Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 31:22
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple.
22. coverings ] i.e. carpets or cushions, to be spread out on the bed or divan. Comp. Pro 7:16.
silk ] Rather, fine linen, as the word is rendered both of Egyptian robes of honour (Gen 41:42) and of the Jewish High-priest’s garments (Exo 28:39), as well as of the coverings of the Tabernacle (Exo 26:1; Exo 27:9; Exo 27:18).
Though it is not improbable that silk may have been among the articles of commerce introduced by Solomon, there is no certainty as to when it was first known to the Hebrews. See Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Art. silk. The rendering of the LXX. here ( ) is interesting when compared with the “purple and fine linen” ( ) of the rich man in the parable (Luk 16:19). His fault was not that he dressed richly and fared sumptuously, but that he did not “spread forth his hand to the poor, and reach forth his hands to the needy” ( Pro 31:20, above).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Silk – Better, fine linen, the byssus of Egypt.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 22. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry]
13. She is not regardless either of her own person, or of the decent, proper appearance of her presses and wardrobe. She has coverings or carpeting for her guests to sit upon; she has also tapestry, marbaddim, either tapestry, carpeting, or quilted work for her beds; and her own clothing is shesh, flne flax, or linen cloth, and purple; probably for a cloak or mantle. The fine linen or cotton cloth of Egypt is probably intended. I have often seen it wrapping the bodies of mummies; it is something like our coarse calico. The purple was supposed to have been dyed by a precious liquor obtained from the pinna magna, a large shellfish, of the muscle kind, found on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. I have seen some of them nearly two feet in length. But it is a doubt whether any such liquor was ever obtained from this or any other fish; and the story itself is invented merely to hide the secret, the proper method of dying purple; which was kept so well that it certainly died with the ancients.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Coverings of tapestry, for the furniture of her house.
Silk and purple, which was very agreeable to her high quality, though it doth not justify that luxury in attire which is now usual among persons of far lower ranks, both for wealth and dignity.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
22. coverings of tapestryor,”coverlets,” that is, for beds.
silkor, “linen”(compare Exo 26:1; Exo 27:9)
and purplethat is, themost costly goods.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry,…. For the furniture and ornament of her house, or for her bed; which may signify the ordinances of the Gospel, and the decent, orderly, and beautiful administration of them, wherein the church has communion with her Lord; see So 1:16. The Vulgate Latin version renders it, “garments of divers colours”, such as was Joseph’s coat, Ge 37:3; and, in a spiritual sense, may be applied to the above mentioned garments, and agrees with what goes before and follows;
her clothing [is] silk and purple; the Tyrian purple, which, Strabo says x, is the best; or purple silk, silk of a purple colour: or rather fine linen of this colour; a dress suitable to a queen, as the church is, who is represented as clothed with clothing of wrought gold, with raiment of needlework, Ps 45:9; see Eze 16:10. This is not her own natural clothing, for she has none by nature that deserves the name; nor of her own working, not works of righteousness done by her; nor of her own putting on, but what Christ has wrought out for her, and clothes her with; and which is very rich in itself, the best robe, very ornamental to her; her wedding garment, and which will last for ever; see Isa 61:10.
x Geograph. l. 16. p. 521.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
From the protecting, and at the same time ornamental clothing of the family, the poet proceeds to speak of the bed-places, and of the attire of the housewife:
22 She prepareth for herself pillows;
Linen and purple is her raiment.
Regarding (with raphatum), vid., at Pro 7:16. Thus, pillows or mattresses (Aquila, Theodotion, ; Jerome, stragulatam vestem ; Luther, Decke = coverlets) to make the bed soft and to adorn it (Kimchi: , according to which Venet. ); Symmachus designates it as , i.e., ( tapetae, tapetia , carpets), which are hairy (shaggy) on both sides.
(Note: Vid., Lumbroso, Recherches sur l’Economie politique de l’Egypte sous les Lagides (Turin, 1870), p. 111; des tapis de laine de premere qualit, pourpres, laineux des deux cts ( ).)
Only the lxx makes out of it , lined overcoats, for it brings over . By it is not meant that she prepares such pillows for her own bed, but that she herself ( i.e., for the wants of her house) prepares them. But she also clothes herself in costly attire. (an Egyptian word, not, as Heb., derived from , cogn. , to be white) is the old name for linen, according to which the Aram. translates it by , the Greek by , vid., Genesis, pp. 470, 557, to which the remark is to be added, that the linen [Byssus], according to a prevailing probability, was not a fine cotton cloth, but linen cloth. Luther translates , here and elsewhere, by weisse Seide [white silk] ( , i.e., from the land of the , Rev 18:12); but the silk, is first mentioned by Ezekiel under the name of ; and the ancients call the country where silk-stuff ( bombycina ) was woven, uniformly Assyria. (Aram. , derived by Benfey, with great improbability, from the rare Sanscrit word ragavant , red-coloured; much rather from = , as stuff of variegated colour) is red purple; the most valuable purple garments were brought from Tyre and Sidon.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
TEXT Pro. 31:22-31
22.
