Lexical Summary atsluth: idleness Original Word: עַצְלוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance idleness Rom atsal; indolence -- idleness. see HEBREW atsal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom atsel Definition sluggishness NASB Translation idleness (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַצְלוּת noun feminine id.; — ׳לֶחֶם י Proverbs 31:27. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope עַצְלוּת (ʿatslût) conveys the state or attitude of idleness, slothfulness, or lethargy. Though the noun appears only once in the Hebrew canon, it crystallizes a moral warning that reverberates throughout Scripture: the peril of spiritual and practical inertia. Context in Proverbs 31:27 “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27). The single attestation of ʿatslût occurs in the closing portrait of the “wife of noble character.” Here idleness is the antithesis of covenantal faithfulness. The verse highlights three facets: 1. Vigilance—“watches over the affairs.” Thematic Links in Wisdom Literature Although ʿatslût itself is unique to Proverbs 31:27, related roots (especially עָצֵל, “lazy one”) pervade Proverbs, illuminating the same theme: Together these passages construct a theology of labor in which work is a gift ordained before the Fall (Genesis 2:15) and negligence invites poverty, shame, and spiritual dullness. Old Testament Theology of Diligence versus Laziness The Pentateuch requires Israel to work six days and rest on the seventh, embedding diligent labor within Sabbath rhythms (Exodus 20:9-10). Prophets later indict Judah’s leaders for complacency (Amos 6:1; Zephaniah 1:12). Laziness thus becomes a symptom of covenant breach: failure to steward land, resources, and justice. Historical and Cultural Background In agrarian ancient Israel, survival depended on timely sowing and harvest. Idleness threatened not only individual livelihood but communal welfare. Wisdom sayings on slothfulness reflect this socio-economic reality; slack hands during planting or vigil at city gates imperiled the whole community. Intertextual Connections and New Testament Parallels Greek ὀκνηρία (oknēria, “hesitation, idleness”) and related terms carry the OT motif into the New Testament. Such parallels confirm the canonical coherence: diligence reflects the character of God, while sloth contradicts the new life in Christ. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Discipleship: Encourage believers to view vocation—whether domestic, vocational, or ecclesial—as sacred stewardship. Application for Personal Discipleship • Cultivate rhythm: balance purposeful labor with Sabbath rest to avoid both idleness and burnout. Homiletical Considerations A sermon on Proverbs 31:27 can: Thus, though ʿatslût is textually rare, its theological weight is substantial, challenging every generation to reject complacency and pursue diligent, Spirit-empowered service for the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations עַ֝צְל֗וּת עצלות ‘aṣ·lūṯ ‘aṣlūṯ atzLutLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 31:27 HEB: בֵּיתָ֑הּ וְלֶ֥חֶם עַ֝צְל֗וּת לֹ֣א תֹאכֵֽל׃ NAS: the bread of idleness. KJV: and eateth not the bread of idleness. INT: of her household the bread of idleness and does not eat 1 Occurrence |
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