Proverbs 19:15
Proverbs 19:15 in Multiple Translations
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And the idle soul shall suffer hunger.
Hate of work sends deep sleep on a man: and he who has no industry will go without food.
Lazy people are often fast asleep, but idleness means they're hungry.
Slouthfulnes causeth to fall asleepe, and a deceitfull person shall be affamished.
Sloth causeth deep sleep to fall, And an indolent soul doth hunger.
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep, and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
Those who are lazy sleep soundly, but if they are lazy, they will be hungry because of not earning money to buy food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:15
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 19:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַ֭צְלָה
תַּפִּ֣יל
תַּרְדֵּמָ֑ה
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
רְמִיָּ֣ה
תִרְעָֽב
עַ֭צְלָה
ʻatslâh
H6103
sluggishness
N-fs
תַּפִּ֣יל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
תַּרְדֵּמָ֑ה
tardêmâh
H8639
deep sleep
N-fs
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Conj | N-cs
רְמִיָּ֣ה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
deceit
N-fs
תִרְעָֽב
râʻêb
H7456
be hungry
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:15
עַ֭צְלָה
ʻatslâh
H6103
"sluggishness"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means being sluggish or lazy, showing a lack of effort or energy, as seen in the Bible's warnings against slothfulness. It is often translated as slothfulness in the KJV. This concept is important in books like Proverbs.
Definition: sluggishness, laziness
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: slothfulness. See also: Proverbs 19:15; Ecclesiastes 10:18.
תַּפִּ֣יל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
תַּרְדֵּמָ֑ה
tardêmâh
H8639
"deep sleep"
N-fs
This word refers to a deep sleep or trance, where someone is completely unaware of their surroundings. In Genesis, it describes the sleep God gave Adam before creating Eve. This kind of sleep is also mentioned in other biblical stories.
Definition: deep sleep, trance
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: deep sleep. See also: Genesis 2:21; Job 4:13; Proverbs 19:15.
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
רְמִיָּ֣ה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
"deceit"
N-fs
Remiyah refers to slackness or deceit, describing someone who is idle or treacherous, as seen in various KJV translations. It implies a lack of effort or loyalty.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful, -fully), false, guile, idle, slack, slothful. See also: Job 13:7; Psalms 120:3; Psalms 32:2.
תִרְעָֽב
râʻêb
H7456
"be hungry"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To be hungry is what this Hebrew verb means, and it is used in stories like Exodus and Matthew to describe physical need. Hunger is a basic human experience, and the Bible often uses it to illustrate spiritual longing.
Definition: 1) to be hungry, be voracious 1a) (Qal) to be hungry 1b) (Hiphil) to allow one to be hungry, allow to hunger
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (suffer to) famish, (be, have, suffer, suffer to) hunger(-ry). See also: Genesis 41:55; Proverbs 19:15; Psalms 34:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:15
Context — The Man of Integrity
13A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.
14Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
16He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die. 17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 23:21 | For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:13 | Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. |
| 3 | 2 Thessalonians 3:10 | For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” |
| 4 | Romans 13:11–12 | 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. The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. |
| 5 | 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, |
| 6 | Proverbs 24:33 | A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:4–5 | Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. |
| 8 | Ephesians 5:14 | So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 56:10 | Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. |
| 10 | Proverbs 19:24 | The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth. |
Proverbs 19:15 Summary
[Proverbs 19:15 teaches us that being lazy can lead to big problems, like not having enough food or feeling unfulfilled. This is because when we don't work hard, we can't take care of ourselves or our families, as seen in Proverbs 10:4. On the other hand, working diligently and being responsible can bring blessings and provision, as promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10. By prioritizing hard work and responsibility, we can avoid the consequences of laziness and live a more fulfilling life.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be lazy in the context of Proverbs 19:15?
In this verse, laziness refers to a lack of diligence and effort in one's daily life, leading to a state of deep sleep or complacency, as warned against in Proverbs 6:9-11 and 20:4.
How does an idle soul suffer hunger according to Proverbs 19:15?
An idle soul will suffer hunger because they are not working to provide for themselves, illustrating the importance of diligence and hard work, as seen in Proverbs 10:4 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
Is Proverbs 19:15 only talking about physical hunger?
While physical hunger is a consequence of laziness, the verse may also imply spiritual hunger, where one's lack of effort in their spiritual life leads to a sense of emptiness and discontent, as described in Amos 8:11 and Matthew 5:6.
How can I apply Proverbs 19:15 to my daily life?
To apply this verse, prioritize diligence and hard work in your daily tasks, and be mindful of the potential consequences of laziness, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24 and 2 Timothy 2:6.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I prone to laziness, and how can I work to overcome it?
- How does my daily schedule and priorities reflect my values and commitment to diligence?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure I am working hard and providing for myself and my loved ones?
- How can I balance rest and work in a way that honors God and avoids the dangers of laziness?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep,.... Slothful persons are generally sleepy, and are very desirous of sleep, and indulge themselves in it; they spend their time, day and night, in sleep and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep. Moderate labour sharpens the spirit; idleness dulls it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
Casteth into a deep sleep; maketh a man careless and, negligent, and like one asleep in his business, whereby he cometh to want, as it follows.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.Ver. 15. Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep.] Sloth bringeth sleep, and sleep poverty. See this excellently set forth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
(15) Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep.—Or rather, makes it fall upon a man, as upon Adam (Genesis 2:21).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
Verse 15. Into a deep sleep] תרדמה tardemah, the same into which Adam was thrown, before Eve was taken from his side. Sloth renders a man utterly unconscious of all his interests. Though he has frequently felt hunger, yet he is regardless that his continual slothfulness must necessarily plunge him into more sufferings.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:15
Casteth into a deep sleep - Better, causeth deep sleep to fall.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:15
15. Casteth — Rather, causeth deep sleep to fall, amounting to stupor and lethargy. A deep sleep — úøãîä, (tardemah,) the same word used in Genesis 2:2, concerning Adam. An idle soul — Or person. Comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the Doctrine of Repentance, emphasizing the essential nature of repentance as a grace of God's Spirit that humbles and reforms sinners. He highlights the |
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A Prisoner of Appetite Is Unhealthy Eating a Sin? by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the importance of taking care of our bodies and avoiding unhealthy eating habits, focusing on the struggle to resist temptations and the need to prioritize ph |
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Sunday Night Meditations 05 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the well-known story from Luke's Gospel, chapter 15, about a father and his two sons. The younger son represents the average, unregenerate m |
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Drinking - What John R. Rice Wrote About It by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the curses of alcoholism, emphasizing the woes pronounced on the crown of pride and the drunkards of Ephraim in the Bible. He highlights the detrimental |
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Step 20 on Bodily Vigil and How to Use It to Attain Spiritual Vigil and How to Practise It. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus emphasizes the importance of vigilance and prayer in the life of a monk, highlighting the various ways monks stand before God in prayer, with each offering valued |
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Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie |
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(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It |