Proverbs 31:2 Meaning and Explanation
“What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A mother's urgent, affectionate address to her son before imparting vital wisdom.
The Context of Proverbs 31:2
A mother appeals to her son with urgent affection.
What Does Proverbs 31:2 Mean?
The mother's repeated questions—'What, my son?'—express tender urgency. The threefold address (my son, the son of my womb, the son of my vows) emphasizes deep personal investment: biological birth, bodily devotion, and spiritual commitment. This repetition signals that what follows matters profoundly.
The rhetorical questions draw attention before instruction, a teaching technique that invites the listener to be fully present. The accumulation of expressions of maternal care creates emotional weight, preparing the son to receive weighty counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 31:2
What does Proverbs 31:2 mean?
A mother's urgent, affectionate address to her son before imparting vital wisdom.
What is the context of Proverbs 31:2?
A mother appeals to her son with urgent affection.