Sluggard
TextsWhat is the meaning of Sluggard in the Bible?
The term sluggard translates the Hebrew word 'atsel, appearing primarily in the Book of Proverbs to describe an individual marked by physical lethargy and mental dullness, linguistically rooted in the concept of slackness.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the biblical definition of a sluggard clarifies the contrast between a disciplined, productive life and the destructive consequences of idleness, offering deeper insight into the ancient wisdom literature's emphasis on personal responsibility.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Sluggard functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sluggard in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sluggard clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sluggard." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sluggard/