Devine Scripture

Proverbs 31:23

What does Proverbs 31:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 31:23 means

This verse describes the positive social impact of the worthy woman's character and management on her husband's public standing. He "is known in the gates," which refers to the city gates where public business, legal matters, and social gatherings took place. His respectable position "when he sitteth among the elders of the land" is a direct reflection of his wife's supportive and excellent contributions to their household and reputation. Her diligent work and wise conduct elevate his status and enable him to participate honorably in civic leadership.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Her husband is a man of note in the public place, when he takes his seat among the responsible men of the land.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Known in the gates is her husband, In his sitting with elders of the land.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Her husband is honourable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Directly following the descriptions of her excellent provision and personal dignity (verses 21-22), this verse highlights the worthy woman's indirect but significant contribution to her husband's public reputation. Her efforts empower him to hold a respected position in the community, setting the stage for more details about her entrepreneurial activities that contribute to their family's standing in the next verse.

v.22She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

v.23This passage

v.24She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Cross references

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

  • Ruth 4:1

    Now Boaz went up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the near 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.

  • Job 29:7

    When I went forth to the gate unto the city, When I prepared my seat in the street,

  • Ruth 4:11

    And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. Jehovah make the woman that is come into thy house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Beth-lehem:

  • Proverbs 24:7

    Wisdom is too high for a fool: He openeth not his mouth in the gate.

  • Proverbs 12:4

    A worthy woman is the crown of her husband; But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

  • Deuteronomy 16:18

    Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, according to thy tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.

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