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Proverbs 31:20 She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />She extends her hand to the poor; And she stretches out her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />She opens <i>and</i> extends her hand to the poor, And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and she helps the poor and the needy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />She spreadeth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/31.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />She opens her hands to oppressed people and stretches them out to needy people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />She is generous to the poor and needy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />She extends her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yes, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />She has spread forth her hand to the poor, "" Indeed, she sent forth her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />She spread forth her hands to the poor, and sent forth her hands to the needy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />She has opened her hand to the needy, and she has extended her hands to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />She stretches out her hands to the poor; yea, she stretches forth her arms to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />She has stretched her hands out to the poor and she stretched out her arms to the afflicted.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/31-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=6540" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">The Virtues of a Noble Woman</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">19</span>She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6566.htm" title="6566: p&#257;&#183;r&#601;&#183;&#347;&#257;h (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To spread out, spread. A primitive root; to break apart, disperse, etc.">She opens</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: kap&#183;p&#257;h (N-fsc:: 3fs) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">her arms</a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: le&#183;&#8216;&#257;&#183;n&#238; (Prep-l, Art:: Adj-ms) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">to the poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: &#353;il&#183;l&#601;&#183;&#7717;&#257;h (V-Piel-Perf-3fs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">and reaches out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: w&#601;&#183;y&#257;&#183;&#7695;e&#183;h&#257; (Conj-w:: N-fdc:: 3fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">her hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/34.htm" title="34: l&#257;&#183;&#8217;e&#7687;&#183;y&#333;&#183;wn (Prep-l, Art:: Adj-ms) -- In want, needy, poor. From 'abah, in the sense of want; destitute.">to the needy.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Isaiah 58:7</a></span><br />Isn&#8217;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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-36</a></span><br />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.&#8217;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, &#8220;Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,&#8221; but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a></span><br />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.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Acts 9:36</a></span><br />In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9-10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Hebrews 13:16</a></span><br />And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-9.htm">2 Corinthians 9:9</a></span><br />As it is written: &#8220;He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16-20</a></span><br />If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow&#8217;s eyes to fail, / if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless&#8212; / though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother&#8217;s womb I guided the widow&#8212; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">1 Timothy 6:18</a></span><br />Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/112-9.htm">Psalm 112:9</a></span><br />He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-7.htm">Ezekiel 18:7</a></span><br />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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.</p><p class="hdg">she stretcheth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Proverbs 1:24</a></b></br> Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/10-21.htm">Romans 10:21</a></b></br> But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.</p><p class="hdg">she reacheth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></b></br> He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Proverbs 22:9</a></b></br> He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16-20</a></b></br> If I have withheld the poor from <i>their</i> desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; &#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-17.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/psalms/36-5.htm">Extends</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-19.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-19.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-11.htm">Need</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">Open-Handed</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/108-4.htm">Reaches</a> <a href="/psalms/108-4.htm">Reacheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-19.htm">Stretches</a> <a href="/job/39-26.htm">Stretcheth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/songs/4-4.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm">Extends</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-31.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-13.htm">Need</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-2.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">Open-Handed</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-8.htm">Reaches</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-17.htm">Reacheth</a> <a href="/songs/1-12.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-3.htm">Stretches</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-3.htm">Stretcheth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-1.htm">Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">The afflicted are to be comforted and defended</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">The praise and properties of a good wife</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>She opens her arms to the poor</b><br>This phrase highlights the virtue of generosity and compassion. In biblical times, poverty was a common issue, and the Law of Moses included provisions for the poor, such as gleaning laws (<a href="/leviticus/19-9.htm">Leviticus 19:9-10</a>). The act of opening one's arms signifies a welcoming and inclusive attitude, reflecting God's own heart for the marginalized (<a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a>). This mirrors the actions of Jesus, who consistently reached out to the poor and downtrodden (<a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Matthew 11:5</a>). The imagery of open arms suggests not only giving but also embracing, indicating a personal and relational approach to charity.<p><b>and reaches out her hands to the needy.</b><br>The extension of hands symbolizes active engagement and effort in providing assistance. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, physical gestures were significant, and reaching out one's hands was a sign of offering help and support. This action is reminiscent of God's own provision and care, as seen in <a href="/psalms/145-16.htm">Psalm 145:16</a>, where God opens His hand to satisfy the desires of every living thing. The phrase also connects to the New Testament teaching of faith being demonstrated through works (<a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a>). The woman's actions are a type of Christ, who reached out to humanity in its need, offering salvation and healing (<a href="/mark/1-41.htm">Mark 1:41</a>). This proactive stance against poverty and need is a call to believers to embody the love and compassion of Christ in tangible ways.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_virtuous_woman.htm">The Virtuous Woman</a></b><br>The subject of <a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">Proverbs 31</a>, 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor_and_needy.htm">The Poor and Needy</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_lemuel.htm">King Lemuel</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">Proverbs 31</a>, 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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>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.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_marketplace.htm">The Marketplace</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/compassionate_generosity.htm">Compassionate Generosity</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_service.htm">Active Service</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_love.htm">Reflecting God's Love</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_and_material_support.htm">Spiritual and Material Support</a></b><br>While material support is crucial, offering spiritual encouragement and prayer is also vital. The virtuous woman provides a holistic approach to helping others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_proverbs_31_virtuous_woman.htm">What defines a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_proverbs_view_wise_vs._foolish_women.htm">How do Proverbs contrast wise and foolish women?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_anyone_fully_embody_proverbs_31.htm">How can one person realistically fulfill all the ideal qualities described in Proverbs 31:10&#8211;31 without ever falling short? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_homemaking.htm">What does the Bible say about homemaking?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">She streteheth out her hand to the poor.--</span>Either in sympathy or with alms; "yea, she reacheth forth (both) her hands to the needy;" she is keenly alive <span class= "ital">to their sorrows, </span>and pities them and aids them with all her power.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - 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. <span class="cmt_word">She stretcheth out her hand to the poor.</span> "Hand" is here <span class="accented">caph</span>, "the palm," evidently containing alms. She knows the maxim (<a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a>), "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord," etc.; and she has no fear of poverty. <span class="cmt_word">Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy</span>. "Hand," is here <span class="accented">yod</span>, 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 (<span class="greek">&#x3ba;&#x3b1;&#x3c1;&#x3c0;&#x1f78;&#x3bd;</span>) to the poor." Like Dorcas, she is full of good works and alms deeds (<a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Acts 9:36</a>). It is doubtless implied that the prosperity which she experiences is the reward of this benevolence (<a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Proverbs 22:9</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/31-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">She opens</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1508;&#1468;&#1464;&#1512;&#1456;&#1513;&#1474;&#1464;&#1443;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(p&#257;&#183;r&#601;&#183;&#347;&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6566.htm">Strong's 6566: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break apart, disperse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her arms</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1463;&#1453;&#1508;&#1468;&#1464;&#1492;&#1468;</span> <span class="translit">(kap&#183;p&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct &#124; third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the poor</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1462;&#1506;&#1464;&#1504;&#1460;&#1425;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(le&#183;&#8216;&#257;&#183;n&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article &#124; Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and reaches out</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1513;&#1473;&#1460;&#1500;&#1468;&#1456;&#1495;&#1464;&#1445;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(&#353;il&#183;l&#601;&#183;&#7717;&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her hands</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1437;&#1497;&#1464;&#1491;&#1462;&#1431;&#1497;&#1492;&#1464;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;y&#257;&#183;&#7695;e&#183;h&#257;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Noun - fdc &#124; third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the needy.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1464;&#1469;&#1488;&#1462;&#1489;&#1456;&#1497;&#1469;&#1493;&#1465;&#1503;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#257;&#183;&#8217;e&#7687;&#183;y&#333;&#183;wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article &#124; Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_34.htm">Strong's 34: </a> </span><span class="str2">In want, needy, poor</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/31-20.htm">Proverbs 31:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/31-20.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:20 She opens her arms to the poor (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/31-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 31:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 31:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/31-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 31:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 31:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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