She stretches out her hands to the distaffThis phrase highlights the industrious nature of the virtuous woman, emphasizing her active role in providing for her household. The distaff is a tool used in spinning, which was a common domestic task in ancient times. This reflects the cultural context of the time when women were primarily responsible for textile production. The act of stretching out her hands signifies diligence and willingness to work. Biblically, this can be connected to the theme of hard work and provision seen in
Proverbs 31, where the woman is praised for her ability to manage her household effectively. This diligence can be seen as a reflection of the wisdom and fear of the Lord, which is the foundation of her character.
and grasps the spindle with her fingers
The spindle is another tool used in the process of spinning fibers into thread or yarn. This phrase further illustrates the skill and precision required in her work. The use of her fingers indicates a personal and hands-on approach, suggesting care and attention to detail. Historically, spinning was a vital task for creating clothing and other textiles, essential for the survival and comfort of a family. This imagery of the woman working with her hands can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual fruitfulness and productivity that comes from a life lived in accordance with God's wisdom. In a broader biblical context, this can be related to the New Testament teachings on using one's gifts and talents for the glory of God and the benefit of others, as seen in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Virtuous WomanThe subject of
Proverbs 31, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," is an idealized figure representing wisdom, diligence, and virtue. She embodies the qualities that are esteemed in a godly woman.
2.
The Distaff and SpindleThese are tools used in the process of spinning wool or flax into thread. The distaff holds the raw material, while the spindle is used to twist the fibers into yarn. This imagery highlights industriousness and skill.
3.
King LemuelThe chapter is attributed to the words of King Lemuel, which his mother taught him. It is a mother's advice to her son on the qualities of a virtuous wife.
Teaching Points
Diligence in WorkThe virtuous woman is a model of diligence and hard work. Her use of the distaff and spindle symbolizes her commitment to providing for her family. Christians are encouraged to approach their work with the same dedication and purpose.
Skill and CraftsmanshipThe use of specific tools like the distaff and spindle indicates a level of skill and craftsmanship. Believers are called to develop their talents and use them for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
Role of Women in the HouseholdThis passage highlights the important role women play in managing and nurturing their households. It affirms the value of domestic work and encourages women to embrace their God-given roles with joy and purpose.
Wisdom and ResourcefulnessThe
Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies wisdom and resourcefulness. Christians are encouraged to seek wisdom in their daily tasks and to be resourceful in managing their responsibilities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:19?
2.How does Proverbs 31:19 illustrate the value of diligence in daily tasks?
3.What skills are highlighted in Proverbs 31:19, and why are they important?
4.How can Proverbs 31:19 inspire us to serve our families today?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of hard work and skillfulness?
6.How can we apply the principles of Proverbs 31:19 in modern life?
7.What does Proverbs 31:19 reveal about the role of women in biblical times?
8.How does Proverbs 31:19 reflect the cultural context of ancient Israel?
9.Why is the imagery of the spindle and distaff significant in Proverbs 31:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31?
11.What does 'Finger of God' mean?
12.What is the Bible's perspective on aging?
13.If Moses physically destroyed the original stone tablets in Exodus 32:19, how did the Law continue to be preserved without alteration?
14.Why does God permit the existence of evil?What Does Proverbs 31:19 Mean
She stretches out her hands“She stretches out her hands” (Proverbs 31:19) paints a picture of initiative. The virtuous woman doesn’t wait for work to find her; she reaches out to meet it.
•Proverbs 31:13 says, “She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands,” showing the same proactive spirit.
•Ecclesiastes 9:10 encourages, “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might,” echoing the energetic engagement displayed here.
•Proverbs 31:17 adds, “She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong,” tying physical readiness to spiritual diligence.
Together these passages remind us that godly industry springs from a heart eager to serve both God and family.
to the distaffThe distaff is the staff that holds raw fibers before they are spun—an emblem of raw potential waiting to be shaped. Turning to the distaff shows:
• Skillful stewardship:Exodus 35:25 notes, “Every skilled woman spun with her hands,” revealing that home-based craftsmanship has always been honored.
