Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. New Living Translation She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. English Standard Version She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. Berean Standard Bible She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. King James Bible She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. New King James Version She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. New American Standard Bible She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. NASB 1995 She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. NASB 1977 She extends her hand to the poor; And she stretches out her hands to the needy. Legacy Standard Bible She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. Amplified Bible She opens and extends her hand to the poor, And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy. Christian Standard Bible Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy. Holman Christian Standard Bible Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy. American Standard Version She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Contemporary English Version and she helps the poor and the needy. English Revised Version She spreadeth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. GOD'S WORD® Translation She opens her hands to oppressed people and stretches them out to needy people. Good News Translation She is generous to the poor and needy. International Standard Version She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need. Majority Standard Bible She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. NET Bible She extends her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy. New Heart English Bible She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy. Webster's Bible Translation She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yes, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. World English Bible She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionShe has spread forth her hand to the poor, "" Indeed, she sent forth her hands to the needy. Young's Literal Translation Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy. Smith's Literal Translation She spread forth her hands to the poor, and sent forth her hands to the needy. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleShe hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. Catholic Public Domain Version She has opened her hand to the needy, and she has extended her hands to the poor. New American Bible She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. New Revised Standard Version She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleShe stretches out her hands to the poor; yea, she stretches forth her arms to the needy. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated She has stretched her hands out to the poor and she stretched out her arms to the afflicted. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Brenton Septuagint Translation And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Virtues of a Noble Woman…19She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.… Cross References Isaiah 58:7 Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Matthew 25:35-36 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” 1 John 3:17-18 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. 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. Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Job 31:16-20 If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, / if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— / though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— ... Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. 1 Timothy 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, Psalm 112:9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. Ezekiel 18:7 He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. Treasury of Scripture She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. she stretcheth Proverbs 1:24 Romans 10:21 she reacheth Proverbs 19:17 Proverbs 22:9 Job 31:16-20 Jump to Previous Afflicted Arms Extends Forth Hand Hands Need Needy Open-Handed Opens Poor Reaches Reacheth Spread Stretched Stretches StretchethJump to Next Afflicted Arms Extends Forth Hand Hands Need Needy Open-Handed Opens Poor Reaches Reacheth Spread Stretched Stretches StretchethProverbs 31 1. Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance6. The afflicted are to be comforted and defended 10. The praise and properties of a good wife She opens her arms The phrase "She opens her arms" suggests a posture of welcome and generosity. In the Hebrew text, the word "opens" (פּוֹרֶשֶׂת, poreṣet) conveys an action of spreading out or extending. This imagery reflects a heart that is not closed off or selfish but is instead ready to embrace and support others. Historically, the act of opening one's arms is a universal gesture of acceptance and love, indicating a willingness to share one's resources and blessings with others. This aligns with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and being a steward of God's provisions. to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy 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, virtue, and godly character. She embodies the qualities that are esteemed in a woman of faith. 2. The Poor and Needy These are individuals who are in need of assistance, whether materially, emotionally, or spiritually. The virtuous woman is characterized by her compassion and willingness to help those who are less fortunate. 3. King Lemuel The author of Proverbs 31, who shares the teachings he received from his mother. This chapter is often seen as a mother's advice to her son on the qualities of a good wife. 4. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, where community and family were central, and caring for the poor was a significant aspect of religious life. 5. The Marketplace While not directly mentioned in this verse, the marketplace is a place where the virtuous woman often operates, providing for her family and extending her resources to the needy. Teaching Points Compassionate GenerosityThe virtuous woman exemplifies a heart of compassion and generosity. Her actions are a model for believers to follow, showing that true virtue involves caring for others. Active Service The phrase "opens her arms" and "reaches out her hands" suggests active involvement. Believers are encouraged to not only feel compassion but to take tangible steps to assist those in need. Reflecting God's Love By helping the poor and needy, we reflect God's love and mercy. This is a practical way to live out the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Community Responsibility The call to care for the poor is not just an individual responsibility but a communal one. The church and community should work together to support those in need. Spiritual and Material Support While material support is crucial, offering spiritual encouragement and prayer is also vital. The virtuous woman provides a holistic approach to helping others.(20) She streteheth out her hand to the poor.--Either in sympathy or with alms; "yea, she reacheth forth (both) her hands to the needy;" she is keenly alive to their sorrows, and pities them and aids them with all her power.Verse 20. - CAPH. She is not impelled by selfish greed to improve her means and enlarge her revenues. She is sympathizing and charitable, and loves to extend to others the blessings which have rewarded her efforts. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor. "Hand" is here caph, "the palm," evidently containing alms. She knows the maxim (Proverbs 19:17), "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord," etc.; and she has no fear of poverty. Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. "Hand," is here yod, with its nerves and sinews ready for exertion (see on Proverbs 10:4); and the idea is that she puts forth her hand to raise and soothe the poor man, not being satisfied with dealing alms to him, but exercising the gentle ministries of a tender love. Septuagint, "She opens her hands to the needy, and reaches forth her wrist (καρπὸν) to the poor." Like Dorcas, she is full of good works and alms deeds (Acts 9:36). It is doubtless implied that the prosperity which she experiences is the reward of this benevolence (Proverbs 22:9). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew She opensפָּרְשָׂ֣ה (pā·rə·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 6566: To break apart, disperse her arms כַּ֭פָּהּ (kap·pāh) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan to the poor לֶעָנִ֑י (le·‘ā·nî) Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble and reaches out שִׁלְּחָ֥ה (šil·lə·ḥāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out her hands וְ֝יָדֶ֗יהָ (wə·yā·ḏe·hā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc | third person feminine singular Strong's 3027: A hand to the needy. לָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃ (lā·’eḇ·yō·wn) Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor Links Proverbs 31:20 NIVProverbs 31:20 NLT Proverbs 31:20 ESV Proverbs 31:20 NASB Proverbs 31:20 KJV Proverbs 31:20 BibleApps.com Proverbs 31:20 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 31:20 Chinese Bible Proverbs 31:20 French Bible Proverbs 31:20 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:20 She opens her arms to the poor (Prov. Pro Pr) |