Proverbs 22:13
Proverbs 22:13 in Multiple Translations
The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
The sluggard saith, There is a lion without; I shall be slain in the streets.
The hater of work says, There is a lion outside: I will be put to death in the streets.
Lazy people make claims like, “There's a lion outside! I might be killed if I go out there!”
The slouthfull man saith, A lyon is without, I shall be slaine in the streete.
The slothful hath said, 'A lion [is] without, In the midst of the broad places I am slain.'
The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!”
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
The slothful man saith: There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the midst of the streets.
Lazy people remain in their houses; they say, “A lion might attack me if I go out into the street to go to work!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:13
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 22:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָמַ֣ר
עָ֭צֵל
אֲרִ֣י
בַ/ח֑וּץ
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
רְ֝חֹב֗וֹת
אֵֽרָצֵֽחַ
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָ֭צֵל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
sluggish
Adj
אֲרִ֣י
ʼărîy
H738
lion
N-ms
בַ/ח֑וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
רְ֝חֹב֗וֹת
rᵉchôb
H7339
street/plaza
N-fp
אֵֽרָצֵֽחַ
râtsach
H7523
to murder
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
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 22:13
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
עָ֭צֵל
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.
אֲרִ֣י
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
N-ms
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
בַ/ח֑וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
רְ֝חֹב֗וֹת
rᵉchôb
H7339
"street/plaza"
N-fp
A street or plaza, referring to a public area or open space, like a marketplace or a thoroughfare. This word is used to describe urban settings and community gathering places, often in stories about city life and trade. It appears in books like Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: broad or open place or plaza
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: broad place (way), street. See also H1050 (בֵּית רְחוֹב). See also: Genesis 19:2; Proverbs 7:12; Psalms 55:12.
אֵֽרָצֵֽחַ
râtsach
H7523
"to murder"
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:13
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:13
Context — A Good Name
11He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.
12The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the faithless.
13The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”
14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it. 15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.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 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. |
| 3 | Numbers 13:32–33 | So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature. We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” |
Proverbs 22:13 Summary
[This verse is talking about a person who doesn't want to work or do anything, and they make up excuses to get out of it. The slacker says there is a lion outside, but it's probably just an excuse to stay inside and do nothing. This reminds us that we should be diligent and responsible, and not make excuses to avoid our duties, as taught in Proverbs 10:4-5 and Colossians 3:23-24. By trusting in God's power and provision, we can overcome our challenges and fulfill our responsibilities with faith and confidence.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main characteristic of the slacker in Proverbs 22:13?
The slacker is known for making excuses and being lazy, as seen in their claim that there is a lion outside, which is likely an exaggeration or fabrication, similar to the excuses made by the servant in Matthew 25:24-25.
How does the slacker's statement reflect their lack of faith?
The slacker's statement reveals their lack of trust in God's sovereignty and protection, as they prioritize their own fears and doubts over faith in God's goodness, contrary to the teachings of Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10.
What is the underlying issue with the slacker's behavior?
The underlying issue is not the lion outside, but the slacker's own heart and attitude, which is rooted in laziness and a lack of self-discipline, as warned against in Proverbs 6:6-11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12.
How can we apply the lesson of Proverbs 22:13 to our own lives?
We can apply this lesson by recognizing our own tendencies to make excuses and procrastinate, and instead, trusting in God's power and provision to overcome our challenges, as encouraged in Philippians 4:13 and 2 Corinthians 9:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some excuses I have been making lately, and how can I overcome them with faith and determination?
- How does my own lack of self-discipline and laziness affect my relationships and responsibilities?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and protection, rather than giving in to fear and doubt?
- In what ways can I cultivate a stronger work ethic and sense of responsibility, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:13 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:13
The slothful [man] saith, [there is] a lion without,.... Or, "in the street".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:13
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
Saith, allegeth as his excuse to them who upbraid him with idleness, or persuade him to diligence, There is a lion without; there are extreme dangers and invincible difficulties in my way. I shall be slain, by that lion, or some other way. In the streets; which is added to show the ridiculousness of his excuse; for lions abide in the woods or fields, not in the streets of towns or cities.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
Proverbs 22:13 The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.Ver. 13. The slothful man saith, There is a lion, &c.] ‘ The lion is not so fierce as is painted,’ saith the Spanish proverb; much less this sluggard’ s lion, a mere fiction of his own brain to cover and colour over his idleness. He pretends two lions for failing; first, Leo est foris, There is a lion abroad, or in the field, where his work lies, and another in the streets; - a likely matter; lions haunt not in streets, but in woods and wildernesses. Here is no talk of Satan, "that roaring lion," that lies couchant in the sluggard’ s bed with him, and prompts him to these senseless excuses. Nor yet of the "lion of the tribe of Judah," who will one day send out summons for sleepers, and tearing the very caul of their hearts in sunder, send them packing to their place in hell. But to hell never came any yet that had not some pretence for their coming thither. The flesh never wants excuses. Corrupt nature needs not be taught to tell her own tale. Sin and shifting came into the world together; and as there is no wool so coarse but will take some colour: so no sin so gross but admits of a defence. Sin and Satan are alike in this, they cannot abide to appear in their own likeness.
Some deal with their souls as others deal with their bodies; when their beauty is decayed, they desire to hide it from themselves by false glasses, and from others by painting; so their sins from themselves by false glosses, and from others by idle excuses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
(13) The slothful man saith, There is a lion without . . .—No excuses are too absurd for him, he fears to meet a lion in the open country, or, he might be murdered in the streets.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
Verse 13. The slothful man saith, There is a lion without] But why does he say so? Because he is a slothful man. Remove his slothfulness, and these imaginary difficulties and dangers will be no more. He will not go abroad to work in the fields, because he thinks there is a lion in the way; he will not go out into the town for employment, as he fears to be assassinated in the streets! From both these circumstances he seeks total cessation from activity.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:13
13. slain] or, more in accordance with the usual meaning of the Heb. word, murdered, R.V. The sluggard then offers two absurd excuses for not going forth to his business. ‘Without,’ he says, beyond the city walls, in the open country, ‘there is a lion,’ ready to tear me in pieces (comp. Jeremiah 5:6); even into ‘the streets’ I dare not venture, lest there some ruffian should ‘murder’ me.” When, however, the proverb recurs (Proverbs 26:13), it is the lion that is the professed object of dread within the city: The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way, A lion is in the streets.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:13
The point of the satire is the ingenuity with which the slothful man devises the most improbable alarms. He hears that “there is a lion without,” i.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:13
13. There is a lion without — The plain meaning of this is, that an indolent man will make all manner of excuses for not doing his duty; will raise difficulties out of his own fancy when there are
Sermons on Proverbs 22:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. |
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(Proverbs) ch.21:9 - 22:11 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a good reputation and testimony in one's locality. He states that it is better to be known for righteousness, humil |
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There's a Lion in the Streets by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and encourages listeners to overcome obstacles in their spiritual journey. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and n |
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Proverbs 22:20 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the tendency of individuals to make excuses for not pursuing their ambitions in Christ, likening these excuses to 'lions in the way' that deter us from our s |
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Proverbs 22:13 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the excuses made by the lazy man, likening them to imaginary lions that prevent individuals from pursuing a higher life in Christ. He emphasizes that these li |
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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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Renew Your Pledge to Kill Every Last Giant of Sin by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon delves into the story of the Israelites in Numbers 13 and 14, highlighting their choice between facing the giants in the promised land or returning to slavery in Egypt. |