37 · 家人
Hexagram 37, 家人. Original Chinese judgment: 利女貞。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.
Judgment
利女貞。
Line texts
- 初九：閑有家，悔亡。
- 六二：无攸遂，在中饋，貞吉。
- 九三：家人嗃嗃，悔厲吉；婦子嘻嘻，終吝。
- 六四：富家，大吉。
- 九五：王假有家，勿恤，往吉。
- 上九：有孚威如，終吉。
Tuan commentary
家人，女正位乎內，男正位乎外，男女正，天地之大義也。家人有嚴君焉，父母之謂也。父父，子子，兄兄，弟弟，夫夫，婦婦，而家道正；正家而天下定矣。
Great Image commentary
風自火出，家人；君子以言有物，而行有恆。
Small Images · bottom to top
- 閑有家，志未變也。
- 六二之吉，順以巽也。
- 家人嗃嗃，未失也；婦子嘻嘻，失家節也。
- 富家大吉，順在位也。
- 王假有家，交相愛也。
- 威如之吉，反身之謂也。
Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese
Working translation of this site’s Chinese summaries based on traditional sources, not verbatim quotations from the commentator or a translation of the classical text. Native-language review is incomplete. Traditional imagery is not medical, legal or other professional advice.
朱熹《周易本義》
Judgment exegesis
Zhu Xi explains Jia Ren through the fifth yang and second yin lines each correctly placed in the outer and inner trigrams respectively. The phrase about benefit through a woman’s steadfast correctness expresses ordering the inner sphere first: order in the inner sphere supports order in the outer sphere, and self-cultivation precedes household order.
Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts
- Firm yang at the beginning of household order establishes boundaries before members’ intentions change, preventing later regret.
- Yielding, centered correctness in the second line is within. The original commentary uses the traditional duty of preparing household food to explain keeping to one’s role rather than acting unilaterally. Correct placement is auspicious.
- Firmness in a firm third position lacks the center. Excessive strictness brings regret and danger but has not lost order; constant amusement and indulgence instead destroy household discipline and end in humiliation.
- Yin in a yin fourth position above follows its role and manages household resources well, suggesting prosperity for the family and great auspiciousness.
- Firm, centered correctness in the fifth line corresponds below with yielding, centered correctness in the second. Each is correct and they love one another, leaving no need for anxiety; household order can naturally be auspicious.
- At the end of Jia Ren, lasting household order requires trustworthiness and dignity. This dignity arises from examining and governing oneself, not exerting power over others.
Plain-language reading
Working translation of this site’s Chinese editorial reading, not an edition of the classical text, a verbatim quotation from a commentator or a prediction. Native-language review is not yet complete.
Judgment introduction
Jia Ren concerns each person finding a proper place within the household. Traditional commentary describes first putting the inner sphere in order and cultivating oneself before ordering the family: order begins with oneself and responsibilities at home. Its descriptions of roles belong to an ancient context.
Plain-language reading · Line texts
- Establishing clear boundaries as household order begins is better than regretting matters after members' habits have become fixed.
- Traditional commentary uses the preparation of food within the household to explain keeping to one's responsibilities rather than acting unilaterally. The emphasis is on occupying one's place with centered correctness.
- Overly strict management brings regret and danger, but order has not yet been lost. Constant amusement and indulgence, however, undermine household discipline.
- Fulfilling one's position and managing household resources well suggest bringing prosperity to the family, and are therefore greatly auspicious.
- When those in the inner and outer spheres of the household each fulfill their proper roles and love one another sincerely, there is no need for anxiety; household order can naturally be auspicious.
- Maintaining household order over time requires trustworthiness and dignity. Dignity comes from examining and governing oneself, not imposing power on others.