Proverbs 19:24
Proverbs 19:24 in Multiple Translations
The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.
A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
The hater of work puts his hand deep into the basin, and will not even take it to his mouth again.
Lazy people put their hands in a dish, and won't even lift the food to their mouths.
The slouthfull hideth his hand in his bosome, and wil not put it to his mouth againe.
The slothful hath hidden his hand in a dish, Even unto his mouth he bringeth it not back.
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
The slothful hideth his hand under his armpit, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth.
Some people are extremely lazy; they put their hand in a dish to take some food but do not even lift the food up to their mouths.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 19:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טָ֘מַ֤ן
עָצֵ֣ל
יָ֭ד/וֹ
בַּ/צַּלָּ֑חַת
גַּם
אֶל
פִּ֝֗י/הוּ
לֹ֣א
יְשִׁיבֶֽ/נָּה
טָ֘מַ֤ן
ṭâman
H2934
to hide
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָצֵ֣ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
sluggish
Adj
יָ֭ד/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
בַּ/צַּלָּ֑חַת
tsallachath
H6747
dish
Prep | N-fs
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פִּ֝֗י/הוּ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְשִׁיבֶֽ/נָּה
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:24
טָ֘מַ֤ן
ṭâman
H2934
"to hide"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to hide or conceal something, often secretly, as in Joshua. It can also mean to bury or lay something aside, out of sight or knowledge.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal, bury 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hide 1a2) hiding, concealing, secretly laying (participle) 1a3) darkness (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to hide
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: hide, lay privily, in secret. See also: Genesis 35:4; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 9:16.
עָצֵ֣ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
"sluggish"
Adj
A sluggish person, often called a sluggard, this word describes someone who is habitually lazy or idle, like the slothful person in Proverbs.
Definition: 1) sluggish, lazy 1a) sluggard (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: slothful, sluggard. See also: Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 6:9.
יָ֭ד/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
בַּ/צַּלָּ֑חַת
tsallachath
H6747
"dish"
Prep | N-fs
A dish or bowl, like the ones used in the Last Supper in the New Testament. This word refers to a deep, advanced container. It is translated as bosom or dish in the KJV.
Definition: dish, bowl
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bosom, dish. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Proverbs 19:24; Proverbs 26:15.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פִּ֝֗י/הוּ
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְשִׁיבֶֽ/נָּה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:24
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:24
Context — The Man of Integrity
22The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.
23The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.
24The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. 26He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:19 | The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. |
| 2 | Proverbs 6:9–10 | How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, |
| 3 | Proverbs 24:30–34 | I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 4 | Proverbs 26:13–16 | The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed. The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. |
| 5 | Proverbs 12:27 | A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession. |
| 6 | Mark 14:20 | He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me. |
| 7 | Proverbs 19:15 | Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. |
| 8 | Psalms 74:11 | Why do You withdraw Your strong right hand? Stretch it out to destroy them! |
| 9 | Matthew 26:23 | Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. |
Proverbs 19:24 Summary
[This verse is saying that if someone is very lazy, they might not even take care of their own basic needs, like eating, which is a fundamental aspect of human life, as seen in the way God provides for our physical needs in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:19. The Bible encourages us to work hard and take care of ourselves and others, as seen in verses like 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 and 1 Timothy 5:8, where we are reminded that our work is a way of serving God and others. When we are lazy, we can miss out on many blessings and opportunities, and we might even struggle with basic necessities, which is why it's essential to cultivate a strong work ethic, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:4-5 and Proverbs 12:24.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a slacker in the context of Proverbs 19:24?
In this verse, a slacker refers to someone who is extremely lazy, to the point of not even taking care of their own basic needs, as seen in the act of not bringing food to their mouth (Proverbs 19:24), which is a stark contrast to the diligence and hard work encouraged in Proverbs 6:6-11 and Proverbs 10:4-5.
How does this verse relate to our spiritual lives?
The spiritual application of this verse can be seen in our approach to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and Bible reading, where laziness can hinder our growth, as warned in 2 Peter 1:5-8, and where diligence is encouraged in 1 Timothy 4:7-8.
Is this verse encouraging physical labor as the only measure of a person's worth?
No, this verse is using physical labor as an illustration of the consequences of laziness, not as the sole measure of a person's worth, which is rooted in their identity in Christ, as seen in Ephesians 2:10 and 1 Corinthians 3:5-7.
