Proverbs 31:1
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
Original Language Analysis
דִּ֭בְרֵי
The words
H1697
דִּ֭בְרֵי
The words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
לְמוּאֵ֣ל
Lemuel
H3927
לְמוּאֵ֣ל
Lemuel
Strong's:
H3927
Word #:
2 of 7
lemuel or lemoel, possibly a symbolic name of solomon
מַ֝שָּׂ֗א
the prophecy
H4853
מַ֝שָּׂ֗א
the prophecy
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
4 of 7
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
אֲֽשֶׁר
H834
אֲֽשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Proverbs 6:20My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:2 Timothy 1:5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.Proverbs 1:8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Historical Context
Mothers in ancient Israel bore responsibility for children's early moral and religious instruction. Lemuel's mother's wisdom being preserved as Scripture elevates maternal teaching's importance in covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you value and receive wisdom from godly mothers and female mentors?
- If you're a mother, how seriously do you take your role in teaching children God's truth?
- What does this verse teach about family as primary vehicle for transmitting biblical wisdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
King Lemuel's 'prophecy' (Hebrew 'massa'—oracle) that his mother taught him. Like Agur (chapter 30), Lemuel's identity is uncertain, but his mother's wisdom is preserved in Scripture. This demonstrates God using maternal instruction to convey truth. Reformed theology values the mother's teaching role (Proverbs 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:5). Godly mothers shape children's theology and ethics. This introduction to Lemuel's mother's counsel emphasizes family as primary context for transmitting divine wisdom.