Proverbs 31:24

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 31:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Proverbs 31:24 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 31

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
24She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it], etc.] She not only seeks wool and flax, and spins it, but makes it up into fine linen, which she disposes of to advantage to herself and family. Kimchi saysf963, the word signifies coverings for the night, as well as day he seems to design linen sheets: the Arabic version adds, and “sells it to the inhabitants of Bosra.” This, in the mystic sense, may signify either the good works the church does, and which she proposes as a pattern and example to her members; or divine instruction, as others, the preaching of the Gospel, and the truths of it; which she sells, and others buy, though both without money and without price; for, as she freely receives,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“fine linen--or, "linen shirts," or the material for them. girdles--were often costly and highly valued (Sa2 18:11). delivereth--or, "giveth as a present" or "to sell."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Fine linen - Not the same word as in Proverbs 31:22 note; it describes a made-up garment Isaiah 3:23. Merchant - literally, “Canaanite,” i. e., the Phoenician merchant. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Girdles - Curiously wrought of linen, and gold, or other precious materials. Proverbs 31:25”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pro 31:13, Pro 31:19; Kg1 10:28; Eze 27:16; Luk 16:19 Proverbs 31:25”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The description, following the order of the letters, now directs attention to the profitable labour of the housewife: 24 ס She prepareth body-linen and selleth it, And girdles doth she give to the Phoenicians. It is a question whether סדין signifies σινδών, cloth from Sindhu, the land of India (vid., at Isa 3:23); the Arab. sadn (sadl), to cause to hang down, to descend (for the purpose of covering or veiling), offers an appropriate verbal root. In the Talmud, סדין is the sleeping linen, the curtain, the embroidered cloth, but particularly a light smock-frock, as summer costume, which was worn on the bare body (cf. Mar 14:51.). Kimchi explains the word by night-shirt; the Edictum…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification