Proverbs 31:14
She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Original Language Analysis
הָ֭יְתָה
H1961
הָ֭יְתָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
סוֹחֵ֑ר
She is like the merchants
H5503
סוֹחֵ֑ר
She is like the merchants
Strong's:
H5503
Word #:
3 of 6
to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate
מִ֝מֶּרְחָ֗ק
from afar
H4801
מִ֝מֶּרְחָ֗ק
from afar
Strong's:
H4801
Word #:
4 of 6
remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar
Historical Context
Phoenician ships (especially from Tyre and Sidon) dominated Mediterranean trade, bringing precious goods—spices, dyes (purple from murex), fine linen, metals—unavailable locally. Israelite access to these trade networks (through ports like Joppa) reflected covenant blessing and international engagement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge false dichotomies between 'spiritual' and 'secular' work—is commerce part of godly stewardship?
- What does it mean to 'bring food from afar' in your context—pursuing excellence and value rather than mere convenience?
- How might the global nature of the church's mission be foreshadowed in this woman's international trading?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
She is like the merchants' ships—The Hebrew oniyot socher (אֳנִיּוֹת סֹחֵר, merchant vessels) references Phoenician trading ships that brought exotic goods from distant ports. She bringeth her food from afar (מִמֶּרְחָק תָּבִיא לַחְמָהּ, mimerchaq tavi lachmah)—not mere geographic distance but economic sophistication. She imports quality goods, understanding markets and value.
This is economic wisdom, not consumerism. Like Solomon who traded with Tyre and Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22), she exercises global stewardship. The image subverts assumptions—the 'homemaker' is actually an international trader. This anticipates the church's global mission (Acts 1:8) and reminds us that godliness embraces rather than retreats from creation's fullness. All legitimate commerce participates in God's blessing of the nations.