Proverbs 31:19
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Original Language Analysis
יָ֭דֶיהָ
her hands
H3027
יָ֭דֶיהָ
her hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
1 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
שִׁלְּחָ֣ה
She layeth
H7971
שִׁלְּחָ֣ה
She layeth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
2 of 6
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בַכִּישׁ֑וֹר
to the spindle
H3601
בַכִּישׁ֑וֹר
to the spindle
Strong's:
H3601
Word #:
3 of 6
literally a director, i.e., the spindle or shank of a distaff, by which it is twirled
וְ֝כַפֶּ֗יהָ
and her hands
H3709
וְ֝כַפֶּ֗יהָ
and her hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
4 of 6
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-
Historical Context
Textile production was central to ancient household economies and typically women's domain. The process of transforming raw wool or flax into thread, then thread into cloth, required learned skills passed from mother to daughter. Quality textiles were valuable trade goods, making textile expertise economically significant.
Questions for Reflection
- What practical skills have you developed to the point of genuine mastery rather than mere adequacy?
- How does Proverbs' celebration of specific crafts challenge modern tendencies to devalue manual or domestic labor?
- In what ways might you recover the biblical dignity of ordinary work performed with excellence?
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Analysis & Commentary
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff—The צ (tsade) line uses the imagery of textile production, fundamental to ancient economies. The kishor (spindle) was held in one hand to twist fibers, while the pelek (distaff) held the unspun material. This verse emphasizes practical skill—competent hands (yadeha, repeated twice) that master complex crafts.
Spinning was painstaking work requiring dexterity and patience. By highlighting this specific craft, Proverbs dignifies women's traditional work as requiring genuine expertise. The eshet chayil is not abstractly 'capable' but concretely skilled in particular trades. Excellence manifests in mastery of real tasks, not vague moral qualities divorced from material competence.