Original Word: עָצַל
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: `atsal
Pronunciation: ah-tsale'
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-tsal')
Definition: to lean idly, to be indolent, slack
Meaning: To lean idly, to be indolent, slack

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 3636: ὀκνηρός (oknēros) • meaning sluggish, lazy
• Strong's Greek Number 692: ἀργός (argos) • meaning idle, lazy, inactive

These Greek terms similarly convey the idea of laziness or inactivity, often used in the New Testament to warn against spiritual and moral laxity.

Usage: The verb עָצַל (ʿāṣal) is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe a state of laziness or slothfulness. It conveys the idea of being idle or neglectful in one's duties, often with a negative connotation of moral or spiritual laxity.

Context: The Hebrew root עָצַל (ʿāṣal) appears in the context of warnings against laziness and exhortations to diligence. It is often associated with the behavior of the sluggard, a recurring character in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. The sluggard is depicted as someone who fails to act with the necessary urgency or responsibility, leading to poverty and disgrace.

In Proverbs, the term is used to contrast the outcomes of diligence versus laziness. For example, Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth" (BSB). This highlights the practical consequences of indolence, emphasizing the value of hard work and the dangers of neglect.

The concept of עָצַל (ʿāṣal) extends beyond mere physical laziness to include a spiritual dimension. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual complacency, where individuals fail to pursue righteousness or maintain their relationship with God actively. This spiritual indolence can lead to moral decay and a lack of spiritual growth.

The term is not frequently used in the Hebrew Bible, but its implications are significant, serving as a moral lesson on the importance of diligence and the perils of slothfulness. The exhortation against being עָצַל (ʿāṣal) is a call to action, urging believers to be proactive in their faith and responsibilities.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to be sluggish
NASB Translation
delay (1).

[עָצֵל] verb Niph`al be sluggish (Late Hebrew in derived species, and derivatives; compare Arabic III. stick fast in coitu, Lane²⁰⁸⁶; Syriac be stupid); — Imperfect2masculine plural אַלתֵּֿעָֽצְלוּ לָלֶכֶת Judges 18:9 be not sluggish in going.

be slothful

A primitive root; to lean idly, i.e. To be indolent or slack -- be slothful.

תֵּעָ֣צְל֔וּ תעצלו tê‘āṣəlū tê·‘ā·ṣə·lū teAtzeLuInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts