Proverbs 26:13

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Proverbs 26:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”

King James Version KJV

The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

American Standard Version ASV

The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The hater of work says, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

Free Bible Version FBV

Lazy people are the ones who say, “There's a lion on the road—a lion running around the streets!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The slouthfull man sayth, A lyon is in the way: a lyon is in the streetes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

The slothful hath said, 'A lion [is] in the way, A lion [is] in the broad places.'

World English Bible WEB

The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The slothful man saith: There is a lion in the way, and a lioness in the roads.

Translation for Translators T4T

Lazy people just stay inside their houses and do nothing; they keep saying “I think there is a lion in the street!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:13

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 26:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אָמַ֣ר עָ֭צֵל שַׁ֣חַל בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ אֲ֝רִ֗י בֵּ֣ין הָ/רְחֹבֽוֹת

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עָ֭צֵל ʻâtsêl H6102 sluggish Adj

שַׁ֣חַל shachal H7826 lion N-ms

בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

אֲ֝רִ֗י ʼărîy H738 lion N-ms

בֵּ֣ין bêyn H996 between Prep

הָ/רְחֹבֽוֹת rᵉchôb H7339 street/plaza Art | N-fp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:13

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.

שַׁ֣חַל shachal H7826 "lion" N-ms

This word refers to a lion, known for its powerful roar. In Proverbs 30:30, it is used to describe the strength and courage of a lion, while in 1 Peter 5:8, it symbolizes Satan as a fierce lion.

Definition: 1) lion 1a) of Jehovah, wicked men (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (fierce) lion. See also: Job 4:10; Psalms 91:13; Proverbs 26:13.

בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

אֲ֝רִ֗י 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.

בֵּ֣ין bêyn H996 "between" Prep

Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.

Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between

Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.

הָ/רְחֹבֽוֹת rᵉchôb H7339 "street/plaza" Art | 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.

Study Notes — Proverbs 26:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Proverbs 26:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:13
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:13
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13
Sermons on Proverbs 26:13

Context — Similitudes and Instructions

11As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. 12Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”

14As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed. 15The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 22:13	The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”
2	Proverbs 19:15	Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
3	Proverbs 15:19	The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Proverbs 26:13 Summary

This verse is about a person who doesn't want to work and makes up excuses to avoid it, saying that a lion is in the road, which is likely not true. This is similar to when we make excuses for not doing what we should be doing, like the fool in Proverbs 26:11 who repeats their folly. The Bible encourages us to be diligent and responsible, as seen in Proverbs 6:6-11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10, and to take ownership of our actions, rather than blaming external circumstances. By recognizing and overcoming our excuses, we can become more productive and faithful servants of God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue with the slacker in Proverbs 26:13?

The slacker is making excuses and blaming external circumstances for their lack of effort, rather than taking responsibility for their actions, much like the fool in Proverbs 26:11 who repeats their folly.

Is the slacker's claim about the lion in the road a legitimate concern?

It is unlikely that the slacker's claim is genuine, as it is used as an excuse to avoid work, similar to the way the fool in Proverbs 26:12 is wise in their own eyes but lacks true wisdom.

How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on laziness?

This verse is consistent with other teachings in the Bible, such as Proverbs 6:6-11, which encourages diligence and hard work, and 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which warns against idleness.

What can we learn from the slacker's behavior in this verse?

We can learn that making excuses and blaming external circumstances can lead to a lack of productivity and a poor work ethic, and that taking responsibility for our actions is essential for personal growth and development, as seen in Proverbs 10:4-5.

Reflection Questions

What are some excuses I use to avoid doing what God has called me to do, and how can I overcome them?
In what ways do I resemble the slacker in this verse, and what steps can I take to become more diligent and responsible?
How can I distinguish between legitimate concerns and excuses, and what role does faith play in overcoming fears and obstacles?
What are some areas in my life where I need to take more responsibility and stop making excuses, and how can I apply the principles of Proverbs 26:13 to those areas?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:13

The slothful [man] saith,.... Within himself; or to such that excite him to diligence and industry, to go about the business of his calling, to till his field, and dress his vineyard.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:13

The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. (There is) a lion in the way. Energy soon puts to flight such lions (Proverbs 22:13).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13

To excuse his idleness, and keeping himself at home. See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13

Proverbs 26:13 The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.Ver. 13. The slothful man sayeth, There is a lion.]

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13

(13) The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way . . .—See above on Proverbs 22:13.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13

Verse 13. The slothful man saith] See Clarke on Proverbs 22:13.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:13

13. Almost identical with Proverbs 22:13, where see note. the slothful man] Rather, the sluggard. See Proverbs 26:16, note.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:13

Compare the marginal reference note. Here there is greater dramatic vividness in the two words used: (1) A roaring one, (2) a lion, more specifically.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:13

13. Lion in the way — Compare Proverbs 22:13, where we have the same proverb almost verbatim.

Sermons on Proverbs 26:13

	Sermon	Description
	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
	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.
	(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
	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
	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
	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
	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