King James Version

What Does Proverbs 31:14 Mean?

Proverbs 31:14 in the King James Version says “She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.”

Proverbs 31:14 · KJV

Context

12

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14

She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. buyeth: Heb. taketh

Read Proverbs 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
She is like the merchants' ships—The Hebrew oniyot socher (אֳנִיּוֹת סֹחֵר, merchant vessels) references Phoenician trading ships that brought exotic goods from distant ports. She bringeth her food from afar (מִמֶּרְחָק תָּבִיא לַחְמָהּ, mimerchaq tavi lachmah)—not mere geographic distance but economic sophistication. She imports quality goods, understanding markets and value.

This is economic wisdom, not consumerism. Like Solomon who traded with Tyre and Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22), she exercises global stewardship. The image subverts assumptions—the 'homemaker' is actually an international trader. This anticipates the church's global mission (Acts 1:8) and reminds us that godliness embraces rather than retreats from creation's fullness. All legitimate commerce participates in God's blessing of the nations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Phoenician ships (especially from Tyre and Sidon) dominated Mediterranean trade, bringing precious goods—spices, dyes (purple from murex), fine linen, metals—unavailable locally. Israelite access to these trade networks (through ports like Joppa) reflected covenant blessing and international engagement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge false dichotomies between 'spiritual' and 'secular' work—is commerce part of godly stewardship?
  2. What does it mean to 'bring food from afar' in your context—pursuing excellence and value rather than mere convenience?
  3. How might the global nature of the church's mission be foreshadowed in this woman's international trading?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הָ֭יְתָה1 of 6
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָּאֳנִיּ֣וֹת2 of 6

“' ships”

H591

a ship

סוֹחֵ֑ר3 of 6

“She is like the merchants”

H5503

to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

מִ֝מֶּרְחָ֗ק4 of 6

“from afar”

H4801

remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar

תָּבִ֥יא5 of 6

“she bringeth”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לַחְמָֽהּ׃6 of 6

“her food”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 31:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 31:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 27:3-36Proverbs 31:241 Kings 9:26-28

Test Your Knowledge

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