She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

PROVERBS 31:21KJV
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Proverbs 31:21 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 31:21 mean?

Proverbs 31:21 describes a capable woman who does not worry about winter weather for her family because she has already made sure everyone is warmly and well clothed. The verse highlights her foresight and care, showing she has prepared in advance so her household is protected from the cold.

This verse is part of a passage where a mother describes the qualities of a wise and diligent woman to her son. The setting is everyday family life in ancient Israel, where preparing for harsh seasons was a real concern. The mention of "scarlet" clothing suggests not only warmth but also quality and perhaps even beauty, emphasizing the woman’s thoroughness and attention to her family’s needs.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 31:21

  • "afraid" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to fear or be anxious. Here, it shows that the woman has no anxiety about the coming snow because she has already taken action to protect her family.
  • "snow" (שֶׁלֶג, sheleg): Snow was rare but possible in Israel, and it represents harsh, cold weather. The mention of snow underscores the seriousness of her preparations.
  • "household" (בַּיִת, bayit): Used twice in this verse, this word means "house" or "family." Repeating it stresses that her care extends to every member of her home.
  • "clothed" (לָבַשׁ, lavash): This verb means to dress or clothe. It highlights her role in making sure her family is properly dressed for the season.
  • "scarlet" (שָׁנִי, shani): This word refers to a rich, dyed fabric, often associated with quality and expense. It suggests that the clothing is not only warm but also of good quality, showing her commitment to her family’s well-being.

Why Proverbs 31:21 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the woman is simply lucky or unconcerned; instead, her lack of fear comes from careful planning and hard work.
  • The focus on "scarlet" clothing reveals that her care is not just practical but also thoughtful, providing both warmth and dignity for her family.
  • In the context of Proverbs 31, this detail is one example among many that together paint a picture of wisdom, diligence, and love in everyday responsibilities.

Where else these words appear

“snow” Hebrew H7950 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 4:6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
  • Job 9:30 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
  • Psalms 148:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

“scarlet” Hebrew H8144 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 38:28 And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.
  • Exodus 35:23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
  • Exodus 39:29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“clothed” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
  • Isaiah 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.