She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24.
She maketh linen garments and selleth them,
And delivereth girdles to the merchant.
25.
Strength and dignity are her clothing;
And she laugheth at the time to come.
26.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
27.
She looketh well to the ways of her household,
And eateth not the bread of idleness.
28.
Her children rise up, and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praiseth her saying:
29.
Many daughters have done worthily,
But thou excellest them all.
30.
Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
31.
Give her of the fruit of her hands;
And let her works praise her in the gates.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 31:22-31
1.
What kind of man did the virtuous woman marry (Pro. 31:22)?
2.
Why would she work (making and selling things) when her husband was one of the leaders of the city (Pro. 31:24)?
3.
Why does she laugh at the time to come (Pro. 31:25)?
4.
Why give special attention to her speech in Pro. 31:26?
5.
What is meant by the ways of her husband (Pro. 31:27)?
6.
How long has it been since you praised your wife (or been praised by your husband if you are a woman) (Pro. 31:28)?
7.
She has excelled whom (Pro. 31:29)?
8.
What is grace in Pro. 31:30?
9.
Why is beauty vain (Pro. 31:30)?
10.
What is meant by in the gates in Pro. 31:31?
PARAPHRASE OF 31:22-31
2224.
She also upholsters with finest tapestry; her own clothing is beautifully madea purple gown of pure linen. Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council chamber with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments to sell to the merchants.
2529.
She is a woman of strength and dignity, and has no fear of old age. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says. She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household, and is never lazy. Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words: There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all!
30, 31.
Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesnt last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised. Praise her for the many fine things she does. These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from even the leaders of the nation.
COMMENTS ON 31:22-31
Pro. 31:22. The virtuous woman continues to be described in her relationship to different aspects of life. This verse shows that she likes nice things (Carpets of tapestry) and is gifted at making them. She not only likes outdoor work (she planteth a vineyardPro. 31:16) but indoor work (needlework) as well. But she doesnt go overboard on making nice thingsshe doesnt neglect her family making them. Our verse also shows that this healthy, hardworking woman also likes to look nice (her clothing is fine linen and purple). Her wearing purple and fine linen shows that the family was not poor (compare Luk. 16:19).
Pro. 31:23. And what about her husband? Is he a lazy, no-good type of man? No, she was married to a prominent man, a successful man, one of the rulers of the land. Instead of a courthouse where legal transactions were recorded, their legal business was transacted in the city gates in the presence of the elders: Rth. 4:11; Deu. 25:5-10. He was one of them.
Pro. 31:24. Reference has already been made to her business enterprises: see Pro. 31:16; Pro. 31:18-19.
Pro. 31:25. Clothes, we are told, express the person. In this sense this woman is expressed by two qualities: strength and dignity. These two qualities are evident in all that has been said of her. This laughing at the future is of course not to be understood as expressive of a presumptuous self-confidence, but only of a consciousness of having all appropriate and possible preparation and competence for the future (Lange).
Pro. 31:26. Special mention is here made of her speech habits. An idle woman will often get herself into tongue-trouble: Withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not (1Ti. 5:13). The busy, useful life lived by Proverbs virtuous woman would help keep her from the above. Tit. 2:3 instructs womanhood to be not slanderers. This will be foreign to the virtuous woman, for she is both wise and kind in her speech. When she speaks, it is wisdom that comes forth, and the law of kindness governs her lips also.
Pro. 31:27. Her thorough care of her household is again emphasized (we might say in contrast with those women who are neglectful of their households, not seeing that they have proper meals, not seeing that their clothing is in good order, not keeping up the house, etc.). And her busyness in their behalf is again emphasized (we might say in contrast with those women who are lazy, sleeping in far beyond the proper time to get up, and then not working with diligence after they get up).
Pro. 31:28. And her household notices her care of them and her work in their behalf, and she is greatly appreciated. Her husband does not overlook her good life and work, but he praiseth her (to herself, privately, to others upon appropriate occasion, and to God who gave her to him). And he teaches the children to appreciate her many efforts too, and the longer they live and the older they get, the more they rise up and call her blessed, making Mother one of the sweetest and dearest words in all the world to them. Mother and goodness and Mother and love go together in their minds. You men have good wives, tell them so, and you children who have good mothers, tell them so.
