Devine Scripture

Proverbs 31:17

What does Proverbs 31:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 31:17 means

This verse describes the worthy woman's remarkable physical and mental vigor. She "girdeth her loins with strength" is a metaphor for preparing for strenuous activity, indicating her readiness for hard work and her sustained energy. She also "maketh strong her arms," suggesting deliberate effort in physical labor and the development of her capabilities. This verse emphasizes her enduring strength and resilience, essential qualities that enable her to accomplish all her varied tasks and responsibilities with fortitude.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

She puts a band of strength round her, and makes her arms strong.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

She hath girded with might her loins, And doth strengthen her arms.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

She girdeth her loins with strength, and maketh strong her arms.

Context

After detailing her business investments (verse 16), this verse focuses on the personal vigor that enables the worthy woman's many endeavors. It emphasizes her physical strength and readiness for work, logically leading into descriptions of how this strength translates into productive and profitable efforts in the subsequent verses.

v.16She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

v.17This passage

v.18She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable; Her lamp goeth not out by night.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 12:35

    Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning;

  • Genesis 49:24

    But his bow abode in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong, By the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),

  • Ephesians 6:14

    Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

  • Isaiah 44:12

    The smithmakethan axe, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint.

  • 1 Peter 1:13

    Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

  • 2 Kings 4:29

    Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thy hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

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