Proverbs 31:22
Proverbs 31:22 in Multiple Translations
She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She makes for herself cushions of needlework; her clothing is fair linen and purple.
She makes herself bedspreads; she dresses in fine linen and purple clothes.
She maketh her selfe carpets: fine linen and purple is her garment.
Ornamental coverings she hath made for herself, Silk and purple [are] her clothing.
She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple is her covering.
She makes bedspreads/quilts for the beds. She wears fine linen clothes that are dyed purple, like queens wear.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:22
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 31:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַרְבַדִּ֥ים
עָֽשְׂתָה
לָּ֑/הּ
שֵׁ֖שׁ
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֣ן
לְבוּשָֽׁ/הּ
מַרְבַדִּ֥ים
marbad
H4765
covering
N-mp
עָֽשְׂתָה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לָּ֑/הּ
Prep | Suff
שֵׁ֖שׁ
shêsh
H8336
alabaster
Adj
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֣ן
ʼargâmân
H713
purple
Conj | N-ms
לְבוּשָֽׁ/הּ
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
clothing
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 31:22
מַרְבַדִּ֥ים
marbad
H4765
"covering"
N-mp
A covering or spread, like a tapestry or blanket, used to decorate or protect something. It is mentioned in the Bible as a type of fabric or textile.
Definition: spread, coverlet
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: covering of tapestry. See also: Proverbs 7:16; Proverbs 31:22.
עָֽשְׂתָה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָּ֑/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
שֵׁ֖שׁ
shêsh
H8336
"alabaster"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to fine white linen or marble, often used to describe the luxurious clothing and buildings of ancient times, like the Temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 36:35; Proverbs 31:22.
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֣ן
ʼargâmân
H713
"purple"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for purple, describing the color or dyed fabric, is used in the Bible to describe royal garments, like those worn by King Solomon. In Exodus 28:5, it is used to describe the priestly robes. The color symbolized wealth and power.
Definition: purple, red-purple
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: purple. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:22.
לְבוּשָֽׁ/הּ
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
"clothing"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to clothing or garments, and sometimes even a wife. It is used in descriptions of how people dress, like in the book of Matthew. The KJV translates it as apparel or clothing.
Definition: clothing, garment, apparel, raiment Aramaic equivalent: le.vush (לְבוּשׁ "garment" H3831)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: apparel, clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment, vestment, vesture. See also: Genesis 49:11; Job 41:5; Psalms 22:19.
Study Notes — Proverbs 31:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 31:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 31:22
Context — The Virtues of a Noble Woman
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. 24She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 19:8 | She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. |
| 2 | Proverbs 7:16 | I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt. |
| 3 | Genesis 41:42 | Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. |
| 4 | Esther 8:15 | Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 3:3 | Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, |
| 6 | Ezekiel 16:10–13 | I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen. |
| 7 | Psalms 45:13–14 | All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold. In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you. |
| 8 | Revelation 19:14 | The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses. |
| 9 | Judges 8:26 | The weight of the gold earrings he had requested was 1,700 shekels, in addition to the crescent ornaments, the pendants, the purple garments of the kings of Midian, and the chains from the necks of their camels. |
| 10 | Esther 5:1 | On the third day, Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. |
Proverbs 31:22 Summary
The woman in Proverbs 31:22 is described as making beautiful coverings for her bed and wearing fine linen and purple clothing, which shows her attention to detail and care for her home and herself. This verse reminds us that it's okay to take pleasure in beautiful things and to create a warm and welcoming environment, as long as we don't let it become an idol or distract us from what's truly important, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, where we are encouraged to adorn ourselves with modesty and humility. By paying attention to the details of our own lives and homes, we can create a sense of beauty and warmth that reflects our love for God and others, as encouraged in Psalm 90:17, where we are reminded to establish the work of our hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of coverings is the woman in Proverbs 31:22 making for her bed?
