New International Version
Proverbs 31:20
20She opens her arms to the poor and extends 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.
- English Standard Version (ESV)She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out 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 sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in 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 1:24But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
- Romans 10:21But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
- Proverbs 19:17Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
- Proverbs 22:9The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
- Job 31:16“If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary,
- Psalms 41:1Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
- Psalms 112:9They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.
- Ecclesiastes 11:1Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.
- Mark 14:7The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.
- Acts 9:39Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
- Acts 20:34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.
- Ephesians 4:28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
- Hebrews 13:16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
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
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