עַצְלוּת
indolence
Definition
The Hebrew noun עַצְלוּת (ʻatslûwth) refers to a state of laziness, indolence, or slothfulness. It describes a willful avoidance of work and responsibility, often implying negligence and a lack of diligence. In its sole biblical occurrence in Proverbs 31:27, it is presented as the opposite of the virtuous woman's diligent care for her household. The word conveys not just physical inactivity but a moral failure to engage in one's duties.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Proverbs 31:27. It is used in the context of a wisdom poem praising the 'wife of noble character.' The verse states she 'watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness (עַצְלוּת).' Here, the word is used to contrast the negative quality of sloth against the positive, active virtue of diligent management. Its placement in Wisdom literature highlights it as a character flaw to be avoided.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb עָצַל (ʻātsal, H6101), which means 'to be sluggish, lazy, or to withhold.' This root appears in other forms, such as the adjective עָצֵל (ʻātsēl, H6102), meaning 'sluggard' or 'lazy one,' frequently used in Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 6:6, 9; 10:26). The noun עַצְלוּת is an abstract formation, turning the quality of the action into a concept—'laziness' or 'indolence.'
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it touches on the biblical virtue of diligence and the sin of sloth. In the wisdom tradition of Proverbs, laziness is not merely a personal failing but a folly that opposes God's design for purposeful work and stewardship (Proverbs 6:6-11, 10:4-5). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Proverbs 31:27 by showing that the ideal wisdom is actively opposed to the passive neglect embodied by עַצְלוּת. It connects to broader biblical themes of responsibility, the curse of the ground requiring labor (Genesis 3:17-19), and the New Testament exhortations to not be idle (e.g., 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12).
In ancient Israel's agrarian society, consistent labor was essential for survival. Laziness threatened not just individual prosperity but the stability of the family and community. The 'bread of idleness' in Proverbs 31:27 likely implies food gained without honest work, which would be culturally shameful. This contrasts sharply with the honored role of the diligent wife who actively ensures her household's welfare and reputation.
עָצֵל (ʻātsēl, H6102) — An adjective/noun meaning 'sluggard' or 'lazy person,' describing the person characterized by laziness. רְמִיָּה (remiyyâh, H7423) — 'slackness' or 'deceitful idleness,' often implying negligence in work (Proverbs 12:27).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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