Proverbs 31:16
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּקָּחֵ֑הוּ
and buyeth
H3947
וַתִּקָּחֵ֑הוּ
and buyeth
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 7
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
כַ֝פֶּ֗יהָ
of her hands
H3709
כַ֝פֶּ֗יהָ
of her hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
5 of 7
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
Cross References
Matthew 13:44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.Song of Solomon 8:12My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.
Historical Context
Women in ancient Israel could own property and engage in commerce (though legal systems varied). Archaeological evidence shows women as merchants, artisans, and landowners. This verse reflects actual economic practice, not mere idealization. Vineyard investment was culturally significant—wine for covenant meals, trade, and joy (Psalm 104:15).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge cultural assumptions about women's economic roles—does biblical wisdom support female entrepreneurship and investment?
- What does 'considering a field' (careful due diligence) teach about stewardship decisions—are you investing resources with prayerful wisdom?
- How does planting a vineyard (long-term investment requiring patience) counter contemporary consumerism and short-term thinking?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
She considereth a field, and buyeth it—The Hebrew zamam (זָמַם, to consider/plan) implies careful deliberation, not impulsive acquisition. With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard (מִפְּרִי כַפֶּיהָ נָטְעָה כָּרֶם, mipri kappeha nat'ah karem)—she funds the purchase from her own earnings (pri, פְּרִי, fruit), demonstrating both independent economic agency and long-term investment wisdom. Vineyards took years to mature, requiring patient capital allocation.
This shatters reductionist readings that confine women to narrow domestic roles. The eshet chayil is a real estate investor, agricultural entrepreneur, and strategic planner. Her economic activity flows from covenant stewardship—managing creation's resources for generational blessing. This anticipates believers as co-heirs with Christ, stewarding His kingdom resources (Romans 8:17). Godly dominion (Genesis 1:28) includes women's full economic participation.