What is the significance of the image of burying one's hand in the dish?
The image of burying one's hand in the dish is a vivid illustration of extreme laziness, where one cannot even muster the energy to feed themselves, highlighting the absurdity and consequences of such behavior, much like the warnings against idleness in Proverbs 20:4 and Proverbs 21:25-26.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be exhibiting laziness, and how can I apply the principles of diligence and hard work to overcome them?
- How can I balance rest and work in a way that honors God, considering verses like Exodus 20:8-11 and Hebrews 4:9-11?
- In what ways can I prioritize spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and Bible reading, to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and avoid spiritual laziness, as encouraged in Psalm 119:97-104 and Luke 18:1-8?
- What are some practical steps I can take to develop a stronger work ethic, and how can I hold myself accountable to these goals, considering the example of the ant in Proverbs 6:6-8?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:24
A slothful [man] hideth his hand in [his] bosom,.... In cold weather to keep it warm, and at other times, as unwilling to use it in labour; it is the proper posture and just attitude of a slothful man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:24
A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. A slothful (man) hideth his hand in (his) bosom. So the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
Hideth his hand in his bosom; either to keep it warm in cold weather; or to give it rest, being loth to oppress it with the labour of any action. It is a sarcastical hyperbole. Will not so much as bring it to his mouth again, to wit, to feed himself; he expects that the meat should drop into his mouth.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
Proverbs 19:24 A slothful [man] hideth his hand in [his] bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.Ver. 24. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom.] The Latins say, He wraps it in his cloak; Manum habet sub pallio, He puts it in his pocket, say we. Erewhiles we had him fast asleep; and here going about his business, as if he were still asleep; so lazy that any the least labour is grievous to him, he can hardly find in his heart to feed himself, so to uphold the life of his hands, which he should maintain with "the labour of his hands" and with "the sweat of his brow." Very sucklings get not their milk without much tugging and tiring themselves at the dug.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
(24) A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom.—Better, in the dish that stood in the middle of the table at an Oriental dinner, into which the guests dipped their hands to take out the food for themselves (Matthew 26:23).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
Verse 24. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom] Is too lazy to feed himself, If he dip his hand once in the dish, he is too lazy to put it in a second time. It is a strange case that a man, through his excessive slothfulness, would rather starve than put himself to the trouble to eat.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:24
24. hideth his hand in his bosom] Rather, burieth his hand in the dish (R.V.), after the Oriental fashion of eating. See Proverbs 26:15, where this clause occurs again. Comp. Matthew 26:23. The Heb. word is rendered dish, 2 Kings 21:13; and (in a slightly different form) cruse (A.V. and R.V.) in 2 Kings 2:20; pan, 2 Chronicles 35:13. “It was probably a flat metal saucer of the form still common in the East,” Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Art. cruse.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:24
Hideth his hand in his bosom - Better, dippeth his hand in the dish (compare 2 Kings 21:13). The scene brought before us is that of an Eastern feast. There are no knives, or forks, or spoons.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:24
24. Hideth… in his bosom — Better, in a dish. He does not even return it to his own mouth. A sarcastic hyperbole, like “too lazy to eat.” The allusion is to the Oriental mode of eating.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
On Communion in the Lords Supper. by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of ratifying one's dedication to God through the Ordinance of Baptism by partaking in the Table of the Lord, as a way to express love |
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(Biblical Family) Biblical Manhood - Part 1 by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of biblical manhood and what qualities a man must possess to reflect it. The first quality mentioned is a commitment to God-honoring |
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God Speaking to America - Part 1 by J.C. Hibbard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two individuals who were raised in a Pentecostal environment but have strayed from serving God. The preacher had a dream where he saw their s |
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Laziness Brings Poverty by Derek Prince | Derek Prince delves into Proverbs 6:9-11, highlighting the spiritual root cause of poverty as laziness. He emphasizes that poverty and scarcity are not just material conditions but |
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On Redeeming the Time by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes the importance of 'redeeming the time' by being mindful of how we spend our hours, particularly in relation to sleep. He argues that excessive sleep can lead |
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Rising Early With George Muller by George Mueller | George Muller emphasizes the importance of rising early to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer and meditation. He shares his personal journey of overcoming the |
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The Sleeper Awakened. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches on the story of Jonah, highlighting Jonah's reluctance to fulfill God's commission to go to Nineveh and the consequences of his disobedience. He draws parall |