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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 31:1 These are the words of King Lemuel--the burden that his mother taught him:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/31-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/20_Pro_31_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 31:1 - The Words of King Lemuel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="These are the words of King Lemuel--the burden that his mother taught him:" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/31-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/31-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/30-33.htm" title="Proverbs 30:33">◄</a> Proverbs 31:1 <a href="/proverbs/31-2.htm" title="Proverbs 31:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel, the pronouncement which his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel, the oracle <i>unto</i> which his mother disciplined him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel, the oracle, which his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel, a pronouncement that his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />These are the sayings that King Lemuel of Massa was taught by his mother. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The sayings of King Lemuel, a prophetic revelation, used by his mother to discipline him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />These are the solemn words which King Lemuel's mother said to him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel—the revelation which his mother taught him: <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Words of Lemuel, a king, a declaration that his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Words of Lemuel a king, a declaration that his mother taught him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The words of Lemuel the king, the lifting up which his mother will instruct him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The words of king Lamuel. The vision wherewith his mother instructed him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The words of king Lamuel. The vision by which his mother instructed him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, the instruction his mother taught him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THE words of Moael, a king and prophet, which his mother taught him, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The words of Moayl, The King, the Prophet, which his mother taught him and she said to him:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The words of king Lemuel; the burden wherewith his mother corrected him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />My words have been spoken by God - the oracular answer of a king, whom his mother instructed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/31-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=6413" 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 Words of King Lemuel</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">These are the words</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">of King</a> <a href="/hebrew/3927.htm" title="3927: lə·mū·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- King of Massa. Or Lmow el; from lmow and 'el; to God; Lemuel or Lemoel, a symbolic name of Solomon.">Lemuel—</a> <a href="/hebrew/4853.htm" title="4853: maś·śā (N-ms) -- From nasa'; a burden; specifically, tribute, or porterage; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire.">the burden</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ăšer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/517.htm" title="517: ’im·mōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A mother. A primitive word; a mother; in a wide sense (like 'ab).">his mother</a> <a href="/hebrew/3256.htm" title="3256: yis·sə·rat·tū (V-Piel-Perf-3fs:: 3ms) -- To discipline, chasten, admonish. A primitive root; to chastise, literally or figuratively; hence, to instruct.">taught him:</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <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="/1_kings/2-1.htm">1 Kings 2:1-9</a></span><br />As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, / “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man. / And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">2 Samuel 23:1-7</a></span><br />These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: / The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue. / The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">Deuteronomy 17:14-20</a></span><br />When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” / you are to appoint over yourselves the king whom the LORD your God shall choose. Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set over yourselves a foreigner who is not one of your brothers. / But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm">1 Chronicles 28:9-10</a></span><br />As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. / Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-1.htm">Psalm 72:1-4</a></span><br />Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. / May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice. / May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/101-1.htm">Psalm 101:1-8</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises. / I will ponder the way that is blameless—when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart. / I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:9-14</a></span><br />Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. / The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth. / The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-10.htm">Isaiah 1:10-17</a></span><br />Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! / “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. / When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you—this trampling of My courts? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-1.htm">Jeremiah 22:1-5</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there, / saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David—you and your officials and your people who enter these gates. / This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Daniel 4:27</a></span><br />Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Matthew 5:1-12</a></span><br />When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, / and He began to teach them, saying: / “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20-26</a></span><br />Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. / Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. / Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-27.htm">Luke 11:27-28</a></span><br />As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!” / But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a></span><br />A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.</p><p class="hdg">prophecy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Proverbs 30:1</a></b></br> The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, <i>even</i> the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,</p><p class="hdg">his</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Proverbs 1:8</a></b></br> My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">Proverbs 6:20</a></b></br> My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5</a></b></br> When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Corrected</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Declaration</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Lemuel</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Massa</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-17.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Prophecy</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-19.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-3.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-11.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-8.htm">Corrected</a> <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Declaration</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-2.htm">Lemuel</a> <a href="/genesis/25-14.htm">Massa</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-9.htm">Prophecy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-11.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm">Words</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/31.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>These are the words</b><br />This phrase introduces the passage as a direct communication, emphasizing the importance and authority of what follows. In the Hebrew text, the word for "words" is "דִּבְרֵי" (divrei), which can also mean "sayings" or "utterances." This suggests that what follows is not merely a casual conversation but a collection of teachings or instructions that hold significant weight. The use of "words" underscores the power of speech and the transmission of wisdom through verbal instruction, a common theme in the book of Proverbs.