ḥayil

Semantic range

1. 1military strength; an army
2. 2wealth, substance
3. 3moral strength, capability, valour

Proverbs 31:10 asks after an ʾēšet ḥayil — rendered "a virtuous woman" by the KJV, which in 1611 English carried more of the Latin virtus (strength) than the modern word retains. Elsewhere ḥayil describes armies and mighty men of valour; Boaz is a gibbôr ḥayil (Ruth 2:1).

The poem that follows is a portrait of competence and command — she buys fields, runs a textile business, and "strength and honour are her clothing" (Proverbs 31:25). Reading ḥayil as strength rather than as decorum changes the chapter substantially.

See also

• עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹʿēzer kənegdô
• תָּמִיםtāmîm