• Purposeful work:1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 calls believers to “work with your hands… so that you will not be dependent on anyone,” underscoring the biblical value of productive self-support.
• Future preparation: By keeping fibers ready, she ensures ongoing provision, reflectingProverbs 31:21 where she is “unafraid of snow for her household.”
Her focus on the distaff spotlights foresight and responsibility.
and grasps the spindleThe spindle turns loose fibers into durable thread—symbolizing transformation. Grasping it signals mastery, not mere dabbling.
•Proverbs 31:24 shows the outcome: “She makes linen garments and sells them,” proving that her skill generates surplus blessing.
•Acts 20:34–35 illustrates the same ethic: Paul’s own “hands… supplied my own needs,” affirming that diligent labor equips believers to give.
•1 Timothy 5:10 praises widows “devoted… to every good work,” linking handiwork to tangible acts of mercy.
Holding the spindle conveys competence that converts raw material into tangible good for others.
with her fingersDetail matters. “With her fingers” zooms in on precision and personal touch.
•Psalm 8:3 marvels at “the work of Your fingers”; the Creator’s careful craftsmanship sets the pattern.
•Proverbs 10:4 contrasts “idle hands” with “diligent hands [that] bring wealth,” underscoring that careful effort yields fruit.
•Proverbs 31:31 says, “Give her the fruit of her hands,” promising honor for hands-on faithfulness.
By involving her very fingertips, she models care that refuses sloppiness, seeing every task as an offering to the Lord.
summaryProverbs 31:19 snapshots a woman who pursues work eagerly, manages resources wisely, exercises skilled mastery, and invests personal care in all she does. Her hands mirror a heart committed to serve God, family, and community, showing that diligent, skillful, intentional labor is both honorable and God-glorifying.
Verse 19. - YODH.
She layeth her hands to the spindle.כִּישׁור. (
kishor, a word not occurring elsewhere) is probably not the spindle, but the distaff,
i.e. the staff to which is tied the bunch of flax from which the spinning wheel draws the thread. To this she applies her hand; she deftly performs the work of spinning her flax into thread.
Her hands hold the distsaff.פֶלֶך (
pelek) is the spindle, the cylindrical wood (afterwards the wheel) on which the thread winds itself as it is spun. The hands could not be spared to hold the distaff as well as the spindle, so the first clause should run, "She stretches her hand towards the distaff." In the former clause
kishor occasioned some difficulty to the early translators, who did not view the word as connected with the process of spinning. The Septuagint translates, "She stretches out her arms to useful works (
ἐπὶ τὰ συμφέροντα);" Vulgate,
Manum suam misit ad fortia. So Aquila and Symmachus,
ἀνδρεῖα. This rather impedes the parallelism of the two clauses. There was nothing derogatory in women of high rank spinning among their maidens, just as in the Middle Ages noble ladies worked at tapestry with their attendants. We remember how Lucretia, the wife of Collatinus, was found sitting in the midst of her handmaids, carding wool and spinning (Livy, 1:57). Catullus, in his 'Epithal. Pel. et Thet.,' 312, describes the process of spinning ?
"Laeva colum molli lana retinebat amictum;
Dextera tum leviter deducens fila supinis
Formabat digitis; tum prono in pollice torquens
Libratum tereti versabat turbine fusum."
(Carm.,' 64.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
She stretchesשִׁלְּחָ֣ה(šil·lə·ḥāh)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outout her handsיָ֭דֶיהָ(yā·ḏe·hā)Noun - fdc | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3027:A handto the distaffבַכִּישׁ֑וֹר(ḇak·kî·šō·wr)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3601:A director, the spindle, shank of a, distaff, by which it is twirledand graspsתָּ֣מְכוּ(tā·mə·ḵū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8551:To sustain, to obtain, keep fast, to help, follow closethe spindleפָֽלֶךְ׃(p̄ā·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6418:A circuit, a spindle, a crutchwith her fingers.וְ֝כַפֶּ֗יהָ(wə·ḵap·pe·hā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3709:Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:19 She lays her hands to the distaff (Prov. Pro Pr) 
