Proverbs 31:2
Proverbs 31:2 in Multiple Translations
What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows?
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
What 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?
What shall I tell you, my son?—the son I gave birth to, the son given in response to my vows.
What my sonne! and what ye sonne of my wombe! and what, O sonne of my desires!
'What, my son? and what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
“Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
What, O my beloved, what, O the beloved of my womb, what, O the beloved of my vows?
You are my son; I gave birth to you [RHQ]; you are the son that God gave me in answer to my prayers.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:2
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 31:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
בְּ֭רִ/י
וּ/מַֽה
בַּר
בִּטְנִ֑/י
וּ֝/מֶה
בַּר
נְדָרָֽ/י
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
בְּ֭רִ/י
bar
H1248
son
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מַֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
בַּר
bar
H1248
son
N-ms
בִּטְנִ֑/י
beṭen
H990
belly
N-fs | Suff
וּ֝/מֶה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
בַּר
bar
H1248
son
N-ms
נְדָרָֽ/י
neder
H5088
vow
N-mp | 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 31:2
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
בְּ֭רִ/י
bar
H1248
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, 'bar' means son, often referring to an heir to the throne. It appears in passages like Genesis, where it describes family relationships. This term is also related to 'ben', meaning child.
Definition: son, heir Another spelling of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: son. See also: Psalms 2:12; Proverbs 31:2.
וּ/מַֽה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
בַּר
bar
H1248
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'bar' means son, often referring to an heir to the throne. It appears in passages like Genesis, where it describes family relationships. This term is also related to 'ben', meaning child.
Definition: son, heir Another spelling of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: son. See also: Psalms 2:12; Proverbs 31:2.
בִּטְנִ֑/י
beṭen
H990
"belly"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
וּ֝/מֶה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
בַּר
bar
H1248
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'bar' means son, often referring to an heir to the throne. It appears in passages like Genesis, where it describes family relationships. This term is also related to 'ben', meaning child.
Definition: son, heir Another spelling of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: son. See also: Psalms 2:12; Proverbs 31:2.
נְדָרָֽ/י
neder
H5088
"vow"
N-mp | Suff
A vow is a promise made to God, like the one Jephthah made in Judges 11:30-31. It can also refer to the thing promised, such as an offering. Vows are recorded in the Bible as important commitments.
Definition: vow, votive offering
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: vow(-ed). See also: Genesis 28:20; Deuteronomy 12:11; Psalms 22:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 31:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 31:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 31:2
Context — The Sayings for King Lemuel
1These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him:
2What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows?
3Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings. 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 49:15 | “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you! |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 1:11 | And she made a vow, pleading, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 1:28 | I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there. |
Proverbs 31:2 Summary
This verse shows a mother's love and concern for her son, King Lemuel, as she seeks to impart wisdom to him. She uses special titles to address him, reminding him of their close relationship and the vows that have been made on his behalf. Just like this mother, we can use our relationships and experiences to share spiritual wisdom with others, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 where parents are instructed to teach God's commands to their children. By seeking to fulfill our own vows and prayers, and by cultivating a deeper relationship with God, we can receive the wisdom and guidance we need to live a responsible and godly life, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the mother of King Lemuel address him with multiple titles, such as 'my son', 'son of my womb', and 'son of my vows'?
She uses these titles to convey her deep love and concern for her son, as well as to remind him of his responsibilities and the vows that have been made on his behalf, as seen in Psalm 127:3-5 where children are described as a heritage from the Lord.
What is the significance of the phrase 'son of my vows' in this context?
The phrase 'son of my vows' suggests that King Lemuel's mother had made specific prayers or vows to God regarding her son's life and well-being, similar to Hannah's vow in 1 Samuel 1:11, and is now seeking to impart wisdom to him.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter, which seems to focus on the dangers of immorality and the importance of responsible leadership?
This verse serves as an introduction to the wisdom that King Lemuel's mother is about to impart, emphasizing her personal concern for her son's well-being and setting the tone for the advice that follows, which is rooted in the fear of the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 1:7
What can we learn from the mother's approach to teaching her son, as seen in this verse?
We can learn the importance of speaking the truth in love, as seen in Ephesians 4:15, and of using personal experience and relationship to convey spiritual wisdom, as seen in 2 Timothy 1:5 where Paul recalls the faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother
Reflection Questions
- What are some vows or prayers that I have made to God, and how can I seek to fulfill them in my own life?
- In what ways can I, like King Lemuel's mother, use my relationships and experiences to impart spiritual wisdom to others?
