If you’ve ever experienced a traditional Shabbat dinner, you may have heard a beautiful song being sung before the meal. This song is Eshet Chayil (אֵשֶׁת חַיִל), a tribute to a Woman of Valor. But what does it mean? Why is it sung? And what do the words really say?
In this post, we’ll explore the Eshet Chayil prayer in depth—its Hebrew lyrics, English translation, and transliteration for easy pronunciation.
What Is Eshet Chayil?
The Eshet Chayil prayer comes from the book of Proverbs (Mishlei 31:10-31) in the Hebrew Bible. It is a poetic description of the ideal woman—strong, wise, kind, and hardworking.
Traditionally, Jewish families sing this passage on Friday night before the Shabbat meal as a way to honor the women in the household, especially wives and mothers. The song expresses gratitude and admiration, recognizing the countless ways women contribute to the family and community.
However, Eshet Chayil is more than just praise for women. Some interpret it as an allegory for wisdom, the Torah, or even the Jewish people as a whole.
Eshet Chayil Lyrics in Hebrew, Transliteration & English Translation
Hebrew Lyrics (אֵשֶׁת חַיִל)
אֵשֶׁת חַיִל מִי יִמְצָא וְרָחֹק מִפְּנִינִים מִכְרָהּ
בָּטַח בָּהּ לֵב בַּעְלָהּ וְשָׁלָל לֹא יֶחְסָר
גְּמָלַתְהוּ טוֹב וְלֹא רָע כֹּל יְמֵי חַיֶּיהָ
דָּרְשָׁה צֶמֶר וּפִשְׁתִּים וַתַּעַשׂ בְּחֵפֶץ כַּפֶּיהָ
הָיְתָה כָּאֳנִיּוֹת סוֹחֵר מִמֶּרְחָק תָּבִיא לַחְמָהּ
(And continues through Proverbs 31:31)
Transliteration
Eshet chayil mi yimtza, v’rachok mip’ninim michrah
Batach bah lev ba’lah, v’shalal lo yechsar
G’malathu tov v’lo ra kol y’mei chayeha
Darshah tzemer u’pishtim v’taas b’chefetz kapeha
Haytah k’oniot socher, mimerchak tavi lachma
(Continues through Proverbs 31:31)
English Translation
A woman of valor, who can find? Her worth is far beyond pearls.
Her husband’s heart trusts in her, and he lacks no fortune.
She bestows goodness upon him, never evil, all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax and works willingly with her hands.
She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her sustenance from afar.
(And so on through Proverbs 31:31)
Meaning & Symbolism of Eshet Chayil
On the surface, Eshet Chayil is a song of praise for a strong, hardworking woman. But there’s much more to it than that!
1. A Tribute to Women
Jewish husbands traditionally sing Eshet Chayil to their wives before the Shabbat meal, expressing gratitude for everything they do. But it’s also a song of appreciation for all women—mothers, daughters, and even those who may not have a family of their own but contribute to the world with kindness and strength.
2. A Metaphor for Wisdom & Torah
Some rabbinic interpretations suggest that Eshet Chayil isn’t just about an actual woman—it symbolizes the Torah itself, which nourishes the soul, provides wisdom, and guides the Jewish people.
3. A Reflection of the Divine Feminine
In Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), Eshet Chayil is sometimes connected to the Shechinah (שכינה), the feminine aspect of God’s presence in the world. The poem describes a woman full of kindness, wisdom, and strength—just as the Shechinah represents divine compassion and protection.
Key Hebrew Words & Their Deeper Meaning
Understanding some key words in the Eshet Chayil prayer can help bring out its depth and beauty:
- Chayil (חַיִל) – Often translated as “valor,” but also means strength, bravery, and capability.
- Ba’lah (בַּעְלָהּ) – Means “her husband,” but also relates to leadership and responsibility.
- Yir’at Hashem (יִרְאַת ה’) – The “fear of God,” but more accurately means reverence and deep respect.
- Titen Lamu MiPri Yadeha (תִּתֵּן לָמוּ מִפְּרִי יָדֶיהָ) – “She gives from the fruit of her hands,” a metaphor for generosity and hard work.
Why Eshet Chayil Is Still Relevant Today
The message of Eshet Chayil is timeless. In modern times, it’s seen not just as praise for wives and mothers but for any strong woman who embodies kindness, wisdom, and perseverance. Whether in family life, career, or community service, the qualities described in Eshet Chayil are universal.
How to Incorporate Eshet Chayil into Your Life
Want to bring the spirit of Eshet Chayil into your own traditions? Here are a few ideas:
- Sing it every Shabbat – Whether you’re married or not, it’s a beautiful tradition to honor the women in your life.
- Teach it to children – Help the next generation appreciate its meaning.
- Use it as inspiration – Reflect on the qualities described in Eshet Chayil and strive to embody them.
Do you have a special connection to Eshet Chayil? Let us know in the comments!