Bible Strands
Proverbs 31:20
She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text describes the actions of the virtuous woman in the final section of King Solomon’s instruction to his son. It follows her diligent work with the distaff and precedes her household’s secure winter clothing.
The words — The Hebrew פָּרְשָׂה (pareshah) means “she spreads out,” and שִׁלַּח (shilchah) means “she stretches out.” These verbs literally describe the physical motion of offering help to the עָנִי (ani, poor) and אֶבְיוֹן (evyon, needy).
The thread — This pattern of active generosity appears in Proverbs 19:17, which frames kindness to the poor as a loan to the LORD, and in Hebrews 13:16, which commands sharing with others. Ephesians 4:28 similarly links honest labor to having surplus to give.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to move from private industry to public provision. It demands that available resources be physically extended to those lacking basic needs.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.
- Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
- Proverbs 19:17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
- Proverbs 22:9 A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
- Deuteronomy 15:11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.
- Psalms 41:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.
- Acts 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.
- Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
- Job 31:16 If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail,
- Psalms 112:9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.