<p><b>of King Lemuel</b><br />The identity of King Lemuel is somewhat enigmatic, as he is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. The name "Lemuel" means "devoted to God" or "belonging to God" in Hebrew. This could imply that Lemuel is a symbolic or poetic name, possibly referring to Solomon or another king known for wisdom. The mention of a king highlights the importance of the teachings, as they are directed toward someone in a position of authority and responsibility. It also suggests that wisdom is crucial for leadership and governance.<p><b>the burden</b><br />The Hebrew word for "burden" is "מַשָּׂא" (massa), which can also be translated as "oracle" or "prophecy." This indicates that the teachings Lemuel received from his mother were not just practical advice but carried a deeper, perhaps divine, significance. The term "burden" implies a weightiness or seriousness, suggesting that the message is of great importance and should be heeded carefully. It reflects the idea that wisdom often comes with responsibility and the need to act upon it.<p><b>that his mother taught him</b><br />This phrase highlights the role of Lemuel's mother as a teacher and source of wisdom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, mothers were often the primary educators of their children, especially in matters of morality and character. The Hebrew word for "taught" is "יִּסְּרַתּוּ" (yissratu), which can also mean "instructed" or "disciplined." This suggests a process of careful and intentional teaching, emphasizing the importance of parental guidance in the development of wisdom. The mention of his mother underscores the value of maternal influence and the transmission of godly wisdom across generations.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">XXXI.</span><p>APPENDIX (<span class= "ital">b</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">The words of king Lemuel. . . .--</span>More probably this should be translated," The words of Lemuel, king of Massa." (See above on <a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm" title="The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spoke to Ithiel, even to Ithiel and Ucal,">Proverbs 30:1</a>.) "Lemuel," which most likely signifies (dedicated) "to God," has been, like Agur, supposed to be a designation of Solomon, but with no good reason.<p><span class= "bld">The prophecy that his mother taught him.--</span>Mothers were looked upon with great veneration in the East. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm" title="My son, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother:">Proverbs 1:8</a>; <a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm" title="My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not the law of your mother:">Proverbs 6:20</a>.) The mothers of kings especially were treated with marked respect, receiving the title of "queen-mother." (Comp. <a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm" title="Bathsheba therefore went to king Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself to her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.">1Kings 2:19</a>; <a href="/1_kings/15-13.htm" title="And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.">1Kings 15:13</a>.) This seems to be the reason why the mothers of Jewish kings are so constantly mentioned, <span class= "ital">e.g., </span><a href="/1_kings/14-31.htm" title="And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.">1Kings 14:31</a>; <a href="/1_kings/15-2.htm" title="Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. and his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.">1Kings 15:2</a>; <a href="/2_kings/12-1.htm" title="In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.">2Kings 12:1</a>. At the present time the mother of the Khedive ranks before his principal wife. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1-9.</span> - Part VIII. SECOND APPENDIX TO THE SECOND COLLECTION, containing "the words of Lemuel" on the subjects of impurity and intemperance. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="accented">The</span> <span class="accented">superscription. <span class="cmt_word"></span>The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy which his mother taught him.</span> Who is intended by "Lemuel king" is much disputed. Those who connect the following word <span class="accented">massa</span> ("oracle") with the preceding <span class="accented">melek</span> ("king"), translate "King of Massa," as <a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Proverbs 30:1</a> (where see note). Of the country, or the king, or his mother, we have absolutely no information. The name Lemuel, or Lemoel (ver. 4), means "unto God," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> dedicated to God, like Lael (<a href="/numbers/3-24.htm">Numbers 3:24</a>); hence it is regarded by many authorities, ancient and modern, as an appellation of Solomon, one from infancy dedicated to God and celled by him Jedidiah, "beloved of the Lord" (<a href="/2_samuel/12-25.htm">2 Samuel 12:25</a>). But there is nothing in the contents of this section to confirm this idea; indeed, there are expressions which militate against it. Possibly Hezekiah may be meant, and his remarkable piety somewhat confirms the opinion; yet we see no reason why he should be here addressed under a pseudonym, especially if we consider that he himself was concerned in making this collection. On the whole, it seems best to take Lemuel as a symbolical name, designating an ideal king, to whom an ideal mother addressed the exhortation which follows. Solomon's own proverbs contain many warnings against the very sins of which this mother speaks, so that the section is conceived in the spirit of the earlier portion of the book, though it is assigned to a different author and another age. <span class="accented">The prophecy</span> (<span class="accented">massa</span>); the inspired utterance (see on ch. 30:1). This maternal counsel forms one compact exhortation, which might with more propriety be so termed than the words of Agur. <span class="accented">His mother.</span> The mother of a reigning king was always regarded with the utmost respect, taking precedence of the king's wife. Hence we so often find the names of kings' mothers in the sacred record; <span class="accented">e.g.</span> <a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm">1 Kings 2:19</a>; <a href="/1_kings/14-21.htm">1 Kings 14:21</a>; <a href="/1_kings/15-2.htm">1 Kings 15:2</a>; <a href="/2_kings/12-1.htm">2 Kings 12:1</a>. It is difficult to say what reading was seen by the LXX., who render, "My words have been spoken by God, the oracle of a king whom his mother instructed." There are many wise women mentioned in Scripture; <span class="accented">e.g.</span> Miriam, Deborah, the Queen of Sheba, Huldah, etc., so there is nothing incongruous in Lemuel being instructed by his mother in wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/31-1.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">The words</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּ֭בְרֵי</span> <span class="translit">(diḇ·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of King</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Lemuel—</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמוּאֵ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3927.htm">Strong's 3927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lemuel -- king of Massa</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an oracle</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֝שָּׂ֗א</span> <span class="translit">(maś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4853.htm">Strong's 4853: </a> </span><span class="str2">A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲ‍ֽשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ăšer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his mother</span><br /><span class="heb">אִמּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_517.htm">Strong's 517: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">taught him:</span><br /><span class="heb">יִסְּרַ֥תּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yis·sə·rat·tū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3256.htm">Strong's 3256: </a> </span><span class="str2">To discipline, chasten, admonish</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/31-1.htm">Proverbs 31:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/31-1.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:1 The words of king Lemuel (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/30-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 30:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 30:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/31-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 31:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 31:2" /></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>