Proverbs 31:2
What does Proverbs 31:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 31:2 means
Here, Lemuel's mother begins her instruction with a series of poignant rhetorical questions, expressing deep concern and tender affection for her son. The repeated phrases, "What, my son?" and "O son of my womb?" and "O son of my vows?" convey the depth of her emotional investment and her earnest desire for his well-being and righteous conduct as a ruler. This passionate opening underscores the gravity of the advice she is about to impart, framing it as coming from a place of profound maternal love and spiritual dedication.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
KJV
King James Version · 1611What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949What am I to say to you, O Lemuel, my oldest son? and what, O son of my body? and what, O son of my oaths?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`What, my son? and what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752What, O my beloved, what, O the beloved of my womb, what, O the beloved of my vows?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? and what, O son of my vows?
Context
Following the introduction of King Lemuel and his mother's role as instructor in verse 1, this verse immediately plunges into the mother’s heartfelt address to her son. Her emotional questions lay a foundation of tender concern before she launches into specific warnings in verses 3-5. This establishes the relational context for the strong admonitions that are about to be delivered.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 49:15
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee.
- 1 Samuel 1:11
And she vowed a vow, and said, O Jehovah of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thy handmaid, but wilt give unto thy handmaid a man-child, then I will give him unto Jehovah all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
- 1 Samuel 1:28
therefore also I have granted him to Jehovah; as long as he liveth he is granted to Jehovah. And he worshipped Jehovah there.
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