Pro. 31:29. Many daughters means many women (or many daughters of men). Yes, the husband admits that there are many women who have done worthily, but to him his own is the very best of all! And isnt this the way it should be? Thinking of her in this way, he will be happy and satisfied with her. He will not be thinking of other women nor leaving her for them.
Pro. 31:30. He realizes that others may have grace, and others may display beauty, but it is better to be married to a woman who feareth Jehovah. Such a woman as he has will be praised, but to fall for the grace of the other woman will be found to be deceitful, and he will see how empty (vain) her beauty can be when she lacks the important qualities of womanhood. Oh, that all women realized how deceitful grace can be and how vain mere physical beauty is! Concerning elegance of shape, symmetry of features, dignity of mien, and beauty of countenance, Clarke says, Sickness impairs them, suffering deranges them, and death destroys them.
Pro. 31:31. Psa. 128:1-2 speaks of the righteous person getting to eat the product of ones hands: Blessed is every one that feareth Jehovah, That walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of thy hands. Gods final message concerning her to us is that we should give her what she deserves, what she has rightfully earned, especially praise and public recognition (in the gates). Let us listen to Clarke in his rather eloquent close: Let what she has done be spoken of for a memorial to her; let her bright example be held forth in the most public places. Let it be set before the eyes of every female, particularly of every wife, and especially of every mother; and let them learn from this exemplar what men have a right to expect in their wives, the mistresses of their families and the mothers of their children.
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 31:22-31
1.
What new thoughts concerning the virtuous woman are found in Pro. 31:22?
2.
Tell of her husband (Pro. 31:23).
3.
What items did she make to sell (Pro. 31:24)?
4.
What two qualities stand out in her (Pro. 31:25)?
5.
How is her speech described (Pro. 31:26)?
6.
What does Pro. 31:27 re-emphasize concerning this good woman?
7.
Besides the satisfaction that she receives from a job well done, what does Pro. 31:28 tell us of her reward?
8.
How does her husband express his feelings concerning her great worth (Pro. 31:29)?
9.
Pro. 31:30 says, …….. is deceitful, and ……… is vain.
10.
What is Gods final message concerning her to us (Pro. 31:31)? NOTE: Noticeable Groupings within a chapter are found only in those chapters made up of 1-verse sayings (chapters 1029).
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
22. Coverings of tapestry Coverlets woven of wool and silk, often enriched with gold and silver, representing various figures. Latin critics render the passage simply, “She maketh for herself coverlets.” But some kind of ornamental work seems to be intended.
Silk , ( shesh,) rather, fine white linen or cotton cloth, probably the byssus of Egypt. The word is applied to both linen and cotton fabrics. Silk was probably not known to the Hebrews in the age of Solomon.
Purple , ( argaman.) The root of the word is uncertain. Gesenius derives it from the Sanscrit. The Septuagint renders it porphura, and the Vulgate purpura. It is applied both to the purple fish and the purple colour. Here it means purple cloth. Purple and fine linen seem to have been used by the ancients conventionally for rich and elegant clothing. Comp. Luk 16:19. The editor of Calmet contends that argaman signifies “variegated,” or of different talents. He translates thus: Her upper garments (gown, robe) she makes of fine cambric, etc., wrought in pattern; and of brocade or tissue, her lower garment, (petticoat.) This good housewife does not despise the esthetic in her person and household. She discovers the utility of beauty as well as the beauty of utility.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Pro 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple.
Ver. 22. Her clothing is silk and purple. ] Suitable to her husband’s condition, who is a principal man. Pro 31:23 That is excellent counsel that Tertullian gives women, Vestite vos serico pietatis, byssino sanctitatis, purpura pudicitiae: a Clothe yourselves with the silk of piety, with the satin of sanctity, with the purple of modesty, &c. See 1Pe 3:3-4 .
a Lib. de cultu faem.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
coverings: Pro 7:16
clothing: Gen 41:42, *marg. Est 5:1, Est 8:15, Psa 45:13, Psa 45:14, Eze 16:10-13, 1Pe 3:3
silk: Shesh, rather fine linen, or cotton. (See note on Exo 39:27.) Sadin, rendered “fine linen,” Pro 31:24, is probably the same as the Arabic sidn, and sudl, a veil, or an inner covering of fine muslin.
Reciprocal: 1Ti 2:9 – not