cause and Effect**, where the wife's virtuous character and diligent actions (the cause, elaborated throughout [Proverbs 31:10-22](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10-22 - The Virtues of the Excellent Wife")) lead directly to her husband's public honor and respected status (the effect). This highlights the profound interconnectedness within a marriage and its ripple effect on society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:23 speaks to the divine order of marriage and community, where the internal integrity of the home profoundly impacts external societal standing. It underscores the biblical principle that wisdom, diligence, and righteous living are not merely private virtues but have public consequences, bringing honor and stability not only to the individuals but to the entire family unit and, by extension, the community. The verse affirms the significant, often understated, role of the wife in establishing the foundation for her husband's public success and the family's overall reputation. This mutual flourishing reflects God's design for complementary roles within marriage, where each partner's strengths contribute to the well-being and honor of the other and the whole.

* [Proverbs 12:4](/proverbs/12-4 "Proverbs 12:4 - A Virtuous Wife is a Crown to Her Husband")
* [Proverbs 18:22](/proverbs/18-22 "Proverbs 18:22 - Finding a Good Wife")
* [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is More Desirable Than Great Riches")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:23 offers enduring wisdom for contemporary relationships and community life. It challenges us to recognize the profound, often unseen, impact of a supportive and virtuous partner on an individual's public life and personal flourishing. For married couples, it underscores the importance of mutual respect, shared purpose, and diligent effort within the home, recognizing that a well-ordered and harmonious domestic life serves as a critical foundation for effective engagement in the broader world. This verse encourages both spouses to cultivate character, wisdom, and diligence, understanding that their combined efforts contribute to the family's collective "good name" and influence. Beyond marriage, it reminds us that personal integrity and the health of our private lives inevitably reflect on our public standing and capacity for leadership, urging us to build strong foundations in all areas of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the health of my personal and family life impact my public reputation or professional effectiveness?**
* **In what ways can I actively support my spouse or close family members to help them flourish in their public roles or aspirations?**
* **What aspects of my character or home life might be hindering or enhancing my ability to gain respect and influence in my community or workplace?**
* **How can we, as a community, better recognize and value the foundational contributions made within the home that enable public service and leadership?**

### FAQ

**What does "known in the gates" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "known in the gates" signifies being a respected, recognized, and influential figure in one's community, profession, or social circles. Just as the city gates were the hub of ancient life, today this could refer to one's standing in their workplace, neighborhood, church, or any public forum where decisions are made and reputations are formed. It implies a person whose character and integrity are acknowledged and whose presence commands respect, allowing them to participate meaningfully in important discussions and leadership roles. This public esteem is often a reflection of the order, wisdom, and support found within their private life, much as the husband's honor in [Proverbs 31:23](/proverbs/31-23 "Proverbs 31:23 - The Husband's Public Honor") was a testament to his wife's excellence.

**Does this verse imply that a woman's sole purpose is to elevate her husband's status?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that a woman's sole purpose is to elevate her husband's status. [Proverbs 31:10-31](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10-31 - The Virtuous Woman") paints a comprehensive picture of a woman with diverse talents, responsibilities, and influence—from managing her household and engaging in business to caring for the poor and teaching wisdom. Verse 23 is a *consequence* of her multifaceted excellence, highlighting one of the positive ripple effects of her character. It emphasizes the synergistic relationship within a marriage where each partner's strengths contribute to the well-being and honor of the other and the family unit, rather than dictating a singular purpose. Her worth is intrinsic, not merely derivative of her husband's standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as the virtuous wife's character brings honor and public recognition to her husband, so too does the Church, as the Bride of Christ, reflect and magnify the glory of her divine Husband. When the Church lives out the virtues of Christ—embodying love, wisdom, sacrifice, and service—she brings honor to His name in the "gates" of the world. The Church's mission to make disciples and bear witness to the gospel ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")) is the ultimate public declaration of Christ's reign and wisdom. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the perfect "Elder" and "Lord" ([Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head of the Church")), eternally "known in the gates" of heaven and earth, sitting at the right hand of God the Father ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation")). Our lives, lived in submission to and reflection of Him, become a testament to His transformative power, causing His name to be honored and recognized among the "elders of the land"—the rulers and authorities of this world ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Thus, the Church, by her faithful witness and virtuous living, contributes to the public exaltation of her glorious Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

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

Proverbs 12:4

¶ A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones.

Ruth 4:1

¶ Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

Deuteronomy 16:18

¶ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

Deuteronomy 21:19

Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

Ruth 4:11

And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

Job 29:7

¶ When I went out to the gate through the city, [when] I prepared my seat in the street!

Proverbs 24:7

¶ Wisdom [is] too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.