King James Version

What Does Proverbs 31:2 Mean?

Proverbs 31:2 in the King James Version says “What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?”

Proverbs 31:2 · KJV

Context

1

The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3

Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mother's threefold address—'What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?'—emphasizes urgency and affection. The Hebrew 'bar bitni' (son of my womb) and 'bar nedarai' (son of my vows) express deep personal investment. She had prayed for this son and dedicated him to God. This echoes Hannah dedicating Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11). Reformed theology values dedicating children to God and raising them in covenant faith. Parental vows create accountability to raise children for God's purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Vowing children to God was common in Israel (Judges 11:30-31, 1 Samuel 1:11). These vows created sacred obligations to raise children according to covenant stipulations.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you dedicated children or yourself to God, and are you faithful to those vows?
  2. What does raising children as 'children of vows' look like practically?
  3. How should awareness of God's claim on our children shape parenting?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
מַה1 of 8
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

בַּר2 of 8

“What my son”

H1248

the heir (apparent to the throne)

וּמַֽה3 of 8
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

בַּר4 of 8

“What my son”

H1248

the heir (apparent to the throne)

בִּטְנִ֑י5 of 8

“of my womb”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

וּ֝מֶה6 of 8
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

בַּר7 of 8

“What my son”

H1248

the heir (apparent to the throne)

נְדָרָֽי׃8 of 8

“of my vows”

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

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 31:2 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 31:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:151 Samuel 1:111 Samuel 1:28

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