Devine Scripture

Proverbs 31:19

What does Proverbs 31:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 31:19 means

This verse returns to the worthy woman's practical, hands-on skills in textile production, illustrating her close involvement in traditional domestic crafts. She "layeth her hands to the distaff" and "her hands hold the spindle," describing the ancient process of spinning fiber into thread. This detail not only emphasizes her diligence and self-sufficiency but also connects her directly to the process of creating valuable goods for her household and for sale. It showcases her mastery of essential and time-consuming domestic arts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

She puts her hands to the cloth-working rod, and her fingers take the wheel.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Her hands she hath sent forth on a spindle, And her hands have held a distaff.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

She putteth her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

Context

After describing her profitable business acumen and late-night work (verse 18), this verse brings the focus back to her direct, manual labor within the household, specifically her role in textile creation. This acts as a foundation for understanding how she creates the garments mentioned later and transitions into her generosity with the fruits of her labor in the very next verse.

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

v.19This passage

v.20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 35:25

    And all the women that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, the blue, and the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Proverbs 31

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Proverbs 31.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Proverbs 31:19.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary