“I’m a strong, independent woman” is a common cry in modern America (and the rest of the West). And, while “independent” is questionable as a Christian ideal, you might be surprised to know that being a “strong woman” is a biblical idea.

If, as a woman, you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you probably know all about the Proverbs 31 woman. Depending on the exact circles you move in, this might have been skewed in different ways, but chances are high that whatever this skew, it probably starts with emphasizing the “virtuous woman.”

Would you be surprised to know that isn’t actually what the original text says — at least not the way you think?

Language Changes

My guess is this confusion is an artifact of language drift. According to Webster’s 1828, dictionary, “virtuous” has essentially three potential meanings. (There are six actual definitions, but they really break down into three categories, with a fourth as an offshoot of the third.)

Definitions 1 & 2: Morally good; acting in conformity to the moral law; practicing the moral duties, and abstaining from vice. Being in conformity to the moral or divine law.

Definition 3: Chaste; applied to women.

Definitions 4 & 5: Efficacious by inherent qualities. Having great or powerful properties. (And Definition 6 — Having medicinal qualities — which seems to arise from 4 & 5.)

Definitions 4-6 are already described as “not in use” in 1828!  In our day, virtuous means morally upright and chaste. That’s how this passage is usually presented to us. But, although I certainly believe we ought to be morally upright and chaste, that isn’t what this word, in this passage, means (at least not directly).

The original translators of the passage into English probably meant the other definitions of “virtuous,” because those accurately represent the Hebrew word used here.

A Strong Woman

The word translated in Proverbs 31:10 as “virtuous” means “a force” (as in an army). Power. Vigor. Strength. Valor. It’s used to describe armies and warriors.

So Proverbs 31:10 refers to a woman who is a force. A valorous woman. A powerful woman. A strong woman.

Importantly, it goes on to tell us what makes this woman “strong.” It isn’t the ability to wear a catsuit or leather armor and singlehandedly take out five grown men in hand-to-hand combat, despite what Hollywood may portray.

Her strengths are found in building up her household and loving her community.

But this tiny shift in wording shifts the whole flavor of the passage. Where it’s often used as a means of minimizing women (“if you want to be a good woman, restrict yourself to these things”), this passage, rightly read, is (to borrow a word from the feminists) an empowering one.

The woman who does these things is not “just a housewife”; she’s competent and effective. Powerful. There is great power in building up our homes and communities.

Military-Level Force (Spiritually Speaking)

This is “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” stuff.

When you fear Yahweh, you’re a force.
When your husband can confidently put his trust in you, you’re a force.
When you’re a diligent worker, you’re a force.
When you’re careful with the household finances, you’re a force.
When you feed your family, you’re a force.
When you make wise business investments, you’re a force.
When you speak with wisdom and kindness, you’re a force.
When your children can look up to you, you’re a force.

A godly woman…homemaker…wife…mother…is not “small.” She’s a force to be reckoned with.

Aim to be a (biblically) strong woman.