Proverbs 26:15
Proverbs 26:15 in Multiple Translations
The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.
The hater of work puts his hand deep into the basin: lifting it again to his mouth is a weariness to him.
Lazy people put their hands in a dish, but are too tired to lift the food to their mouths.
The slouthfull hideth his hand in his bosome, and it grieueth him to put it againe to his mouth.
The slothful hath hid his hand in a dish, He is weary of bringing it back to his mouth.
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish. He is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
The slothful hideth his hand under his armpit, and it grieveth him to turn it to his mouth.
Some people are extremely lazy; they put their hand in a dish to get some food but do not even lift the food up to their mouths.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:15
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 26:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טָ֘מַ֤ן
עָצֵ֣ל
יָ֭ד/וֹ
בַּ/צַּלָּ֑חַת
נִ֝לְאָ֗ה
לַֽ/הֲשִׁיבָ֥/הּ
אֶל
פִּֽי/ו
טָ֘מַ֤ן
ṭâman
H2934
to hide
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָצֵ֣ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
sluggish
Adj
יָ֭ד/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
בַּ/צַּלָּ֑חַת
tsallachath
H6747
dish
Prep | N-fs
נִ֝לְאָ֗ה
lâʼâh
H3811
be weary
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
לַֽ/הֲשִׁיבָ֥/הּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פִּֽי/ו
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:15
טָ֘מַ֤ן
ṭâman
H2934
"to hide"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to hide or conceal something, often secretly, as in Joshua. It can also mean to bury or lay something aside, out of sight or knowledge.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal, bury 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hide 1a2) hiding, concealing, secretly laying (participle) 1a3) darkness (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to hide
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: hide, lay privily, in secret. See also: Genesis 35:4; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 9:16.
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.
יָ֭ד/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
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.
בַּ/צַּלָּ֑חַת
tsallachath
H6747
"dish"
Prep | N-fs
A dish or bowl, like the ones used in the Last Supper in the New Testament. This word refers to a deep, advanced container. It is translated as bosom or dish in the KJV.
Definition: dish, bowl
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bosom, dish. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Proverbs 19:24; Proverbs 26:15.
נִ֝לְאָ֗ה
lâʼâh
H3811
"be weary"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
Means to be or make weary, disgusted, or tired, like in Psalm 6:8 where David is weary of crying. It can also mean to be impatient or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be weary, be impatient, be grieved, be offended 1a) (Qal) to be weary, be impatient 1b) (Niphal) to be tired of something, weary oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to weary, make weary, exhaust
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: faint, grieve, lothe, (be, make) weary (selves). See also: Genesis 19:11; Isaiah 16:12; Psalms 68:10.
לַֽ/הֲשִׁיבָ֥/הּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פִּֽי/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:15
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
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.
16The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. 17Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:24 | The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth. |
Proverbs 26:15 Summary
[This verse is talking about someone who is very lazy and doesn't want to do anything, not even feed themselves. It's like they're so lazy, they can't even be bothered to lift their hand to their mouth to eat. This kind of behavior is not what God wants for us, as we see in Proverbs 10:4-5, where it says that diligent hands will rule, but laziness leads to poverty. We should strive to be diligent and responsible, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23, and make sure we're not letting laziness control our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a slacker in the context of Proverbs 26:15?
In this verse, a slacker refers to someone who is extremely lazy and lacks motivation, as seen in their inability to even feed themselves, similar to the description in Proverbs 24:30-34, where a lazy person's field becomes overgrown and worthless.
Is the verse suggesting that all people who are tired or struggling with motivation are slackers?
No, the verse is specifically highlighting the behavior of someone who consistently chooses to be lazy, rather than someone who is facing a temporary struggle, as seen in the contrast between the slacker and the diligent person in Proverbs 10:4-5.
How can we apply the lesson of Proverbs 26:15 to our own lives?
We can apply this lesson by recognizing the importance of diligence and hard work, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:29 and Colossians 3:23, and making a conscious effort to avoid laziness and develop good habits in our daily lives.
What is the significance of the slacker burying their hand in the dish?
The image of the slacker burying their hand in the dish and being too weary to bring it back to their mouth is a vivid illustration of the absurdity of their laziness, highlighting the fact that their lack of motivation extends even to basic self-care, as seen in the description of the slothful person in Proverbs 20:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be exhibiting lazy or slothful behavior, and how can I make a change?
- How does my motivation and work ethic reflect my relationship with God, and are there any changes I need to make to honor Him?
- What are some practical steps I can take to develop greater diligence and responsibility in my daily life, and how can I hold myself accountable?
- How can I balance rest and relaxation with the need to be diligent and responsible, and what role does self-care play in this balance?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:15
The slothful hideth his hand in [his] bosom,.... To keep it warm; Jarchi's note is, "he puts his hand in a hot basin, because of the cold.'' The word (c) for "bosom" does sometimes signify a "pot" or basin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:15
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth (note Proverbs 19:24).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:15
He will not take the least pains for the most necessary things.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:15
Proverbs 26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in [his] bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.Ver. 15. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:15
(15) The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom.—See above on Proverbs 19:24.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:15
15. his bosom] Rather, the dish, as in Proverbs 19:24, where see note. grieveth] Rather, wearieth. It is too much trouble to him.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:15
Grieveth him - Better, wearieth him.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:15
15. Hideth — See Proverbs 19:24. In his bosom — Rather, in the dish. It grieveth him — It is wearisome to him. A sarcasm. “Too lazy to eat!”