### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H6104 (עַצְלוּת - 'atslûwth) is a feminine noun derived from the root H6103 (עָצַל - 'atsal), which means "to be lazy, sluggish, or idle." As a noun, H6104 abstracts this quality, denoting the state or characteristic of "indolence" or "idleness." Its semantic range encompasses sluggishness, slothfulness, and a habitual aversion to effort or work. It describes a culpable lack of diligence, distinct from necessary rest, and implies a failure to engage in productive or dutiful activity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H6104 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Ecclesiastes:
* **[[Ecclesiastes 10:18]]**: "By much H6104 (עַצְלוּת) the roof sinks in, and through the idleness of the hands the house leaks."
* **Context:** This verse employs a vivid and practical metaphor to illustrate the destructive consequences of H6104. The Preacher observes that just as a physical structure, such as a house, deteriorates and becomes ruined when maintenance is neglected due to indolence, so too do other aspects of life suffer decay when diligence is absent. The "sinking roof" and "leaking house" are direct, tangible results of the abstract quality of H6104. This singular occurrence powerfully connects the vice of idleness to tangible, ruinous outcomes, emphasizing that inaction stemming from H6104 is not benign but actively destructive.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root H6103 (עָצַל - 'atsal):** This is the verbal root from which H6104 is derived. It describes the *act* or *state* of being sluggish or idle, appearing in passages like [[Proverbs 15:19]] and [[Proverbs 20:4]].
* **H6102 (עָצֵל - 'atsel):** This is the adjective meaning "lazy" or "sluggard," frequently used in the book of Proverbs (e.g., [[Proverbs 6:6]], [[Proverbs 10:26]]). This word describes the *person* characterized by H6104.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:** Biblical wisdom literature frequently contrasts H6104 and its related terms with concepts of diligence, hard work, and industry. Key words include H2742 (חָרוּץ - charūts), meaning "diligent" or "sharp," and H5998 (עָמָל - 'āmāl), referring to "toil" or "labor."
* **Themes in Wisdom Literature:** H6104 is part of a broader thematic cluster within Proverbs and Ecclesiastes concerning work ethic, responsibility, prudence, and the consequences of one's choices. It is consistently portrayed as a vice that leads to poverty, ruin, and ultimately, a diminished life, standing in stark opposition to the virtues of diligence and industry, which are presented as paths to prosperity and blessing.
### Theological Significance
The biblical treatment of H6104 and its cognates underscores a profound theological principle: diligence is a virtue, and idleness is a serious vice with significant consequences.
* **Divine Model:** God Himself is depicted as a diligent worker, particularly in the creation account ([[Genesis 1:1-31]]; [[Genesis 2:2]]). Humanity, created in God's image, is called to participate in work and to steward creation ([[Genesis 2:15]]). H6104 represents a departure from this divine pattern and human mandate.
* **Consequences of Indolence:** The singular, powerful use of H6104 in [[Ecclesiastes 10:18]] serves as a stark warning. It illustrates that H6104 is not merely an absence of activity but an active force of decay and ruin. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that actions (and inactions) have tangible, often inevitable, consequences.
* **Stewardship and Responsibility:** H6104 signifies a failure in stewardship. Whether it pertains to one's physical possessions, financial resources, God-given talents, or allocated time, indolence leads to neglect and ultimately to ruin. The biblical narrative consistently calls humans to be responsible managers of what God has entrusted to them, making H6104 a theological concern as it undermines this divine expectation.
* **Ethical and Spiritual Dimension:** Beyond mere inefficiency, H6104 often stems from a moral failing—a lack of discipline, foresight, or commitment to one's duties and responsibilities. From a spiritual perspective, persistent H6104 can be seen as a form of unfaithfulness, neglecting the call to productive living and service to God and neighbor.
### Summary
H6104 (עַצְלוּת - 'atslûwth) precisely denotes the abstract quality of indolence or idleness. Derived from the root H6103 ('atsal), meaning "to be lazy," and closely associated with the adjective H6102 ('atsel), "lazy," this term encapsulates the state of being characterized by an aversion to work or effort. Despite its solitary occurrence in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Ecclesiastes 10:18]], its impact is vividly conveyed through the metaphor of a house decaying due to neglect. This singular, potent usage, alongside the extensive teaching on diligence in wisdom literature, underscores the profound theological and ethical implications of H6104. It signifies a culpable failure in stewardship and responsibility, leading to tangible ruin and reflecting a lack of faithfulness in managing divine entrustments. The biblical witness consistently contrasts H6104 with the virtues of hard work and diligence, portraying idleness as a destructive vice with far-reaching negative consequences for individuals and their spheres of influence.
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