Original Word: עַצְלָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `atslah
Pronunciation: ats-lah'
Phonetic Spelling: (ats-law')
Definition: Slothfulness, laziness
Meaning: indolence

slothfulness

Feminine of atsel; (as abstractly) indolence -- slothfulness.

see HEBREW atsel

Word Origin
from atsel
Definition
sluggishness
NASB Translation
indolence (1), laziness (1).

עֵצְלָה noun feminine sluggishness; — ׳י Proverbs 19:15; dual intensive עֲצַלְתַּיִם Ecclesiastes 10:18 double (i.e. great) sluggishness (so Thes De and others; read then perhaps עֵצְלָתַיִם; > from עָצֵל a sluggish pair, i.e. hands Ew and others), but improbable; "" שִׁפְלוּת יָדַיִם, whence Bi conjectures עֵצְלוּת, Siegf עֵצְלַת יָדַיִם.

Word Origin: Derived from the root עָצֵל (ʿāṣēl), which means "to be sluggish" or "to be lazy."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek entry in Strong's Concordance is G1167 (ἀργία, argia), which also denotes idleness or laziness. This Greek term is used in the New Testament to describe a similar concept of inactivity or avoidance of work, often with a moral or ethical implication.

Usage: The term עַצְלָה (ʿaṣlāh) is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe a lack of diligence or a tendency towards laziness. It is often associated with negative consequences, such as poverty or failure.

Context: The concept of עַצְלָה (ʿaṣlāh) is addressed in the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. This term is used to caution against the dangers of laziness and to promote the virtues of hard work and diligence. Proverbs often contrasts the lazy person with the diligent one, highlighting the benefits of industriousness and the pitfalls of indolence.

For example, Proverbs 19:15 states, "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This verse illustrates the idea that laziness leads to a lack of productivity and ultimately to need and want. The wisdom literature emphasizes that diligence leads to prosperity and satisfaction, while laziness results in poverty and unfulfilled desires.

The theme of laziness is not only a personal moral failing but also has social and communal implications. A society that values hard work and diligence is portrayed as thriving, while one that tolerates laziness may face decline.

בַּעֲצַלְתַּ֖יִם בעצלתים עַ֭צְלָה עצלה ‘aṣ·lāh ‘aṣlāh Atzlah ba‘ăṣaltayim ba·‘ă·ṣal·ta·yim baatzalTayimInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts