She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
What does Proverbs 31:19 mean?
This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Proverbs 31:18-19 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Proverbs 31:19
She layeth her hands to the spindle,.... As Penelope and her maidens did (t). Or spinning wheel, more properly, the wheel itself, which is laid hold on by the right hand, and turned round; and her hands hold the distaff; the rock, stick, or staff, about which the wool is wrapped, which is spun, and is held in the left hand; for though hands are mentioned in both clauses, yet it is only with one hand the wheel is turned, and the distaff held with the other.
Key words
- layeth
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She layeth her hands to the spindle,.
- hands
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She layeth her hands to the spindle,.
- spindle
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She layeth her hands to the spindle,.
Context in Proverbs 31
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Proverbs 31 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as Agur, Lemuel, and the valiant woman. Proverbs offers compact instruction on speech, work, wealth, friendship, sex, discipline, justice, and wisdom as a way of life before God. Read this chapter with the wider themes of wisdom, fear of the Lord, and speech in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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