Proverbs 24:33

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Proverbs 24:33 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

King James Version KJV

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

American Standard Version ASV

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep;

Bible in Basic English BBE

A little sleep, a little rest, a little folding of the hands in sleep:

Free Bible Version FBV

You may say, “Please, just a little more sleep, a little longer snooze, a little more folding of the arms to rest”—

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Yet a litle sleepe, a litle slumber, a litle folding of the handes to sleepe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

A little sleep — a little slumber — A little folding of the hands to lie down.

World English Bible WEB

a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou wilt sleep a little, said I, thou wilt slumber a little, thou wilt fold thy hands a little to rest:

Translation for Translators T4T

If you spend a lot of time sleeping and napping and folding your hands while you rest,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:33

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 24:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB מְעַ֣ט שֵׁ֭נוֹת מְעַ֣ט תְּנוּמ֑וֹת מְעַ֓ט חִבֻּ֖ק יָדַ֣יִם לִ/שְׁכָּֽב

מְעַ֣ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little N-ms

שֵׁ֭נוֹת shênâh H8142 sleep N-fp

מְעַ֣ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little N-ms

תְּנוּמ֑וֹת tᵉnûwmâh H8572 slumber N-fp

מְעַ֓ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little N-ms

חִבֻּ֖ק chibbuq H2264 folding N-ms

יָדַ֣יִם yâd H3027 hand N-cd

לִ/שְׁכָּֽב shâkab H7901 to lie down Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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 24:33

מְעַ֣ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" N-ms

This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.

Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.

שֵׁ֭נוֹת shênâh H8142 "sleep" N-fp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sleep or be asleep, like when God put Adam to sleep in Genesis 2:21. It is also used to describe a state of unconsciousness. This word is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: sleep Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "sleep" H8139)

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: sleep. See also: Genesis 28:16; Proverbs 6:4; Psalms 76:6.

מְעַ֣ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" N-ms

Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth

תְּנוּמ֑וֹת tᵉnûwmâh H8572 "slumber" N-fp

This word means slumber or drowsiness, describing a state of sleep or lethargy, as seen in Proverbs. It can also imply a spiritual sleep, where one is not fully awake to God's presence. It is used to caution against spiritual laziness.

Definition: slumber, slumberings, sleep

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: slumber(-ing). See also: Job 33:15; Proverbs 6:4; Psalms 132:4.

מְעַ֓ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" N-ms

Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth

חִבֻּ֖ק chibbuq H2264 "folding" N-ms

Folding your hands can mean being idle or lazy, like when someone is too lazy to work and just folds their hands instead.

Definition: 1) fold (hands), a folding (of the hands), clasping (of the hands) 1a) of laziness (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fold. See also: Proverbs 6:10; Proverbs 24:33.

יָדַ֣יִם yâd H3027 "hand" N-cd

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.

לִ/שְׁכָּֽב shâkab H7901 "to lie down" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

Study Notes — Proverbs 24:33

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Proverbs 24:33 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:33
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:33
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:33
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:33
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:33
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:33
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:33
Sermons on Proverbs 24:33

Context — Further Sayings of the Wise

31Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. 32I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction:

33A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

34and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Thessalonians 5:6–8	So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
2	Proverbs 6:4–11	Allow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. 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, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
3	Romans 13:11	And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
4	Ephesians 5:14	So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Proverbs 24:33 Summary

[Proverbs 24:33 warns against the dangers of laziness and complacency, encouraging us to be diligent and responsible in our daily lives. Just like our physical bodies need rest, our spiritual lives also need rest, as seen in Exodus 20:11 and Hebrews 4:9-11. However, excessive rest or laziness can lead to negative consequences, such as poverty and need, as stated in Proverbs 24:34. By being mindful of our work ethic and avoiding laziness, we can trust in God's providence and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7, and live a life that is pleasing to Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to sleep or slumber in Proverbs 24:33?

In this context, sleeping or slumbering refers to a state of spiritual laziness or complacency, as seen in Proverbs 6:9-11, where it warns against loving sleep and slumber, leading to poverty and need.

Is it wrong to rest according to Proverbs 24:33?

No, rest is not wrong, as seen in Exodus 20:11 and Hebrews 4:9-11, which speak of the importance of rest and Sabbath; however, excessive rest or laziness can lead to negative consequences, as warned in Proverbs 24:33.

What is the consequence of folding our hands to rest, as mentioned in Proverbs 24:33?

The consequence of folding our hands to rest, or being idle, is that poverty and need will come upon us, as stated in Proverbs 24:34, much like a robber or bandit, emphasizing the importance of diligence and hard work, as taught in Proverbs 10:4-5 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

How can I apply Proverbs 24:33 to my daily life?

You can apply Proverbs 24:33 by being mindful of your work ethic and avoiding laziness, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24 and 2 Timothy 2:15, and instead, strive to be diligent and responsible in your daily tasks and responsibilities, trusting in God's providence and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be 'sleeping' or 'slumbering', and how can I become more alert and active in those areas?
How can I balance the need for rest and relaxation with the importance of being diligent and responsible in my daily life?
What are some potential consequences of excessive laziness or idleness in my life, and how can I avoid them?
In what ways can I apply the principle of diligence and hard work in my daily tasks and responsibilities, and how can I trust in God's providence and guidance in the process?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:33

[Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber,.... The sight of the field and vineyard of the slothful put Solomon in mind of an observation he had made before, which fitly describes the disposition and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:33

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: Compare the same, Proverbs 6:10-11. So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:33

See this and the following verse in ,11.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:33

Proverbs 24:33 [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:Ver. 33. Yet a little sleep.] Mercer makes this to be the lesson that the wise man both learnt himself and also lays before others - viz., to be content with a little sleep - to be up and at it early, &c., that the beggar catch us not. But I rather incline to those that think that he here brings in the sluggard pleading for his sloth, and by an elegant mimesis imitates and personifies him, saying, as he used to do, "yet a little more sleep, a little more slumber," &c. "A little," and yet "sleeps," in the plural. A little he would have, but a little will not serve his turn. &c.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:33

30–34. The Sluggard’s Vineyard. Comp. Proverbs 6:6-11, and notes.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:33

See the Proverbs 6:11 note.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:33

30-34. This is a most instructive parable, and needs little explication, though much might be said in amplification. A few notes must suffice. I went by — Not casually and carelessly, but as a diligent observer.

Sermons on Proverbs 24:33

	Sermon	Description
	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
	Desperately Needed: Men of God by Eli Brayley	Eli Brayley passionately calls the Church to awaken from spiritual slumber and heed the warnings of Solomon, emphasizing the urgent need for repentance and revival. Drawing from He
	Letter 119 by James Bourne	James Bourne emphasizes the importance of seeking a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ rather than just following a system of morality and opinion. He warns against the distractions
	(1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting
	That Dreadful Day (Coming Economic Collapse) David Wilkerson by David Wilkerson	This sermon from 2 Peter 3 discusses the impending day of the Lord, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and live in holiness and godliness. The message warns of comin
	Personal Victory for the New Year by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a verse written by Paul, emphasizing the importance of being watchful as Christians. He highlights that we cannot simply muddle through the
	Watchfulness and Readiness for Christ's Return by W.F. Kumuyi	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ. It highlights the need for constant watchfulness, remembrance of God's word, and recommi