Proverbs 31:11
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Original Language Analysis
בָּ֣טַח
doth safely trust
H982
בָּ֣טַח
doth safely trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
לֵ֣ב
The heart
H3820
לֵ֣ב
The heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
בַּעְלָ֑הּ
of her husband
H1167
בַּעְלָ֑הּ
of her husband
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
4 of 7
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
Historical Context
In ancient patriarchal economies, wives managed household resources while husbands engaged in public/agricultural affairs. A trustworthy wife was essential to family survival—betrayal through laziness or adultery could destroy the household. This trustworthiness was covenantal, not contractual.
Questions for Reflection
- How does trustworthiness in 'small things' (finances, time, commitments) reflect the character of the covenant-keeping God?
- In what ways might you be requiring others to 'need spoil' by your unreliability or poor stewardship?
- How does Christ's absolute trustworthiness ('he who promised is faithful,' Hebrews 10:23) shape your understanding of Christian character?
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Analysis & Commentary
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her—The eshet chayil (אֵשֶׁת חַיִל, woman of valor) begins not with her industry but with trustworthiness. The Hebrew batach (בָּטַח, to trust/rely upon) describes confident security. Her husband's heart (לֵב, lev)—the seat of will and wisdom—can rest in her character. He shall have no need of spoil (שָׁלָל, shalal, plunder/gain) means he need not seek gain through violence or exploitation because her economic wisdom provides sufficiently.
Trust is the foundation of covenant relationship—between God and Israel, Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:25-27). The virtuous woman mirrors the trustworthiness of God Himself who 'keeps covenant and steadfast love' (Deuteronomy 7:9). This is not mere economic competence but covenant faithfulness embodied in daily life.