Proverbs 20:4
Proverbs 20:4 in Multiple Translations
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
The hater of work will not do his ploughing because of the winter; so at the time of grain-cutting he will be requesting food and will get nothing.
Slackers don't sow when they should, so when harvest comes they don't have anything.
The slouthfull will not plowe, because of winter: therefore shall he beg in sommer, but haue nothing.
Because of winter the slothful plougheth not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing.
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Because of the cold the sluggard would not plough: he shall beg therefore in the summer, and it shall not be given him.
If a lazy man does not plow his fields at the right/proper time, he will look for crops at harvest time, but there will be nothing there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:4
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 20:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ֭/חֹרֶף
עָצֵ֣ל
לֹא
יַחֲרֹ֑שׁ
ישאל
וְ/שָׁאַ֖ל
בַּ/קָּצִ֣יר
וָ/אָֽיִן
מֵ֭/חֹרֶף
chôreph
H2779
autumn
Prep | N-ms
עָצֵ֣ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
sluggish
Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַחֲרֹ֑שׁ
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ישאל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/שָׁאַ֖ל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בַּ/קָּצִ֣יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
harvest
Prep | N-ms
וָ/אָֽיִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
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 20:4
מֵ֭/חֹרֶף
chôreph
H2779
"autumn"
Prep | N-ms
Choreph refers to autumn or harvest time, also implying ripeness of age. In the Bible, it is used to describe the changing of seasons. The KJV translates it as cold, winter, or youth.
Definition: 1) harvest time, autumn 2) (CLBL) winter
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cold, winter (-house), youth. See also: Genesis 8:22; Proverbs 20:4; Psalms 74:17.
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.
לֹא
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.
יַחֲרֹ֑שׁ
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
ישאל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
וְ/שָׁאַ֖ל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
בַּ/קָּצִ֣יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
"harvest"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
וָ/אָֽיִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:4
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:4
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
2The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. 6Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:4 | Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:15 | Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. |
| 3 | Proverbs 13:4 | The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 1:5–11 | For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. |
| 5 | Matthew 25:24–28 | Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. |
| 6 | Matthew 25:3–10 | The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Proverbs 6:10–11 | 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. |
| 9 | Proverbs 24:34 | and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 10 | Proverbs 19:24 | The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth. |
Proverbs 20:4 Summary
[Proverbs 20:4 teaches us that if we don't put in the effort when it's needed, we won't have anything to show for it later. This is like a farmer who doesn't plow the field at the right time, and then has no harvest. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by being diligent and responsible in our work and daily tasks, and by planning and preparing for the future, just as a farmer prepares the soil for a successful harvest (Proverbs 21:5). By doing so, we can trust in God's sovereignty while also being faithful stewards of the resources and opportunities He has given us (Matthew 25:14-30).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'not plow in season' in Proverbs 20:4?
This phrase means to not take action or make an effort when it is necessary, similar to how a farmer must plow the field at the right time to have a successful harvest, as seen in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-9.
Is being a slacker a sin according to Proverbs 20:4?
While the Bible does not directly call being a slacker a sin, it does warn against the consequences of laziness, as seen in Proverbs 20:4, and encourages diligence and hard work, as in Proverbs 10:4 and Colossians 3:23.
How can I apply the lesson of Proverbs 20:4 to my own life?
You can apply this lesson by being diligent and responsible in your work and daily tasks, and by planning and preparing for the future, just as a farmer prepares the soil for a successful harvest, as encouraged in Proverbs 21:5 and Jeremiah 29:11.
What is the relationship between hard work and trust in God?
The Bible teaches that hard work and trust in God are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7, where we are encouraged to trust in God while also being diligent in our work and responsibilities.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have been putting off important tasks or responsibilities, and what are the potential consequences of my procrastination?
- How can I balance my trust in God's sovereignty with the need to be diligent and responsible in my work and daily tasks?
- What are some ways I can prioritize my tasks and responsibilities to ensure that I am 'plowing in season' and preparing for a successful harvest in my life?
- How can I cultivate a mindset of diligence and responsibility, and what role can accountability and community play in helping me stay on track?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:4
The sluggard will not plough by reason of the cold,.... Or, "in the cold"; in the time of cold, as Aben Ezra; in the time of autumn, which is the time of ploughing, when it begins to be cold weather,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:4
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold - Hebrew, the winter. Disinclination is never in want of excuses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:4
By reason of the cold of the ploughing season, which is in autumn and towards winter. He hates and avoids all laborious and difficult work, although his own necessity and interest oblige him to it. And have nothing; and not obtain an alms; not in that time of plenty and bounty, because men’ s hearts are justly hardened against that man who by his own sloth and wilfulness hath brought himself to want.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:4
Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing.Ver. 4. The sluggard will not plough by reason of the cold.] So the spiritual sluggard either dreams of a delicacy in the ways of God, which is a great vanity; or else, if heaven be not to be had without the hardship of holiness, Christ may keep his heaven to himself. The young man in the gospel went away grieved that Christ required such things that he could not be willing to yield to. The Hebrews have a common proverb among them: He that on the even of the Sabbath hath not gathered what to eat, shall not at all eat on the Sabbath; meaning thereby that none shall reign in heaven that hath not wrought on earth. "Man goeth forth," saith the Psalmist, "to his work, and to his labour until the evening." So till the sun of his life be set, he must be working out his salvation. "This is to work the work of him that sent us," as our Saviour did. Which expression of "working a work": notes his strong intention upon it, as "to devise devices," notes strong plotting to mischief the prophet. So "with a desire have I desired," &c.; "yea, how am I straitened, till it be accomplished" Lo, Christ thirsteth exceedingly after our salvation, though he knew it should cost him so dear. Is not this check to our dulness and sloth?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:4
Verse 4. The sluggard will not plough] For other parts of this character, see the preceding chapter. It is seldom that there is a season of very cold weather in Palestine; very cold days sometimes occur, with wind, rain, and sleet. They begin their ploughing in the latter end of September, and sow their early wheat by the middle of October. And this is often the case in England itself. The meaning of the proverb is: the slothful man, under the pretence of unfavourable weather, neglects cultivating his land till the proper time is elapsed.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:4
4. cold] Rather, winter, A.V. marg. and R.V. See Genesis 8:22, where the Heb. word here used is rendered “winter,” and another Heb. word is used for “cold.” beg] This rendering, which is retained in R.V. text, gives a forcible picture of the destitution to which the slothful will be reduced: though he beg as a mendicant, men’s hearts, even when enlarged by the plenty of harvest, will have no pity on him. Some, however, take it to mean, when he seeketh in harvest (when others are reaping the fruit of their labour) there shall be nothing, R.V. marg.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:4
Plowing time in Palestine is in November and December, when the wind blows commonly from the North.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:4
4. Not plough by reason of the cold — îçø, (mehhoreph.) The word without the prefix means, the autumn, which is made also to include winter.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, Reverend C.H. Spurgeon speaks about the comfort and hope that can be found in God's mercy and grace. He uses the metaphor of a bruised reed and smoking flax to desc |
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Pseudo - Discipleship by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of deception and exaggeration. He emphasizes that both blatant guilt and being deceived are sins before God. The speaker also highli |
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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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The Sons of God—their Blessings and Their Privileges by J.C. Philpot | The preacher emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence in the Christian life, using the Greek word 'kopiao' to describe intense toil and exertion, even to the point of e |
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True Treasure by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting God's work above our own desires and needs. He highlights the biblical teaching of working hard for our current ne |
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O Church Arise! by Tim Conway | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of working for the Lord while there is still time. He shares a personal experience of attending his class reunion and realizing |
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |