Proverbs 31:17
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Original Language Analysis
בְע֣וֹז
with strength
H5797
בְע֣וֹז
with strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
2 of 5
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
מָתְנֶ֑יהָ
her loins
H4975
מָתְנֶ֑יהָ
her loins
Strong's:
H4975
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
Cross References
Job 38:3Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;Ephesians 6:14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;Luke 12:35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;1 Kings 18:46And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
Historical Context
In ancient Israelite households, women's work was essential to family survival and economic well-being. Textile production, food preparation, and household management required significant physical strength and stamina. The metaphor of 'girding loins' would resonate with an audience familiar with both agricultural labor and military preparedness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing ordinary work as requiring 'warrior-like' discipline transform your approach to daily responsibilities?
- What areas of your life require you to deliberately 'strengthen your arms' through disciplined practice rather than relying on natural ability?
- How does Proverbs' elevation of competence challenge modern tendencies toward mediocrity or the glorification of ease?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms (חָגְרָה בְעוֹז מָתְנֶיהָ)—This verse begins with the ע (ayin) line of the acrostic poem. To 'gird the loins' (chagar motneha) is warrior language (Judges 18:16, 1 Samuel 25:13), picturing tucking robes into the belt for vigorous action. The eshet chayil (valiant woman) approaches domestic labor with the vigor of a soldier preparing for battle.
The parallel strengtheneth her arms (te'ammetz zero'oteha) emphasizes deliberate cultivation of capability—this is not natural ease but disciplined strength. Ancient Near Eastern women performed physically demanding tasks (grinding grain, carrying water, textile work), and this woman trains herself for excellence. Proverbs celebrates competence as a moral virtue, not mere pragmatism.