Proverbs 31:29

29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Proverbs 31:29 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
New Living Translation (NLT)
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
The Message Bible (MSG)
29 "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
American Standard Version (ASV)
29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
29 'Many women have done noble work, but you have surpassed them all!'
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
29 "Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!"
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
29 He says, "Many women do noble things. But you are better than all the others."

Proverbs 31:29 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:29

Many daughters have done virtuously
This, according to Aben Ezra and Gersom, is what was said by her husband and children, and which seems to be right; especially they may be thought to be the words of her husband. By these "daughters" may be meant false churches, such as the church of Rome and her daughters, who is the mother of harlots, ( Revelation 17:17 ) . These are "many", when the true church of Christ is but one, to whom she is opposed, ( Song of Solomon 6:8 Song of Solomon 6:9 ) . These may do many virtuous things externally; may make a great show of religion and devotion; may have a form of godliness, without the power of it; and a name to live, and be dead. The Vulgate Latin version renders it, "many daughters have gathered riches"; or "have possessed riches", as the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions, and so the Targum; and in this sense the phrase is sometimes used for getting riches and wealth; see ( Deuteronomy 8:17 Deuteronomy 8:18 ) ( Ezekiel 28:4 ) ; and may well be applied to the false churches, the church of Rome and her daughters, who possess great riches and large emoluments, which yet in a short time will come to nothing, ( Revelation 18:17 ) ; but thou excellest them all;
in real beauty, in true riches, in purity of doctrine, in simplicity of worship, in holiness of life and conversation, in undefiled religion, in doing good works, properly so called. Christ's church is "the fairest among women", ( Song of Solomon 1:8 ) . So Ambrose interprets the daughters of heresies and heretics.

Proverbs 31:29 In-Context

27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
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