English Standard Version
Proverbs 31:20
20She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31:20 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
- New International Version (NIV)She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
- New King James Version (NKJV)She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
- New Living Translation (NLT)She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
Context of Proverbs 31:20
18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Read all of Proverbs 31Proverbs 31:20 word by word
כַּ֭פָּהּ פָּרְשָׂ֣ה לֶעָנִ֑י וְ֝יָדֶ֗יהָ שִׁלְּחָ֥ה לָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 31:20
- Proverbs 1:24Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
- Romans 10:21But of Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."
- Proverbs 19:17Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
- Proverbs 22:9Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
- Job 31:16"If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
- Psalms 41:1Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;
- Psalms 112:9He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.
- Ecclesiastes 11:1Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.
- Mark 14:7For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.
- Acts 9:39So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.
- Acts 20:34You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.
- Ephesians 4:28Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
- Hebrews 13:16Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Commentaries on Proverbs 31:20
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor - 11. She is truly charitable. She knows that in every portion of a man's gain God requires a lot for the poor; and if this is not given, God's blessing is not in the rest. And she is not contented to give common alms. While with one hand (יד yad ) she relieves the general poor, with both hands (ידיה yadeyha ) she gives to the needy, לעני leaney, to the afflicted poor.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 20The industry is not selfish, but bears the fruit of an open-handed charity.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 10-31Verses 10-31 This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husband's esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her. 1. She can be trusted, and he will leave such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. And she makes it her constant business to do him good. 2. She is one that takes pains in her…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 19-21A virtuous wife is generous to the poor, which is also a trait of wise people (Proverbs 11:24–26; 21:13; 22:9, 16, 22–23; 28:27).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 10-3110-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books). Who ... woman--The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14). virtuous--literally, "of strength," that is, moral courage…Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 31:20
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 31
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries