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Proverbs 20:4 — Word Study

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WLCמֵ֭חֹרֶף עָצֵ֣ל לֹא־ יַחֲרֹ֑שׁ וְשָׁאַ֖ל בַּקָּצִ֣יר וָאָֽיִן׃

BSAThe slackerʻâtsêl [lazy, sluggish, or idle] does notlôʼ plowchârash [to cultivate or till the soil] in seasonchôreph [at the proper or appointed time] at harvest timeqâtsîyr [the time of reaping or gathering, a time of fruitfulness] he looksshâʼal [or seeks, to ask or inquire] but nothing is thereʼayin [a state of emptiness or nonexistence, or exists, to be found]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 20
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 4 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (va.'A.yin) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 20:4quick helps
In a sentenceThe lazy person fails to prepare in advance, resulting in emptiness at harvest time.
Who is speakingThe author of Proverbs, offering wisdom about diligence and consequences.
Where we areIn a section discussing the importance of hard work and the pitfalls of laziness.
The hard wordעָצֵל
Take awayPreparation is essential; neglect leads to lack.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectעָצֵל verbחָרַשׁ The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Proverbs 20:4

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — Wisdom on Diligence and Lazinessgenerated

3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?

Proverbs 20:4 contrasts the diligent worker with the slacker, emphasizing the consequences of laziness. The surrounding verses discuss conflict resolution and the nature of trustworthiness, reinforcing the theme of wise living through hard work and preparation.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Proverbs 10:4Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
2Proverbs 19:15–24Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
3Proverbs 26:13–16The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”
4Proverbs 6:10–11A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
5Proverbs 19:15Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word עָצֵל, 'a.Tzelgenerated

The Hebrew word עָצֵל (atsel) describes a person who is habitually lazy or idle. It indicates a state of sluggishness and is often associated with a lack of motivation to work. This term appears frequently in Proverbs, underscoring the value of diligence.

In this verse, the slacker's failure to plow in season leads to a lack of harvest, illustrating the direct consequences of laziness. The word serves as a warning against neglecting responsibilities, particularly in agricultural contexts where timely action is crucial.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree that the slacker does not plow in season and is left with nothing at harvest time.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is יַחֲרֹ֑שׁ, he plows, which is negated by לֹא, not. The structure reveals a clear cause-and-effect relationship: the slacker does not prepare, leading to nothing at harvest time.

The sentence is organized with the subject עָצֵל at the beginning, followed by the negation and the verb, creating a straightforward declaration about the slacker's actions.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates עָצֵל as ὀκνηρὸς, which carries a similar meaning of laziness or sluggishness. This choice aligns with the Hebrew's emphasis on the character of the slacker.

The Greek term captures the essence of the Hebrew word, maintaining the focus on the consequences of idleness.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 20:4 teaches that a lazy person does not prepare their fields when they should, and when it's time to gather the harvest, they find nothing. This verse highlights the importance of being diligent and ready for the right season.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to not plow in season?

It means failing to prepare or work when it is necessary, leading to a lack of results later.

Why is harvest time significant?

Harvest time is a period of reaping the benefits of one's labor; if one does not prepare, there will be nothing to gather.

How does laziness affect outcomes?

Laziness leads to missed opportunities and results in emptiness or lack when it is time to benefit from one's efforts.

What can we learn from this verse about work ethic?

The verse emphasizes the necessity of diligence and preparation to achieve fruitful outcomes.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to be more diligent and proactive?
  2. How can I ensure that I am preparing for future opportunities rather than waiting until it's too late?
  3. What are some consequences I have faced due to procrastination or laziness?
  4. How can I encourage others to develop a strong work ethic and avoid laziness?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Early commentators like Gregory the Dialogist and Bede reflect on this verse to discuss the consequences of slothfulness and the importance of diligence in one's duties.

Gregory the DialogistThe Book of Pastoral Rule, Part 3, Chapter 15 c. 540–604
For the most part the slothful, while he neglects to do things that are necessary, sets before him some that are difficult, but is inconsiderately afraid of others;
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 20 →
BedeCommentary on Proverbs c. 673–735
Because of the cold, the sluggard would not plough, etc. He who now neglects to labor in the service of God due to sloth will beg in the coming day of the kingdom, and it will not be given to him, because whatever a man sows,
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 20 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 20:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

The sluggard will not plough by reason of the cold,.... Or, "in the cold"; in the time of cold, as Aben Ezra; in the time of autumn, which is the time of ploughing, when it begins to be cold weather,

Read John Gill on Proverbs 20 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold - Hebrew, the winter. Disinclination is never in want of excuses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 20 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

By reason of the cold of the ploughing season, which is in autumn and towards winter. He hates and avoids all laborious and difficult work, although his own necessity and interest oblige him to it. And have nothing; and not obtain an alms; not in that time of plenty and bounty, because men’ s hearts are justly hardened against that man who by his own sloth and wilfulness hath brought himself to want.

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 20 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing.Ver. 4. The sluggard will not plough by reason of the cold.] So the spiritual sluggard either dreams of a delicacy in the ways of God, which is a great vanity; or else, if heaven be not to be had without the hardship of holiness, Christ may keep his heaven to himself. The young man in the gospel went away grieved that Christ required such things that he could not be willing to yield to. The Hebrews have a common proverb among them: He that on the even of the Sabbath hath not gathered what to eat, shall not at all eat on the Sabbath; meaning thereby that none shall reign in…

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 20 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 4. The sluggard will not plough] For other parts of this character, see the preceding chapter. It is seldom that there is a season of very cold weather in Palestine; very cold days sometimes occur, with wind, rain, and sleet. They begin their ploughing in the latter end of September, and sow their early wheat by the middle of October. And this is often the case in England itself. The meaning of the proverb is: the slothful man, under the pretence of unfavourable weather, neglects cultivating his land till the proper time is elapsed.

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 20 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

4. cold] Rather, winter, A.V. marg. and R.V. See Genesis 8:22, where the Heb. word here used is rendered “winter,” and another Heb. word is used for “cold.” beg] This rendering, which is retained in R.V. text, gives a forcible picture of the destitution to which the slothful will be reduced: though he beg as a mendicant, men’s hearts, even when enlarged by the plenty of harvest, will have no pity on him. Some, however, take it to mean, when he seeketh in harvest (when others are reaping the fruit of their labour) there shall be nothing, R.V. marg.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 20 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Plowing time in Palestine is in November and December, when the wind blows commonly from the North.

Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 20 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

4. Not plough by reason of the cold — îçø, (mehhoreph.) The word without the prefix means, the autumn, which is made also to include winter.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 20 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he looks for the crop but has nothing.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

RVARevised Version, American1894

The slothful will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

The slouthfull will not plowe, because of winter: therefore shall he beg in sommer, but haue nothing.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

The sluggard will not plough by reason of the winter; he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Because of winter the slothful plougheth not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

The slothful does not plow because of winter, || He asks in harvest, and there is nothing.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Because it is winter's cold, will the sluggard not plough: when he therefore seeketh in the harvest time, there will be nothing.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

The lazy person does not plow in autumn; he seeks a crop at harvest time but will have nothing.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Because of the cold the sluggard would not plough: he shall beg therefore in the summer, and it shall not be given him.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Slackers don't sow when they should, so when harvest comes they don't have anything.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

The hater of work will not do his ploughing because of the winter; so at the time of grain-cutting he will be requesting food and will get nothing.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

clauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalמֵ֭fromחֹרֶףwintersubjectעָצֵ֣לa.sluggardadverbialלֹאnotverbיַחֲרֹ֑שׁhe.plowsוְandclauseclauseverbשָׁאַ֖לhe.asksprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַּatnoun phrasetheקָּצִ֣ירharvestוָandclausepredicateאָֽיִןthere.[is].not

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with six out of seven words matched. The Septuagint's translation reflects the same ideas present in the Hebrew text, though its word order differs.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

מֵ֭חֹרֶף עָצֵ֣ל לֹא־ יַחֲרֹ֑שׁ וְשָׁאַ֖ל בַּקָּצִ֣יר וָאָֽיִן׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
מֵ֭חֹרֶףὀνειδιζόμενοςעָצֵ֣לὀκνηρὸςלֹא־οὐκיַחֲרֹ֑שׁαἰσξύνεταιוְשָׁאַ֖לδανιζόμενοςוָאָֽיִן׃σῖτον

6 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Proverbs 20:4חֹ֫רֶףfrom winterfrom winterחֹ֫רֶףעָצֵלa sluggarda sluggardעָצֵללֹאnotnotלֹאחָרַשׁhe plowshe plowsחָרַשׁשָׁאַלand he asksand he asksשָׁאַלקָצִירat the harvat the harvestקָצִיראַ֫יִןand nothingand nothingאַ֫יִןחָרַףto tauntto tauntחָרַףעָצֵלbe sluggisbe sluggishעָצֵלאַ֫יִןwhere?where?אַ֫יִןקָצֵרbe shortbe shortקָצֵרקַ֫יִץsummersummerקַ֫יִץבֵּיתplaceplaceבֵּיתצַלַּ֫חַתdishdishצַלַּ֫חַתטָמַןto hideto hideטָמַןיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדשְׁאֵלָהpetitionpetitionשְׁאֵלָהחִטָּהwheatwheatחִטָּהכְּמוֹlikelikeכְּמוֹ
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 20:4

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

from winter a sluggard not he plows and he asks at the harvest and nothing
מֵ֭חֹרֶףMe.cho.ref from winter H2779 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Choreph refers to autumn or harvest time, also implying ripeness of age. In the Bible, it is used to describe the changing of seasons. The KJV translates it as cold, winter, or youth.
Amplified meaning
at the proper or appointed time
Tyndale gloss
autumn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֹ֫רֶף (choreph) refers to the harvest time or autumn season, and it can also imply winter. It is derived from a root meaning the crop gathered, indicating a connection to the ripeness of age. The term is associated with both the autumn and winter seasons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֹ֫רֶף n.m. harvest-time, autumn

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2779 חֹ֫רֶף harvest-time, autumn

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2779 choreph kho'-ref

from 2778; properly, the crop gathered, i.e. (by implication)

the autumn (and winter) season; figuratively, ripeness of

age:--cold, winter (-house), youth.

see HEBREW for 02778

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֹ֫רֶף (cho.reph) — autumn.

1) harvest time, autumn

2) (CLBL) winter

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

win'-ter (choreph, from charaph, "to inundate," "overflow"): The rainy season, also the autumn harvest season (Ge 8:22; Ps 74:17; Zec 14:8). It is also the time of cold (Jer 36:22; Am 3:15). The verb "to winter" occurs in Isa 18:6. Cethaw has the same meaning as Choreph (So 2:11). cheimon, corresponds to choreph as the rainy season, and the verb paracheimazo, signifies "to pass the winter" (Ac 27:12), the noun from which is paracheimasia (same place).

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

See CANAAN.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Annual return of, will never cease Ge 8:22

→ Plowing in, in Canaan, (margin) Pr 20:4

→ Rainy season in, in Canaan So 2:11

→ Shipping suspended in, on the Mediterranean Sea Ac 27:12; 28:11

→ Paul remains for one, at Nicopolis Tit 3:12

→ Summer and winter houses Jer 36:22; Am 3:15

→ See METEOROLOGY

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- God makes

Ps 74:17

- Yearly return of, secured by covenant

Ge 8:22

- Coldness and inclemency of, noticed

Pr 20:4; Joh 10:22

- UNSUITED FOR

. Travelling

Mt 24:20; 2Ti 4:21

. Navigation

Ac 27:9

- Ships were laid up in port during

Ac 27:12; 28:11

- The Jews frequently had special houses for

Jer 36:22; Am 3:15

- Illustrative of seasons of spiritual adversity

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
from winter a sluggard not he plows and he asks at the harvest and nothing
עָצֵ֣ל'a.Tzel a sluggard H6102 Adj
14× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A sluggish person, often called a sluggard, this word describes someone who is habitually lazy or idle, like the slothful person in Proverbs.
Amplified meaning
lazy, sluggish, or idle
Tyndale gloss
sluggish
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָצֵל (atsel) refers to a state of being indolent or lazy, often describing a sluggard. It is derived from the root word for slothfulness and is used in various contexts to denote sluggishness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָצֵל 14 adj. sluggish, lazy

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6102 עָצֵל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6102 `atsel aw-tsale'

from 6101; indolent:--slothful, sluggard.

see HEBREW for 06101

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָצֵל (a.tsel) — sluggish.

1) sluggish, lazy

1a) sluggard (subst)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

slug'-ard: Found only in the Old Testament, and there only in Proverbs. It is the rendering given the word 'atsel everywhere in the Revised Version (British and American), but in the King James Version only in Pr 6:6,9; 10:26; 13:4; 20:4; 26:16 (elsewhere the King James Version translates by "slothful"). The root meaning of ['atsel] is "to be sluggish," "stupid." The English word "slug" is said to be "allied to slack" (Webster).

Nave's Topical Bible

→ (A very lazy person)

→ See IDLENESS

from winter a sluggard not he plows and he asks at the harvest and nothing
לֹא־lo'- not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
from winter a sluggard not he plows and he asks at the harvest and nothing
יַחֲרֹ֑שׁya.cha.Rosh he plows H2790 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
74× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Amplified meaning
to cultivate or till the soil
Tyndale gloss
to plow/plot
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חָרַשׁ (*charash*) encompasses meanings related to cutting, engraving, and plowing, as well as devising, often with a negative connotation. It also has a related form, חָרֵשׁ (*charesh*), which means to be silent or deaf. The entries indicate a range of uses, from physical actions to metaphorical implications of secrecy and silence.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חָרַשׁ] vb. cut in, engrave, plough, devise

Qal

cut in, engrave

plough

devise

Niph. Zion, as a field she shall be ploughed

Hiph. fabricating mischief against

base

[חָרֵשׁ] vb. 1. be silent, dumb, speechless; 2. be deaf; chiefly poet.

Qal

be silent, alw. of God’s keeping silence when men pray

be deaf

Hiph.

be silent (= exhibit silence)

once causat. make silent

be deaf, shew deafness

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2790a חָרַשׁ cut in, engrave, plough, devise H2790b חָרֵשׁ . be silent, dumb, speechless

. be deaf; chiefly poet.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2790 charash khaw-rash'

a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to

engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate

(of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense);

hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone;

hence (by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of

dumbness):--X altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise,

ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace,

plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep

silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue,

worker.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָרַשׁ (cha.rash) — to plow/plot.

1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to cut in, engrave

1a2) to plough

1a3) to devise

1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed

1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil

חָרֵשׁ (cha.resh) — be quiet.

1) to be silent, be dumb, be speechless, be deaf

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be silent

1a2) to be deaf

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to be silent, keep quiet

1b2) to make silent

1b3) to be deaf, show deafness

1c) (Hithpael) to remain silent

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
from winter a sluggard not he plows and he asks at the harvest and nothing
וְשָׁאַ֖לve.yish.'al and he asks H7592 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singular
171× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Amplified meaning
or seeks, to ask or inquire
Tyndale gloss
to ask
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁאַל (sha'al) means to ask or inquire, often in the context of requesting a favor or borrowing. It covers a range of uses, including seeking counsel, consulting deities, and even begging. The verb can appear in different forms, such as asking for oneself or granting requests. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, שְׁאֵל (she.el), meaning 'to ask'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁאַל 170 vb. ask, inquire

Qal

ask, ask for

specif. ask as a fovour, for temporary use, i.e. borrow

in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)

inquire of

inquire of, consult, deity, oracle, etc.

in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)

Niph. ask for oneself

Pi.

inquire carefully

beg, practise beggary

Hiph. (prop. let one ask [successfully], give, or lend, on request, then) grant, make over to (as a favour, with or without request)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7592 שָׁאַל ask, inquire .. . ask, ask for

. specif. ask as a fovour, for temporary use, i.e. borrow

. in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)

. . inquire of

. inquire of, consult, deity, oracle, etc.

. in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)

. ask for oneself

. . inquire carefully

. beg, practise beggary

. (prop. let one ask [successfully], give, or lend, on request, then) grant, make over to (as a favour, with or without request)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7592 sha'al shaw-al'

or shael {shaw-ale'}; a primitive root; to inquire; by

implication, to request; by extension, to demand:--ask

(counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand,

desire, X earnestly, enquire, + greet, obtain leave, lend,

pray, request, require, + salute, X straitly, X surely, wish.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁאַל (sha.al) — to ask.

1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to ask, ask for

1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow

1a3) to enquire, enquire of

1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle)

1a5) to seek

1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully

1c2) to beg, practise beggary

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to be given on request

1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to

Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqq3ms
from winter a sluggard not he plows and he asks at the harvest and nothing
בַּקָּצִ֣ירba.ka.Tzir at the harvest H7105 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
54× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Amplified meaning
the time of reaping or gathering, a time of fruitfulness
Tyndale gloss
harvest
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קָצִיר (qatsiyr) refers to the act of harvesting or the harvest itself, encompassing the process, the crop, and the time of harvest. It can also denote boughs or branches of trees. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to sever,' indicating its connection to reaping.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קָצִיר n.m. harvesting, harvest

process of harvesting

what is reaped, harvested, crop

time of harvest

base

קָצִיר n.m. usually coll., boughs, branches

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7105a קָצִיר harvesting, harvest H7105b קָצִיר usually coll., boughs, branches

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7105 qatsiyr kaw-tseer'

from 7114; severed, i.e. harvest (as reaped), the crop, the

time, the reaper, or figuratively; also a limb (of a tree, or

simply foliage):--bough, branch, harvest (man).

see HEBREW for 07114

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָצִיר (qa.tsir) — harvest.

1) harvest, harvesting

1a) process of harvesting

1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped

1c) time of harvest

קָצִיר (qa.tsir) — foliage.

boughs, branches

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

har'-vest (qatsir; therismos): To many of us, harvest time is of little concern, because in our complex life we are far removed from the actual production of our food supplies, but for the Hebrew people, as for those in any agricultural district today, the harvest was a most important season (Ge 8:22; 45:6). Events were reckoned from harvests (Ge 30:14; Jos 3:15; Jud 15:1; Ru 1:22; 2:23; 1Sa 6:13; 2Sa 21:9; 23:13). The three principal feasts of the Jews corresponded to the three harvest seasons (

→ Sabbath to be observed in Ex 34:21

→ Sabbath desecrated in Ne 13:15-22

→ Of wheat at Pentecost, in Palestine Ex 34:22; Le 23:15-17

→ And of wheat before harvest time Le 26:5

→ Of barley, before wheat Ex 9:31,32

→ Celebrated with joy Jud 9:27; Isa 9:3; 16:10; Jer 48:33

from winter a sluggard not he plows and he asks at the harvest and nothing
וָאָֽיִן׃va.'A.yin and nothing H369 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
789× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Amplified meaning
a state of emptiness or nonexistence, or exists, to be found
Tyndale gloss
nothing
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought

to nothing, as nothing

cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not

אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not

in circumst. clauses

with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …

with prefixes

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing

. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not

. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not

. in circumst. clauses

. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …

. with prefixes

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

369 'ayin ah'-yin

as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not

exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative

particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,

in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,

thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),

well-nigh, without. Compare 370.

see HEBREW for 0370

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.

1) nothing, not, nought n

1a) nothing, nought neg

1b) not

1c) to have not (of possession) adv

1d) without w/prep

1e) for lack of

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Part — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

nuth'-ing (lo', lo' @me'umah, etc.; medeis, oudeis): "Nothing" is represented by various words and phrases, often with lo', which is properly a substantive with the meaning of "nothing." Most frequently we have lo' me'umah, "not anything" (Ge 40:15; Jud 14:6).

Other forms are lo' dhabhar, "not anything"; (Ge 19:8); lo'khol, "not any(thing)" (Ge 11:6; Pr 13:7); la' (Aramaic), "no," "nothing" (Da 4:35, "as nothing"); 'ephec, "end," "cessation" (Isa 34:12); bilti, "without," "save," "not" (

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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