Proverbs 31:12
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Original Language Analysis
גְּמָלַ֣תְהוּ
She will do
H1580
גְּמָלַ֣תְהוּ
She will do
Strong's:
H1580
Word #:
1 of 7
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
ט֣וֹב
him good
H2896
ט֣וֹב
him good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
2 of 7
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כֹּ֝֗ל
H3605
כֹּ֝֗ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern marriage contracts often included clauses about mutual obligations, but biblical marriage transcends contract into covenant—unconditional commitment reflecting God's relationship with His people. Divorce was permitted (Deuteronomy 24:1) but always as concession to hard hearts, never God's design.
Questions for Reflection
- How does covenant faithfulness ('all the days of her life') differ from transactional relationships based on performance?
- In what practical ways can you 'do good and not evil' to those in your household today, even when unrewarded?
- How does Christ's 'good and not evil' toward His spiritually adulterous bride (the church) deepen your understanding of grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life—The Hebrew contrast is stark: tov (טוֹב, good) versus ra' (רָע, evil/harm). The phrase all the days of her life (כֹּל יְמֵי חַיֶּיהָ, kol yemei chayeha) emphasizes covenant permanence—not selective kindness but lifelong faithfulness. The verb gamal (גָּמַל, to deal with/requite) implies active, intentional benefit.
This echoes Ruth's hesed (חֶסֶד, covenant loyalty)—loyal love that endures beyond convenience. Marriage in Scripture is a creation ordinance and covenant sign (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31-32), reflecting Christ's unwavering commitment to His bride the church. The eshet chayil embodies this covenant faithfulness, doing good not from duty alone but from transformed character that images God's unchanging goodness.