Proverbs 31:21

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Proverbs 31:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.

King James Version KJV

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

American Standard Version ASV

She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Bible in Basic English BBE

She has no fear of the snow for her family, for all those in her house are clothed in red.

Free Bible Version FBV

She doesn't worry if it snows, because her whole family has warm clothing.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

She feareth not the snowe for her familie: for all her familie is clothed with skarlet.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

She is not afraid of her household from snow, For all her household are clothed [with] scarlet.

World English Bible WEB

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for all her domestics are clothed with double garments.

Translation for Translators T4T

She is not worried that the people in her house will be cold in the winter, because she has made warm clothes for all of them.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:21

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 31:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לֹא תִירָ֣א לְ/בֵיתָ֣/הּ מִ/שָּׁ֑לֶג כִּ֥י כָל בֵּ֝יתָ֗/הּ לָבֻ֥שׁ שָׁנִֽים

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

תִירָ֣א yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

לְ/בֵיתָ֣/הּ bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms | Suff

מִ/שָּׁ֑לֶג sheleg H7950 snow Prep | N-ms

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

בֵּ֝יתָ֗/הּ bayith H1004 place N-ms | Suff

לָבֻ֥שׁ lâbash H3847 to clothe V-Qal-Inf-c

שָׁנִֽים shânîy H8144 scarlet N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 31:21

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תִירָ֣א yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

לְ/בֵיתָ֣/הּ bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

מִ/שָּׁ֑לֶג sheleg H7950 "snow" Prep | N-ms

Sheleg means snow in Hebrew, likely due to its white color. It is also used in Aramaic as te.lag.

Definition: snow Aramaic equivalent: te.lag (תְּלַג "snow" H8517)

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: snow(-y). See also: Exodus 4:6; Psalms 51:9; Psalms 147:16.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

בֵּ֝יתָ֗/הּ bayith H1004 "place" N-ms | Suff

Definition: nm place, origin, between

לָבֻ֥שׁ lâbash H3847 "to clothe" V-Qal-Inf-c

To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.

Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.

שָׁנִֽים shânîy H8144 "scarlet" N-mp

This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.

Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.

Study Notes — Proverbs 31:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Proverbs 31:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:21
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:21
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:21
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:21
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:21

Context — The Virtues of a Noble Woman

19She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.

22She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 45:22	He gave new garments to each of them, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes.
2	2 Samuel 1:24	O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold.
3	Proverbs 25:20	Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Proverbs 31:21 Summary

The verse Proverbs 31:21 tells us that the virtuous woman is not afraid for her household when it snows, because they are all clothed in warm, expensive scarlet clothing. This means she has taken care to prepare them well for the challenges of life, and she trusts in God's provision to take care of them. This is similar to what we read in Psalm 37:3-4, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord and do good, and He will take care of us. By being diligent and wise, like the virtuous woman, we can have peace and security, knowing that God is our provider and caretaker, as promised in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the household to be clothed in scarlet in Proverbs 31:21?

In the context of Proverbs 31:21, being clothed in scarlet signifies that the household is well-prepared and prosperous, as scarlet was a highly valued and expensive dye in ancient times, similar to the fine linen and purple mentioned in Proverbs 31:22. This prosperity is a result of the virtuous woman's diligent work and wise management of the household, as seen in Proverbs 31:19-20.

Is the snow in Proverbs 31:21 a literal or figurative threat?

The snow in Proverbs 31:21 is likely a literal reference to the challenges of winter, but it can also be seen as a figurative representation of any difficult circumstance, as the Bible often uses natural phenomena to illustrate spiritual truths, such as in Psalm 23:4 or Isaiah 43:2.

How can I, as a Christian, apply the principle of Proverbs 31:21 to my own life?

As a Christian, you can apply the principle of Proverbs 31:21 by being diligent and wise in your own stewardship, whether that be in your family, work, or community, and trusting in God's provision and care, as promised in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19.

What is the significance of the virtuous woman's lack of fear in Proverbs 31:21?

The virtuous woman's lack of fear in Proverbs 31:21 demonstrates her trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as well as her confidence in her own preparations and the prosperity of her household, which is a testament to the peace and security that comes from living a life of faith and wisdom, as described in Isaiah 26:3 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can prepare my own household for the challenges of life, and how can I trust in God's provision during difficult times?
How can I, like the virtuous woman, demonstrate wisdom and diligence in my own stewardship, and what are some practical steps I can take to achieve this?
What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of faith and trust in His care?
How can I balance the need to be prepared for the future with the importance of trusting in God's daily provision, and what does this look like in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:21

She is not afraid of the snow for her household,.... That her family should suffer through the rigour of a cold season, when it is frost and snow; for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:21

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 31:21

She is not afraid of the snow, or of any injuries of the weather. All her household are clothed with scarlet; she hath provided enough, not only for their necessity and defence against cold and other inconveniences, which is here supposed, but also for their delight and ornament; so that not only herself, and husband, and children, but some of the better rank of her servants, wear scarlet; which was more cheap and familiar in those times and countries than now it is with us. Or, as it is rendered in our margin, and by divers others, are clothed with double garments, which is necessary and customary in cold seasons.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:21

Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet.Ver. 21. She is not afraid of the snow.] As she is liberal to the poor, so her chief care is for those of her own house, that they may be accommodated. For she knows that to stretch beyond the staple were to mar all; and not to provide for her own were to be worse than an infidel.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:21

(21) She is not afraid of the snow.—Not uncommon in winter-time in Palestine and the neighbouring countries. (Comp. 2 Samuel 23:20; Psalms 147:16.) All her household are clothed with scarlet, which by its very colour suggests warmth and comfort.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:21

Verse 21. She is not afraid of the snow] 12. She is not anxious relative to the health and comfort of her family in the winter season, having provided clothes sufficient for each in the cold weather, in addition to those which they wore in the warm season. For all her household are clothed with scarlet.] Not scarlet, for the colour can avail nothing in keeping off the cold; nor would it be a proper colour for the bogs and dirt of winter. But שנים shanim, from שנה shanah, to iterate, to double, signifies not only scarlet, so called from being twice or doubly dyed, but also double garments, not only the ordinary coat but the surtout or great-coat also, or a cloak to cover all. But most probably double garments, or twofold to what they were accustomed to wear, are here intended. If the general clothing be intended, scarlet cannot be the meaning, nor did our translators entirely rely on it; and therefore put double garments, the true meaning, in the margin, from which it cannot be too speedily transferred to the text. The Vulgate has "duplicibus." And my old MS. very properly, Alle forsoth hir hoomli men, ben clothid with double. And Coverdale, with equal propriety, "For all hir householde folkes are duble clothed." But if her husband and children alone are referred to, scarlet, which in the general meaning of the term, may be proper enough; as even in these countries of ours, scarlet, as being a lively bright colour, is used in the winter dresses.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:21

21. scarlet] It has been proposed to change the Heb. vowel-points and render, double garments, or garments of double texture and warmth, δισσὰςχλαίνας, LXX; duplicibus, Vulg. There is no reason, however, to alter the word. There is a touch of poetry in the contrast between the white snow, the emblem of cold, and the scarlet garment, which is the very picture of warmth in its glowing colour. That its texture does not belie its appearance goes without saying.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:21

Scarlet - Probably some well-known articles of dress, at once conspicuous for their color, or, as some think, for their double texture and warmth.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:21

21. Scarlet — ùׁ ?ðéí, (shanim,) a deep red, or bright crimson. This word has troubled the critics. Some suppose it means double garments, or garments of double texture, or changes of clothing; clothed double for the winter.