Berean Strong's Lexicon Atsel: Sluggard, Lazy person Original Word: עָצֵל Word Origin: Derived from the root עָצַל (atsal), which means "to be sluggish" or "to be idle." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent in Strong's Concordance, the concept of laziness is addressed in the New Testament, such as in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:26) where the unproductive servant is called "wicked and lazy" (Greek: ὀκνηρός, oknēros - Strong's G3636). Usage: The term "Atsel" is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe a person characterized by laziness or slothfulness. It often carries a negative connotation, highlighting the moral and practical consequences of idleness. The sluggard is depicted as someone who avoids work, lacks discipline, and fails to take responsibility, leading to poverty and unfulfilled potential. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israelite society, diligence and hard work were highly valued traits, essential for survival and prosperity in an agrarian culture. The concept of the "Atsel" would have been a cautionary archetype, warning against the dangers of laziness. The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently contrasts the sluggard with the diligent, emphasizing the virtues of hard work and the pitfalls of idleness. Brown-Driver-Briggs II. אֵ֫צֶל in proper name [masculine] בֵּיתהָֿאֵ֫צֶל Micah 1:11, according to Hi Ew Ca Ke = אַָצל Zechariah 14:5, but dubious; compare II.אָצֵל below I. אָצֵל, in pause אָצַ֑ל (Ges§ 29. 4 c) proper name, masculine (perhaps noble, compare אָצִיל 2) a descendant of Jonathan 1 Chronicles 8:37,38 = 1 Chronicles 9:43,44. II. [אָצֵל], in pause אַָצל Zechariah 14:5, according to ᵐ5 ᵑ7 Thes Ew and others, proper name, of a location near Jerusalem; but no site found, & identification with בֵּיתהָֿאֵצֶל uncertain; hence Symm ᵑ9 Köh Wr make substantive, אֶלאַָֿצל = very near, hard by (אָצֵל being the supposed absolute form of I. אֵצֶל; compare Ol§ 167 b). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Azal, Azel From 'atsal; noble; Atsel, the name of an Israelite, and of a place in Palestine -- Azal, Azel. see HEBREW 'atsal Forms and Transliterations אָצֵ֥ל אָצַֽל׃ אָצַל֒ אצל אצל׃ וּלְאָצֵל֮ ולאצל ’ā·ṣal ’ā·ṣêl ’āṣal ’āṣêl aTzal aTzel ū·lə·’ā·ṣêl ūlə’āṣêl uleaTzelLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:37 HEB: אֶלְעָשָׂ֥ה בְנ֖וֹ אָצֵ֥ל בְּנֽוֹ׃ NAS: Eleasah his son, Azel his son. KJV: Eleasah his son, Azel his son: INT: Eleasah his son Azel his son 1 Chronicles 8:38 1 Chronicles 8:38 1 Chronicles 9:43 1 Chronicles 9:44 1 Chronicles 9:44 Zechariah 14:5 7 Occurrences |