Proverbs 31:29
New International Version
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

New Living Translation
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

English Standard Version
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”

King James Bible
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

New King James Version
“Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”

New American Standard Bible
“Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”

NASB 1995
“Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”

NASB 1977
“Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“Many daughters have done excellently, But you have gone above them all.”

Amplified Bible
“Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], But you excel them all.”

Christian Standard Bible
“Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!”

American Standard Version
Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.

Contemporary English Version
"There are many good women, but you are the best!"

English Revised Version
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
'Many women have done noble work, but you have surpassed them all!'

Good News Translation
He says, "Many women are good wives, but you are the best of them all."

International Standard Version
"Many women have done wonderful things," he says, "but you surpass all of them!"

Majority Standard Bible
?Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!?

NET Bible
"Many daughters have done valiantly, but you surpass them all!"

New Heart English Bible
"Many women do noble things, but you excel them all."

Webster's Bible Translation
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

World English Bible
“Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“The daughters who have done worthily [are] many, "" You have gone up above them all.”

Young's Literal Translation
Many are the daughters who have done worthily, Thou hast gone up above them all.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Many daughters did virtue, and thou wentest up over all of them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Many daughters have gathered together riches; you have surpassed them all.

New American Bible
“Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.”

New Revised Standard Version
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Many daughters have become rich, but you have excelled them all.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And many of her daughters have retained wealth, and you have far surpassed all of these.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Many daughters have done valiantly, But thou excellest them all.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Many daughters have obtained wealth, many have wrought valiantly; but thou hast exceeded, thou hast surpassed all.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Virtues of a Noble Woman
28Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: 29“Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!” 30Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.…

Cross References
Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 19:14
Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

Ruth 3:11
And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.

Song of Solomon 6:9
but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the favorite of the mother who bore her. The maidens see her and call her blessed; the queens and concubines sing her praises.

1 Samuel 25:3
His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.

1 Kings 10:1-9
Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. ...

Genesis 24:14
Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

Genesis 2:18
The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”

1 Peter 3:1-6
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...

Ephesians 5:25-33
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her / to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, / and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. ...

Titus 2:3-5
Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. / In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, / to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.

1 Timothy 2:9-10
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, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.

done virtuously

Song of Solomon 6:8,9
There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number…

Ephesians 5:27
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

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Better Daughters Excel Noble Nobly Surpass Unnumbered Valiantly Women Worthily
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














Many daughters have done noble things
This phrase acknowledges the commendable actions of many women, reflecting the biblical theme of virtuous living. The term "daughters" can be understood as women in general, emphasizing the collective achievements of women throughout history. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, women played crucial roles in family and community life, often demonstrating wisdom and strength. The Bible frequently highlights women who have acted nobly, such as Ruth, Esther, and Deborah, each of whom displayed courage and faithfulness. This phrase sets the stage for a comparison, recognizing that while many have achieved greatness, there is one who stands out.

but you surpass them all!
This part of the verse elevates the subject above all others, suggesting an exceptional level of virtue and capability. The use of "surpass" indicates a comparison, suggesting that the woman being addressed embodies the ideal qualities described earlier in Proverbs 31. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who surpasses all in righteousness and wisdom. Theologically, it points to the ultimate fulfillment of virtue and excellence found in Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of wisdom. In a broader biblical context, this phrase can be connected to the idea of the "bride of Christ," representing the church, which is called to embody the virtues of wisdom, strength, and noble character.

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 the epitome of virtue, wisdom, and godly character. She is a model for women in her diligence, fear of the Lord, and care for her household.

2. King Lemuel
The author of Proverbs 31, who shares the wisdom taught to him by his mother. This chapter is often seen as a mother's advice to her son on what to look for in a wife.

3. The Daughters
These represent women in general who have achieved noble deeds. The verse acknowledges their accomplishments but highlights the surpassing excellence of the virtuous woman.
Teaching Points
Excellence in Character
The verse highlights the importance of striving for excellence in character and virtue. Women are encouraged to cultivate qualities that honor God and bless their families.

Recognition of Noble Deeds
While many women achieve noble things, the verse teaches that surpassing excellence is recognized and honored. This encourages women to pursue godliness and wisdom above all.

Role of Encouragement
The verse serves as a reminder to encourage and uplift women who demonstrate godly virtues. Recognizing and affirming their contributions is vital in a Christian community.

Aspiration for Godly Living
The passage calls both men and women to aspire to live lives that reflect God's wisdom and love, setting a standard for others to follow.(29) Many daughters--i.e., women (Genesis 30:13; Song of Solomon 6:9); a term of affection.

Verse 29. - RESH. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. The versions and some commentators take the encomium in the mean and restricted sense of praise for the acquisition of riches. Thus the Vulgate, Multae filiae congregaverunt divitias; Septuagint, "Many daughters have obtained wealth." But it adds another rendering, "Many have wrought power (ἐποίησανδύναμιν)," which is nearer the meaning in this place. Chayil (as we have seen, ver. 10) means "force," virtus, "strength of character" shown in various ways (comp. Numbers 24:18; Psalm 60:12). "Daughters," equivalent to "women," as Genesis 30:13; Song of Solomon 6:9. Roman Catholic commentators have, with much ingenuity, applied the whole description of the virtuous woman, and especially the present verse, to the Virgin Mary. We may regard it as a representation of the truly Christian matron, who loves husband and children, guides the house, is discreet, chaste, good, a teacher of good things (1 Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:3, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Many
רַבּ֣וֹת (rab·bō·wṯ)
Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

daughters
בָּ֭נוֹת (bā·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1323: A daughter

have done
עָ֣שׂוּ (‘ā·śū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

noble things,
חָ֑יִל (ḥā·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

but you
וְ֝אַ֗תְּ (wə·’at)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person feminine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

surpass
עָלִ֥ית (‘ā·lîṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

them
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all!”
כֻּלָּֽנָה׃ (kul·lā·nāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:29 Many women do noble things but you (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 31:28
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