Wake up, wake up, O Zion! Clothe yourself with strength... Sit in a place of honor. Remove the chains of slavery from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.
(Isaiah 52:1,2 NLT).
(Isaiah 52:1,2 NLT).
I recently looked at the Hebrew word translated as "virtuous" in Proverbs 31: "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies". This began an interesting journey of discovery!
To begin with, many misunderstand what the term "virtuous" in this verse means. In Christian circles it is generally believed to refer to this woman being very good, righteous, subordinate, submissive and gentle; an example of moral excellence. "Virtuous" in English means to conform to moral and ethical principles; to be morally excellent, upright and chaste. However, this is not what the word in the original Hebrew means. It means almost the exact opposite of a submissive, gentle woman, and instead speaks of one who is strong, forceful, powerful and warlike. The Jews are more correct in their translation by calling her a woman of valour instead of a woman of virtue.
To begin with, many misunderstand what the term "virtuous" in this verse means. In Christian circles it is generally believed to refer to this woman being very good, righteous, subordinate, submissive and gentle; an example of moral excellence. "Virtuous" in English means to conform to moral and ethical principles; to be morally excellent, upright and chaste. However, this is not what the word in the original Hebrew means. It means almost the exact opposite of a submissive, gentle woman, and instead speaks of one who is strong, forceful, powerful and warlike. The Jews are more correct in their translation by calling her a woman of valour instead of a woman of virtue.
