### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâtsêl**, represented by `{{H6102}}`, is defined as **indolent; slothful, sluggard**. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses**, primarily in the book of Proverbs. The term consistently describes a person characterized by laziness, a refusal to work, and a tendency to make excuses for their inaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical wisdom literature, `{{H6102}}` illustrates a character flaw with predictable consequences. The **sluggard** will not plow due to the cold and as a result, will beg in the harvest and have nothing [[Proverbs 20:4]]. This character often invents excuses to avoid responsibility, claiming "There is a lion without" or "a lion is in the streets" ([[Proverbs 22:13]], [[Proverbs 26:13]]). The laziness of the **slothful** man is portrayed as so extreme that he hides his hand in his bosom and finds it grievous to bring it to his mouth [[Proverbs 26:15]]. To those who employ him, the **sluggard** is as irritating as vinegar to the teeth or smoke to the eyes [[Proverbs 10:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the behavior and mindset associated with the **sluggard**:
* `{{H2742}}` **chărûwts** (diligent): This word, meaning eager or diligent, stands in direct contrast. While the soul of the **sluggard** desires and has nothing, the soul of the **diligent** is made fat [[Proverbs 13:4]].
* `{{H2779}}` **chôreph** (cold): Defined as the autumn or winter season, this is used as the **sluggard's** excuse for not plowing [[Proverbs 20:4]], highlighting a refusal to endure even moderate hardship for future gain.
* `{{H2934}}` **ṭâman** (to hide): This primitive root meaning to hide or lay privily is used to describe the **slothful** man's action of hiding his hand in his bosom, an image of profound indolence ([[Proverbs 19:24]], [[Proverbs 26:15]]).
* `{{H7901}}` **shâkab** (to lie down): Meaning to lie down for rest or sleep, this verb is central to the question posed to the **sluggard**: "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?" [[Proverbs 6:9]]. The **slothful** man is depicted turning on his bed like a door on its hinges [[Proverbs 26:14]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{H6102}}` carries significant weight within biblical wisdom, serving as a clear warning against a life of indolence.
* **A Character of Inaction:** The **sluggard** is defined by what he fails to do. He refuses to plow [[Proverbs 20:4]], and his hands refuse to labor, a reality which ultimately "killeth him" [[Proverbs 21:25]].
* **Consequence of Want:** The path of the **slothful** leads directly to poverty. Scripture states his soul "desireth, and hath nothing" [[Proverbs 13:4]] and warns against loving sleep, lest one come to poverty [[Proverbs 20:13]].
* **Foolish Self-Deception:** Sloth is linked to a foolish and prideful perspective. The **sluggard** is described as "wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason" [[Proverbs 26:16]].
* **A Call to Wisdom:** The alternative to being a **sluggard** is wisdom and diligence. The lazy man is famously instructed to "Go to the ant... consider her ways, and be wise" [[Proverbs 6:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6102}}` is not merely a label for laziness but a description of a destructive character type. The **ʻâtsêl** is a person of excuses, inaction, and unfulfilled desire whose path inevitably leads to want and ruin. The term serves as a powerful cautionary example within scripture, contrasting the foolishness of sloth with the wisdom of diligence, foresight, and productive labor.
TRV