Proverbs 31:2
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
Original Language Analysis
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
וּמַֽה
H4100
וּמַֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
בִּטְנִ֑י
of my womb
H990
בִּטְנִ֑י
of my womb
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
5 of 8
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
וּ֝מֶה
H4100
וּ֝מֶה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Cross References
Isaiah 49:15Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.1 Samuel 1:11And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
Historical Context
Vowing children to God was common in Israel (Judges 11:30-31, 1 Samuel 1:11). These vows created sacred obligations to raise children according to covenant stipulations.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you dedicated children or yourself to God, and are you faithful to those vows?
- What does raising children as 'children of vows' look like practically?
- How should awareness of God's claim on our children shape parenting?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The mother's threefold address—'What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?'—emphasizes urgency and affection. The Hebrew 'bar bitni' (son of my womb) and 'bar nedarai' (son of my vows) express deep personal investment. She had prayed for this son and dedicated him to God. This echoes Hannah dedicating Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11). Reformed theology values dedicating children to God and raising them in covenant faith. Parental vows create accountability to raise children for God's purposes.