She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She is like merchant ships that travel far distances; she brings food from distant places.
This verse is describing a wise woman who goes to great lengths to provide good food for her household, like merchant ships that travel far to bring back valuable goods.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of the famous passage about the 'virtuous woman' in Proverbs 31, which was likely advice given by King Lemuel's mother about what to look for in a wife. In ancient times, merchant ships were symbols of prosperity and industry, traveling great distances to bring back exotic foods, spices, and goods that weren't available locally. This comparison would have been particularly meaningful in a time when most people ate only what was grown nearby.
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