King James Version

What Does Proverbs 31:22 Mean?

Proverbs 31:22 in the King James Version says “She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”

Proverbs 31:22 · KJV

Context

20

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She: Heb. She spreadeth

21

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. scarlet: or, double garments

22

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Read Proverbs 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple—Continuing the ש (shin) line, this verse describes marvadim (coverings/quilts) and shesh v'argaman (fine linen and purple). While verse 21 emphasized her household's welfare, verse 22 shows she doesn't neglect herself. Purple dye, extracted laboriously from murex snails, signified wealth and status (Judges 8:26, Esther 8:15, Luke 16:19).

This balance refutes ascetic contempt for beauty and appropriate self-care. The eshet chayil is neither vain nor self-neglecting—she adorns herself fittingly, reflecting her household's prosperity. Proverbs affirms material blessings as God's good gifts when held rightly (3:9-10, 10:22). Her fine clothing honors her husband (v.23) and reflects the dignity of her character, not empty ostentation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient culture, clothing signified social status and family honor. A wife's appearance reflected on her husband's standing in the community. Fine textiles like linen (from Egypt) and purple-dyed fabrics represented significant wealth and were appropriate for respected families, not wasteful luxury.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance appropriate self-care and dignity with avoiding vanity or materialism?
  2. What does it mean to accept material blessings as God's gifts without making them idols?
  3. In what ways might neglecting yourself actually dishonor the household and calling God has given you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
מַרְבַדִּ֥ים1 of 6

“herself coverings of tapestry”

H4765

a coverlet

עָֽשְׂתָה2 of 6

“She maketh”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָּ֑הּ3 of 6
H0
שֵׁ֖שׁ4 of 6

“is silk”

H8336

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

וְאַרְגָּמָ֣ן5 of 6

“and purple”

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

לְבוּשָֽׁהּ׃6 of 6

“her clothing”

H3830

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

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 31:22 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 31:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 19:8Proverbs 7:16Genesis 41:42Judges 8:26Esther 8:15Revelation 19:14

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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