עַצְלוּת
𐤏𐤑𐤋𐤅𐤕
ʻatslûwth
H6104 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
State or quality of being sluggish, inactive, or lacking in energy; specifically denotes habitual idleness, sloth, or reluctance to exert oneself. The term emphasizes not only an absence of activity but also an internal disposition toward laziness or neglect of responsibility, particularly in contexts where diligence is expected.
Semantic Range
laziness, sloth, habitual idleness, negligence due to indolence; the disposition or condition of being unwilling to exert effort, especially in matters requiring responsibility or diligence
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root עָצַל (ʿāṣal), whose primary meaning is 'to be sluggish, to be lazy, to be inactive.' The noun עַצְלוּת (ʿaṣlût) forms from this root using the typical feminine abstract noun pattern (ending -ות), yielding the meaning 'laziness' or 'idleness.' The root itself appears as a denominative verb, indicating a quality or state.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עַצְלוּת occurs sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, with its primary attestation in wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs. There it characterizes a character type repeatedly warned against—the 'lazy person' is contrasted with the diligent and industrious, with עַצְלוּת portrayed as leading to poverty or disgrace. The term conveys not only a state of inactivity but also an underlying character flaw of willful neglect, not simply a lack of ability. Earlier Israelite sources employ related verbal and adjectival forms, such as עָצֵל (ʿāṣēl, 'lazy one'), with nouns like עַצְלוּת becoming prominent in later wisdom or didactic contexts. The later rabbinic Hebrew continues to use עַצְלוּת in similar ethical discourses. English translations often render עַצְלוּת as 'sloth' or 'idleness,' which captures the basic sense but may understate the internal disposition and moral overtones inherent in the Hebrew term. It contrasts with terms for inactivity arising from other causes (e.g., weakness, incapacity).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָצַל; indolence; idleness.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עצל (ʿ-ṣ-l) — to be lazy, to be sluggish, to be inactive
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6101 | עָצַל | may you all be slack |
| H6102 | עָצֵל | slack one |
| H6103 | עַצְלָה | slothfulness |
| H682 | אָצֵל | lazy man |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6104-01 |
עַ֝צְל֗וּת | atselut | HNcfsa |
of idleness | habitual laziness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6104-01 |
Proverbs 31:27 | עַ֝צְל֗וּת | atselut | HNcfsa |
of idleness | habitual laziness |