Proverbs 31:14
Proverbs 31:14 in Multiple Translations
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.
She is like the trading-ships, getting food from far away.
Like a merchant's ship, she brings food from far away.
She is like the shippes of marchants: shee bringeth her foode from afarre.
She hath been as ships of the merchant, From afar she bringeth in her bread.
She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.
She is like the merchant's ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She is like the merchant’s ship, she bringeth her bread from afar.
She is like [SIM] a ship that brings from far away goods/merchandise to sell, because she buys food that comes from far away.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 31:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ֭יְתָה
כָּ/אֳנִיּ֣וֹת
סוֹחֵ֑ר
מִ֝/מֶּרְחָ֗ק
תָּבִ֥יא
לַחְמָֽ/הּ
הָ֭יְתָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
כָּ/אֳנִיּ֣וֹת
ʼŏnîyâh
H591
fleet
Prep | N-fp
סוֹחֵ֑ר
çâchar
H5503
to trade
V-Qal
מִ֝/מֶּרְחָ֗ק
merchâq
H4801
distance
Prep | N-ms
תָּבִ֥יא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
לַחְמָֽ/הּ
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 31:14
הָ֭יְתָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כָּ/אֳנִיּ֣וֹת
ʼŏnîyâh
H591
"fleet"
Prep | N-fp
The Hebrew word for ship or fleet is used in the Bible to describe a vessel that sails on the water. It appears in Numbers 24:24 and Proverbs 30:19, often referring to the men who sail on these ships, known as seamen.
Definition: 1) ship 1a) men of ships, seamen
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: ship(-men). See also: Genesis 49:13; Proverbs 30:19; Psalms 48:8.
סוֹחֵ֑ר
çâchar
H5503
"to trade"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to travel around, often for trade or business. It can also describe a person who goes around buying and selling goods. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants or traders.
Definition: 1) to go around, go about, travel about in, go about in trade 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go about to and fro (in business) 1a2) trader, trafficker (participle) 1b) (Pilpel) to palpitate
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: go about, merchant(-man), occupy with, pant, trade, traffick. See also: Genesis 23:16; Isaiah 23:2; Psalms 38:11.
מִ֝/מֶּרְחָ֗ק
merchâq
H4801
"distance"
Prep | N-ms
Merchaq means a distant place or far country, often used to describe a location that is far away. It can also imply a sense of remoteness or separation. This word is used in the Bible to describe geographical distance.
Definition: distant place, distance, far country
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (a-, dwell in, very) far (country, off). See also H1023 (בֵּית הַמֶּרְחָק). See also: Psalms 138:6; Isaiah 33:17; Proverbs 25:25.
תָּבִ֥יא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לַחְמָֽ/הּ
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 31:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 31:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:14
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
- Sermons on Proverbs 31:14
Context — The Virtues of a Noble Woman
12She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.
13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants. 16She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 31:24 | She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 9:26–28 | King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea. And Hiram sent his servants, men who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talents —and delivered it to Solomon. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 27:3–36 | Tell Tyre, who dwells at the gateway to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coasts, that this is what the Lord GOD says: You have said, O Tyre, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’ Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders perfected your beauty. They constructed all your planking with cypress from Senir. They took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you. Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory. Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt they made your sail, which served as your banner. Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah they made your awning. The men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen. Your men of skill, O Tyre, were there as your captains. The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise. Men of Persia, Lydia, and Put served as warriors in your army. They hung their shields and helmets on your walls; they gave you splendor. Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the men of Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields around your walls; they perfected your beauty. Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your wares. Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise. The men of Beth-togarmah exchanged horses, war horses, and mules for your wares. The men of Dedan were your clients; many coastlands were your market; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony. Aram was your customer because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares. Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, cakes and honey, oil and balm for your merchandise. Because of your many products and your great wealth of goods, Damascus traded with you wine from Helbon, wool from Zahar, and casks of wine from Izal for your wares. Wrought iron, cassia, and sweet cane were exchanged for your merchandise. Dedan was your merchant in saddlecloths for riding. Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats. The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; for your wares they exchanged gold, the finest of all spices, and precious stones. Haran, Canneh, and Eden traded with you, and so did the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad. In your marketplace they traded with you fine garments of blue, embroidered work, and multicolored rugs with cords tightly twisted and knotted. The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea. Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea. Your wealth, wares, and merchandise, your sailors, captains, and shipwrights, your merchants and all the warriors within you, with all the other people on board, will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall. The countryside will shake when your sailors cry out. All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore. They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning. As they wail and mourn over you, they will take up a lament for you: ‘Who was ever like Tyre, silenced in the middle of the sea? When your wares went out to sea, you satisfied many nations. You enriched the kings of the earth with your abundant wealth and merchandise. Now you are shattered by the seas in the depths of the waters; your merchandise and the people among you have gone down with you. All the people of the coastlands are appalled over you. Their kings shudder with fear; their faces are contorted. Those who trade among the nations hiss at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’” |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 9:10 | (The servants of Hiram and of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones. |
Proverbs 31:14 Summary
[This verse is saying that a good wife is like a ship that brings back food from far away, showing that she is willing to go the extra mile to take care of her family. This is similar to what Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, where He encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God and trust that our needs will be met. The woman in Proverbs 31:14 is a great example of someone who is diligent and resourceful, and we can learn from her example by being more thoughtful and proactive in our own relationships. By working together and supporting one another, we can create a more loving and harmonious home environment, as seen in Ephesians 5:21.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a woman to be like merchant ships in Proverbs 31:14?
