Proverbs 7:11
(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
Original Language Analysis
הֹמִיָּ֣ה
She is loud
H1993
הֹמִיָּ֣ה
She is loud
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
1 of 7
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
הִ֣יא
H1931
הִ֣יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 7
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בְּ֝בֵיתָ֗הּ
not in her house
H1004
בְּ֝בֵיתָ֗הּ
not in her house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Proverbs 9:13A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.Titus 2:5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.Proverbs 25:24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
Historical Context
Ancient domestic economy required household management. Women who rejected domestic responsibility for constant social involvement abandoned family wellbeing. While cultural norms differed from modern contexts, the principle remains: contentment with present circumstances produces stability; constant restlessness produces moral vulnerability. Paul's instruction to be 'content in whatsoever state' (Philippians 4:11) applies universally.
Questions for Reflection
- What restlessness in your life prevents contentment and creates moral vulnerability?
- How does constant seeking of external stimulation relate to internal character development?
- What would contentment with present circumstances look like practically for you?
Analysis & Commentary
She is loud and stubborn; her feet don't stay home. The Hebrew 'hamah' (loud/tumultuous) and 'sarar' (stubborn/rebellious) describe disorderly character. Restlessness ('feet abide not in her house') indicates rejection of domestic contentment. This isn't cultural patriarchy but wisdom recognizing that contentment produces stability while restlessness produces moral vulnerability. Constantly seeking external stimulation prevents internal cultivation.