- How can I balance my desire to offer advice and guidance with the need to respect the autonomy and decision-making of those I care about, as seen in Proverbs 27:6?
- What are some key areas in my life where I need to seek wisdom and guidance, and how can I cultivate a deeper relationship with God in order to receive it, as seen in James 1:5?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:2
What, my son?.... What shall I call thee? though thou art a king, can I address thee in more suitable language, or use a more endearing appellative than this, and what follows?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:2
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? What, my son: and what, the son of my womb (for whom I have borne such throes, and whom therefore, I so intensely love)? And what.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
What? a short speech, arguing her great passion for him; what dost thou do? or, what words shall I take? what counsels shall I give thee? My heart is full, I must give it vent; but where shall I begin? The son of my womb; my son, not by adoption, but whom I bare in my womb, and brought forth with great pain, and brought up with tender care; and therefore it is my duty to give thee admonitions, and thine to receive them; and what I speak is from sincere and fervent affection to thee, which I trust thou wilt not despise. The son of my vows; on whose behalf I have made many prayers, and sacrifices, and solemn vows to God; whom I have, as far as in me lay, devoted to the work, and service, and glory of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
Proverbs 31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?Ver. 2. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb?] An abrupt speech, importing abundance of affection; even more than might be uttered. There is an ocean of love in a parent’ s heart, a fathomless depth of desire after the child’ s welfare, in the mother especially. Some of the Hebrew doctors hold that this was Bathsheba’ s speech to her son after his father’ s death, when she partly perceived which way his genius leaned and led him: that she schooled him in this way, q.d., Is it even so, my son, my most dear son, &c. Oh do not give thy strength to women, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
(2) What, my son?—i.e., what shall I say? The question, thrice repeated, shows her extreme anxiety to give good advice to this son, who was “tender, and only beloved in the sight of his mother.” The son of my vows.—Perhaps given, like Samuel, in answer to her prayers and vows.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
Verse 2. What, my son?] The Chaldee בר bar is used twice in this verse, instead of the Hebrew בן ben, son. This verse is very elliptical; and commentators, according to their different tastes, have inserted words, indeed some of them a whole sentence, to make up the sense. Perhaps Coverdale has hit the sense as nearly as any other: "These are the wordes of Kynge Lemuel; and the lesson that his mother taughte him. My sonne, thou son of my body, O my deare beloved sonne!" The son of my vows?] A child born after vows made for offsprings is called the child of a person's vows.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:2
2. What] This word thrice repeated finds its sufficient explanation in the yearning earnestness of a mother’s heart. The LXX. expand it, “What, my son, shalt thou keep? What? the sayings of God.” Similarly Maurer and Rosenmuller, “What shall I say unto thee? With what precepts shall I be able sufficiently to instruct and inform thee, so that thou mayest be truly wise and mayest rule well thy kingdom?” son of my vows] “For whom I have made so many vows, if I might bring thee safely into the world, and rightly educate thee.” Maur. Comp. 1 Samuel 1:11. The word here used for son is not the usual Heb. word, ben (as in Benjamin), but the Aramaic word bar (as in Bar-jona, Bar-Jesus); and this Aramaism is in keeping with other dialectic peculiarities of this Section of this Book.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:2
The repetitions are emphatic; expressive of anxious love. Son of my vows - Like Samuel, and Samson, the child often asked for in prayer, the prayer ratified by a vow of dedication.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:2
2. What, my son? This is the language of strong emotion and affection — brief, elliptical, and leaving something for the imagination to supply. These repeated interrogations denote great earnestness in demanding attention.
Sermons on Proverbs 31:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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Knowing God as Our Father - Inwardly (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God as our Father and understanding His sovereignty. It highlights the significance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to truly e |
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Our Great Hight Priest by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the imperfections and struggles of our lives, comparing them to a car that is broken and failing. Despite our flaws, the preacher emphasize |
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A Marriage Changed by God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinctions and roles within marriage, highlighting the need to recognize and respect the differences between husband an |
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Separated From Our Loved Ones by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the fearful possibility of separation from loved ones, both in this life and for eternity, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God and the need for si |
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Isaiah 49 by Robert F. Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the comforting and reassuring nature of God's love and care for his people. He highlights the fact that God is in control of everything and |
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Destroying Every Idol by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart and making sacrifices for Him. It highlights the significance of true devotion to Jesus Christ, prioritizing |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the deep teachings of Isaiah chapters 40 to 66, highlighting the importance of humility, trust in God's ways, and the need for true repentance and righteous |