Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Original Language Analysis
נוֹדָ֣ע
is known
H3045
נוֹדָ֣ע
is known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בַּעְלָ֑הּ
Her husband
H1167
בַּעְלָ֑הּ
Her husband
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
3 of 7
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
בְּ֝שִׁבְתּ֗וֹ
when he sitteth
H3427
בְּ֝שִׁבְתּ֗וֹ
when he sitteth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Cross References
Proverbs 12:4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.Ruth 4:1Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.Deuteronomy 16:18Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite society functioned through male elders who governed at the city gates, but this leadership depended on well-managed households. A man whose household was chaotic or impoverished could not command respect or devote time to civic duties. The partnership between husband and wife sustained both private and public order.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your character and competence affect the reputation and capacity of those closest to you?
- In what ways might Proverbs' vision of complementary vocations challenge modern individualism?
- What would it mean to excel in your particular calling to enable others to excel in theirs?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land—The ש (shin) line continues, showing the eshet chayil's impact on her husband's public standing. The 'gates' (she'arim) were the civic center where elders adjudicated disputes, conducted business, and governed (Ruth 4:1-11, Proverbs 22:22). To 'sit among the elders' (yoshev im-ziqnei-aretz) indicates respected leadership.
This verse reveals that a wife's character directly affects her husband's reputation and capacity for public service. By managing the household with excellence (vv.10-27), she liberates him for civic leadership. This isn't female subordination but partnership—her competence enables his contribution. Proverbs affirms complementary vocations: she excels in household economy; he serves in public governance. Both roles carry dignity and demand wisdom.