Proverbs 31:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 31:15
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 31 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, judgment, truth. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 31:15
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Analysis
She riseth also while it is yet night—The Hebrew b'od lailah (בְּעוֹד לַיְלָה, while still night) describes rising before dawn. Giveth meat to her household uses teref (טֶרֶף, prey/food), originally referring to a hunter's catch—provision through effort. And a portion to her maidens (וְחֹק לְנַעֲרֹתֶיהָ, v'choq l'na'aroteha) shows justice—choq (חֹק, portion/statute) implies not leftovers but prescribed, fair allocation.
This images God who 'rises early' (Jeremiah 7:13, 25) to send prophets—divine diligence for His household. Leadership means sacrificial service (Mark 10:44-45). Christ the Good Shepherd rises to feed His flock, giving not just provision but Himself (John 10:11). The virtuous woman's pre-dawn rising rebukes both sloth and self-serving leadership that hoards rather than distributes resources justly.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern households rose at dawn for agricultural work. Rising 'while yet night' demonstrates extraordinary diligence. Including servants ('maidens') in provision reflects covenant justice—employees were part of the household, not disposable labor (Deuteronomy 24:14-15).
Reflection
- What does 'rising while it is yet night' look like in your leadership—are you sacrificially serving those in your care?
- How does giving a 'portion to maidens' (just treatment of employees/those you lead) reflect God's justice versus exploitative labor?
- In what ways does Christ's sacrificial provision ('I am the bread of life,' John 6:35) challenge your approach to leadership and stewardship?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 20:13, Mark 1:35, Luke 12:42, Romans 12:11