Proverbs 31:22
New International Version
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

New Living Translation
She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

English Standard Version
She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Berean Standard Bible
She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

King James Bible
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

New King James Version
She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

New American Standard Bible
She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

NASB 1995
She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

NASB 1977
She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Legacy Standard Bible
She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Amplified Bible
She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool].

Christian Standard Bible
She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

American Standard Version
She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Contemporary English Version
She does her own sewing, and everything she wears is beautiful.

English Revised Version
She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
She makes quilts for herself. Her clothes are [made of] linen and purple cloth.

Good News Translation
She makes bedspreads and wears clothes of fine purple linen.

International Standard Version
She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth.

Majority Standard Bible
She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

NET Bible
She makes for herself coverlets; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

New Heart English Bible
She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Webster's Bible Translation
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

World English Bible
She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
She has made ornamental coverings for herself, "" Silk and purple [are] her clothing.

Young's Literal Translation
Ornamental coverings she hath made for herself, Silk and purple are her clothing.

Smith's Literal Translation
She made for herself coverings; byssus and purple her clothing.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple is her covering.

Catholic Public Domain Version
She has made embroidered clothing for herself. Fine linen and purple is her garment.

New American Bible
She makes her own coverlets; fine linen and purple are her clothing.

New Revised Standard Version
She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
She makes herself a covering of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
She has made a carpet for herself and a robe of fine white linen and of purple.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
She maketh for herself coverlets; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
She makes for her husband clothes of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Virtues of a Noble Woman
21When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet. 22She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land.…

Cross References
1 Timothy 2:9
Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,

1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

Isaiah 3:16-24
The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— / the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.” / In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; ...

1 Timothy 5:10
and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

Ezekiel 16:10-13
I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. / I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. / I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. ...

Luke 16:19
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor.

Revelation 19:8
She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.

Genesis 41:42
Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.

Matthew 6:29
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these.

1 Kings 10:4-5
When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, / the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.

Song of Solomon 1:5-6
I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. / Do not stare because I am dark, for the sun has gazed upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have neglected.

Song of Solomon 4:3-4
Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon, and your mouth is lovely. Your brow behind your veil is like a slice of pomegranate. / Your neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.

Acts 16:14
Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

Exodus 28:5-8
They shall use gold, along with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. / They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. / It shall have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened. ...

Judges 5:30
‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil—a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’


Treasury of Scripture

She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

coverings

Proverbs 7:16
I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

clothing

Genesis 41:42
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

Esther 5:1
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

Esther 8:15
And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

silk

Exodus 39:27
And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

Jump to Previous
Bed Byssus Carpets Clothed Clothing Coverings Coverlets Cushions Fair Fine Herself Linen Makes Maketh Needlework Ornamental Purple Silk Tapestry
Jump to Next
Bed Byssus Carpets Clothed Clothing Coverings Coverlets Cushions Fair Fine Herself Linen Makes Maketh Needlework Ornamental Purple Silk Tapestry
Proverbs 31
1. Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance
6. The afflicted are to be comforted and defended
10. The praise and properties of a good wife














She makes coverings for her bed;
This phrase highlights the industrious and resourceful nature of the virtuous woman. In biblical times, making bed coverings was a task that required skill and diligence, reflecting her commitment to providing for her household. The coverings could include blankets, quilts, or tapestries, often crafted from wool or linen. This act of making bed coverings signifies care and attention to the comfort and well-being of her family. It also suggests a sense of order and beauty within the home, aligning with the biblical principle of stewardship and the importance of managing one's household effectively (Proverbs 14:1).

her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Fine linen and purple were materials associated with wealth, nobility, and high status in ancient cultures. Linen was a prized fabric in the ancient Near East, known for its quality and durability. Purple dye, often extracted from the murex shellfish, was rare and expensive, symbolizing royalty and luxury (Judges 8:26, Luke 16:19). The virtuous woman's clothing reflects not only her family's prosperity but also her wisdom in managing resources. This attire signifies dignity and honor, qualities that are esteemed in a woman of virtue. The use of fine linen and purple can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is clothed in majesty and righteousness (Revelation 19:8), pointing to the spiritual richness and honor bestowed upon those who walk in God's wisdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Virtuous Woman
The subject of Proverbs 31, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," is an idealized figure representing wisdom, diligence, and virtue. She embodies the qualities that are esteemed in a godly woman.

2. King Lemuel
The chapter is introduced as the sayings of King Lemuel, which his mother taught him. This context suggests that the virtues described are those that a mother would want her son to seek in a wife.

3. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of this passage is ancient Israel, where textiles and clothing were significant indicators of wealth and status.
Teaching Points
Diligence and Skill
The virtuous woman is industrious, using her skills to create beautiful and practical items for her household. This teaches the value of diligence and skill in managing one's home and resources.

Symbolism of Clothing
Her clothing of fine linen and purple symbolizes dignity, honor, and the value of presenting oneself with respect and care. It reflects her inner character and the esteem she holds in her community.

Godly Stewardship
The passage encourages believers to be good stewards of their resources, using their talents to provide for their families and contribute positively to their communities.

Inner Beauty and Character
While the passage mentions physical clothing, it ultimately points to the importance of inner beauty and character, which are the true adornments of a godly person.Verse 22. - MEM. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry (marbaddim); as Proverbs 7:16 (where see note). Pillows for beds or cushions are meant, though the translators are not of one mind on the meaning. St. Jerome has, stragulatam vestem; Aquila and Theodotion, περιστρώματα, Symmachus, ἀμφιτάπους, "shaggy on both sides;" Septuagint, "She makes for her husband double garments (δισσὰς χλάινας)." Her clothing is silk and purple. שֵׁשׁ (shesh) is not "silk," but "white linen" (βύσσος, byssus) of very fine texture, and costly. Purple garments were brought from the Phoenician cities, and were highly esteemed (see Song of Solomon 3:10; Jeremiah 10:9). The wife dresses herself in a way becoming her station, avoiding the extremes of sordid simplicity and ostentatious luxury. "For my own part," says St. Francois de Sales, quoted by Lesetre, "I should wish any devout man or woman always to be the best dressed person in the company, but at the same time, the least fine and affected, and adorned, as it is said, with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. St. Louis said that every one ought to dress according to his position, so that good and sensible people should not be able to say you are overdressed, nor the younger under dressed" ('Vie Devot.,' 3:25). So the Church is clothed in fine linen, clean and white, even the righteousness which Christ bestows (Revelation 19:8), and invested in her Lord's royal robe, who hath made her children kings and priests unto God (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
She makes
עָֽשְׂתָה־ (‘ā·śə·ṯāh-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

coverings for her bed;
מַרְבַדִּ֥ים (mar·ḇad·dîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4765: A spread, coverlet

her clothing
לְבוּשָֽׁהּ׃ (lə·ḇū·šāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3830: A garment, clothing, raiment

is fine linen
שֵׁ֖שׁ (šêš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8336: Bleached stuff, white linen, marble

and purple.
וְאַרְגָּמָ֣ן (wə·’ar·gā·mān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 713: Purple, red-purple


Links
Proverbs 31:22 NIV
Proverbs 31:22 NLT
Proverbs 31:22 ESV
Proverbs 31:22 NASB
Proverbs 31:22 KJV

Proverbs 31:22 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 31:22 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 31:22 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 31:22 French Bible
Proverbs 31:22 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 31:21
Top of Page
Top of Page