This verse is using a metaphor to describe a woman who is diligent and resourceful in providing for her household, much like merchant ships that travel far to bring back valuable goods, as seen in Psalm 107:23. This characteristic is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her family.
Is this verse suggesting that women should be responsible for all the food provision in the household?
While Proverbs 31:14 highlights the woman's role in providing food, it is essential to remember that the Bible teaches mutual support and teamwork in marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:21 and Genesis 2:18. The woman's efforts are not meant to be a solo endeavor, but rather a part of a larger collaborative effort to care for the family.
How can a woman balance the desire to provide for her family with the need to prioritize her own well-being?
This verse is not encouraging women to exhaust themselves in the process of providing for their families. Rather, it is emphasizing the importance of diligence and resourcefulness, as seen in Proverbs 31:13, where the woman works with eager hands. Women can find a healthy balance by prioritizing their relationship with God, as in Matthew 6:33, and seeking support from their loved ones.
What can men learn from this verse about supporting their wives?
Men can learn the importance of appreciating and supporting their wives' efforts to provide for the family, as seen in Proverbs 31:12. By recognizing and valuing their wives' hard work, men can create a more harmonious and collaborative home environment, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:25-33.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be more diligent and resourceful in providing for my loved ones, just like the woman in Proverbs 31:14?
- How can I balance my desire to provide for my family with the need to prioritize my own physical and emotional well-being?
- What are some practical steps I can take to support my spouse or loved ones in their efforts to provide for our family?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of mutual support and teamwork in my relationships, as seen in Ephesians 5:21 and Genesis 2:18?
- How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of those who provide for me, whether it be a spouse, parent, or other caregiver?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:14
She is like the merchant ships,.... Not like a single one, but like a navy of them, that cross the seas, go to foreign parts, and come back laden with rich goods: so the church of Christ, and her
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:14
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The praises of a virtuous woman; forming a Hebrew acrostic. The 22 years begin with the several 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet consecutively; M.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
By the sale of her homespun commodities she purchaseth the choicest goods which come from far countries.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
Proverbs 31:14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. Ver. 14. She is like the merchants’ ships.] That is, She gets wealth apace; yea, though she stir not off her stool, and studies how to buy everything at best hand, though she send far for it. Of the Low Country men it is said, Peterent ccelum navibus Belgae, si navibus peti posset. So the good housewife would do anything to further thrift.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
(14) She bringeth her food from afar.—Looks for opportunities of buying cheaply at a distance from home, instead of paying a larger price on the spot.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
Verse 14. She is like the merchants' ships] 3. She acts like merchants. If she buy any thing for her household, she sells sufficient of her own manufactures to pay for it; if she imports, she exports: and she sends articles of her own manufacturing or produce to distant countries; she traffics with the neighbouring tribes.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:14
14. She is like the merchant’s ships] The principles of profitable exchange which regulate foreign trade are exemplified in the narrower sphere of her wise domestic economy. The reference to merchant-ships is interesting as pointing to an age when trade with foreign countries was common.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:14
The comparison points to the enlarged commerce of the Israelites consequent on their contact with the Phoenicians under David and Solomon; compare Proverbs 31:24.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:14
14. She bringeth her food from afar — What she needs for sustenance, for convenience, for ornament, which she does not produce herself, she procures by exchange of commodities. She exports and imports.
Sermons on Proverbs 31:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Young Man's Attitude Towards Women by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the loss of innocence and beauty in our culture. He laments how the simple act of touching hands can no longer evoke a sense of awe and excite |
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 32 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a mother's love and her role in leading her children to Jesus. He encourages mothers to pray for their children and to spen |