The verse does not specify the type of coverings, but based on the context, it is likely that they are decorative and made of fine materials, similar to her clothing, which is made of fine linen and purple, as mentioned in Proverbs 31:22, and reminiscent of the luxurious garments described in Exodus 28:5-6.
Why is the woman's clothing described as fine linen and purple in Proverbs 31:22?
The description of her clothing as fine linen and purple indicates that she is a woman of means and refinement, as purple was a highly valued and expensive dye in ancient times, as seen in Luke 16:19, where the rich man is described as being clothed in purple and fine linen.
Is the woman in Proverbs 31:22 being described as vain or self-absorbed because of her fine clothing?
No, the description of her clothing is not intended to convey vanity or self-absorption, but rather to highlight her attention to detail and her ability to create a beautiful and welcoming home, as seen in the context of Proverbs 31:20-24, where she is also described as caring for the poor and needy, and being a wise and capable manager of her household.
How can I apply the principles of Proverbs 31:22 to my own life?
You can apply the principles of Proverbs 31:22 by paying attention to the details of your own life and home, and seeking to create a warm and welcoming environment for yourself and others, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 16:14, where we are reminded to do everything in love.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show attention to detail and care in my own home and relationships, as the woman in Proverbs 31:22 does?
- How can I balance my desire to create a beautiful and comfortable home with the need to prioritize what is truly important, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where we are reminded to seek first the kingdom of God?
- What are some ways that I can use my own skills and talents to create something beautiful and useful, as the woman in Proverbs 31:22 does with her coverings and clothing?
- How can I cultivate a sense of refinement and elegance in my own life, without becoming overly focused on material possessions or external appearances, as warned against in 1 Peter 3:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:22
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:22
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 31:22
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:22
Proverbs 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. That is excellent counsel that Tertullian gives women, Vestite vos serico pietatis, byssino sanctitatis, purpura pudicitiae: Clothe yourselves with the silk of piety, with the satin of sanctity, with the purple of modesty, &c. See 1 Peter 3:3-4. Lib. de cultu faem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:22
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, מרבדים marbaddim, either tapestry, carpeting, or quilted work for her beds; and her own clothing is שש 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.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:22
22. coverings] i.e. carpets or cushions, to be spread out on the bed or divan. Comp. Proverbs 7:16. silk] Rather, fine linen, as the word is rendered both of Egyptian robes of honour (Genesis 41:42) and of the Jewish High-priest’s garments (Exodus 28:39), as well as of the coverings of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1; Exodus 27:9; Exodus 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 (ἐκδὲβύσσουκαὶπορφύραςἑαυτῇἐνδύματα) is interesting when compared with the “purple and fine linen” (ἐνεδιδύσκετοπορφύρανκαὶβύσσον) of the rich man in the parable (Luke 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” (Proverbs 31:20, above).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:22
Silk - Better, fine linen, the byssus of Egypt.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:22
22. Coverings of tapestry — Coverlets woven of wool and silk, often enriched with gold and silver, representing various figures.
Sermons on Proverbs 31:22
| Sermon | Description | |
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Alas for Us, if Though Wert All, and Nought Beyond, O Earth by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the deep and indescribable joy experienced by the heavenly family. He contemplates the significance of the star of Jacob and how all other |
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1 John - the Glory of Fellowship by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. The focus of the sermon is on the importance of practicing righteousness an |
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(Mt Pleasant) 10. Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in prayer. He shares that 60% of his commitment to prayer is not based on desire, but on the commitment to disci |
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Genesis 3:1-7 by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our minds focused on God and our responsibilities. He warns against allowing our thoughts to wander and be influenc |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 65 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the importance of being clothed in the righteousness of Christ to stand before God, emphasizing the distinction between forgiveness and justification. It hi |
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(Living as Jesus Lived) 7. Living by the Power of God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of living by the power of God rather than relying on human soul-power, which can lead to deception and superficiality in Christian life and mini |
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Christ the Believer's Adorning Garment by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine preaches about the spiritual attire of believers, comparing it to a rich and sparkling garment provided by their heavenly husband. He emphasizes that this divine raim |