Devine Scripture

Proverbs 31:14

What does Proverbs 31:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 31:14 means

This verse uses a vivid metaphor to describe the worthy woman's foresight and initiative. She is compared to "the merchant-ships," implying that she goes to great lengths and expends considerable effort to secure the best provisions for her family. Her bringing "her bread from afar" signifies her diligence in seeking out quality supplies, not merely settling for what is convenient. This illustrates her commitment to providing well for her household, even if it requires extensive planning and effort, mirroring a wise businesswoman.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

She is like the trading-ships, getting food from far away.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

She hath been as ships of the merchant, From afar she bringeth in her bread.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread from afar.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

She is like the merchants' ships: she bringeth her food from afar;

Context

Building on her industriousness in seeking raw materials (verse 13), this verse further demonstrates the worthy woman's proactive provision for her household. The imagery of merchant ships highlights her strategic thinking and effort, leading into the next verse, which details her early rising and active management of daily household tasks.

v.13She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.

v.14This passage

v.15She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezekiel 27:3

    and say unto Tyre, O thou that dwellest at the entry of the sea, that art the merchant of the peoples unto many isles, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou, O Tyre, hast said, I am perfect in beauty.

  • 1 Kings 9:26

    And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

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