Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The term "idle" in the biblical context generally refers to a state of inactivity, laziness, or lack of productive work. It is often associated with a failure to fulfill one's responsibilities or to use one's time and resources wisely. The Bible addresses idleness in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of diligence and the dangers of slothfulness. Old Testament References: In the Old Testament, idleness is often linked with poverty and lack of provision. Proverbs 19:15 states, "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This verse highlights the consequences of idleness, suggesting that it leads to a lack of basic necessities. Similarly, Proverbs 31:27 praises the virtuous woman who "watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness," indicating that diligence is a valued trait. New Testament References: The New Testament also addresses the issue of idleness, particularly in the context of Christian living and community. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 , Paul admonishes the Thessalonians, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat. Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies." Here, idleness is associated with disorderly conduct and a lack of contribution to the community. Parables and Teachings of Jesus: Jesus' teachings often emphasize the importance of being productive and using one's talents wisely. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the servant who fails to invest his master's money is described as "wicked and lazy" (Matthew 25:26). This parable underscores the expectation that believers should actively use their gifts and opportunities for the Kingdom of God. Moral and Spiritual Implications: Idleness is not merely a physical state but also has moral and spiritual implications. It is often seen as a failure to fulfill God's purpose for one's life. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises believers to "be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This exhortation encourages Christians to be intentional and purposeful in their actions, avoiding the pitfalls of idleness. Practical Applications: The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a strong work ethic and to be diligent in their endeavors. Colossians 3:23 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." This perspective transforms work into an act of worship and service to God, providing a powerful antidote to idleness. Warnings Against Idleness: Scripture warns against the dangers of idleness, which can lead to temptation and sin. 1 Timothy 5:13 cautions against becoming "idle and going about from house to house," which can result in gossip and meddling. This warning highlights the potential for idleness to lead to destructive behavior. In summary, the Bible presents idleness as a negative trait that can lead to various personal and communal issues. It calls believers to a life of diligence, productivity, and purposeful living, aligning their actions with God's will and contributing positively to their communities. ATS Bible Dictionary IdleIn Matthew 12:36, means empty and fruitless. The "idle word" which Christ condemns, is a word morally useless and evil. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (superl.) of no account; useless; vain; trifling; unprofitable; thoughtless; silly; barren.2. (superl.) Not called into active service; not turned to appropriate use; unemployed; as, idle hours. 3. (superl.) Not employed; unoccupied with business; inactive; doing nothing; as, idle workmen. 4. (superl.) Given rest and ease; averse to labor or employment; lazy; slothful; as, an idle fellow. 5. (superl.) Light-headed; foolish. 6. (v. i.) To lose or spend time in inaction, or without being employed in business. 7. (v. t.) To spend in idleness; to waste; to consume; -- often followed by away; as, to idle away an hour a day. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia IDLE; IDLENESSi'-d'-l, i'-d'-l-nes: Both words, adjective and noun, render different Hebrew words (from `atsel, "to be lazy," raphah, "to relax," and shaqaT, "to be quiet"). According to the Yahwistic narrative Pharaoh's retort to the complaints of the Israelites was a charge of indolence (Exodus 5:8, 17). It was a favorite thought of Hebrew wisdom-practical philosophy of life-that indolence inevitably led to poverty and want (Proverbs 19:15 Ecclesiastes 10:18). The "virtuous woman" was one who would not eat the "bread of idleness" (Proverbs 31:27). In Ezekiel 16:49 for the King James Version "abundance of idleness," the Revised Version (British and American) has "prosperous ease." In the New Testament "idle" generally renders the Greek word argos, literally, "inactive," "useless" (Matthew 20:3, 6). In Luke 24:11 "idle talk" corresponds to one Greek word which means "empty gossip" or "nonsensical talk." Greek 691. argeo -- to be idle ... to be idle. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: argeo Phonetic Spelling: (arg-eh'-o) Short Definition: I linger, delay, am idle Definition: I linger, delay ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/691.htm - 6k 692. argos -- inactive, idle 3150. mataiologia -- idle or foolish talk 3636. okneros -- shrinking, timid, hence idle, lazy, troublesome 2673. katargeo -- to render inoperative, abolish 3026. leros -- silly talk 3454. muthos -- a speech, story, ie a fable 3151. mataiologos -- talking idly 812. atakteo -- to be out of order, be remiss 4691. spermologos -- a seed picker, fig. one who picks up scraps ... Strong's Hebrew 907. bad -- empty, idle talk... 906, 907. bad. 908 . empty, idle talk. Transliteration: bad Phonetic Spelling: (bad) Short Definition: boasts. Word Origin from ... /hebrew/907.htm - 6k 7423b. remiyyah -- laxness, slackness 988. batal -- to cease 2308. chadal -- to cease 2311. Chadlay -- an Ephraimite 7386. req -- empty, vain 7503. raphah -- sink, relax 7423. rmiyah -- deceit, treachery 3027. yad -- hand 5117. nuach -- to rest Library Watching for Idle Boys The Tenth Chapter: Avoiding Idle Talk The Same Old Man's Rebuke when He Saw How the Brethren Went to ... But Now, if You Turn from all These Idle Debates and ... With this we are Delighted Because it is Absolutely Impossible ... Being Swallowed up Therefore in the Miserable Gulf of Idle Talk ... Books for Sunday Schools. --- 200 Mulberry-Street, New York. ... How Kindness Should be Shown Even to the Idle and Careless. Of Him whom the Superior came Upon and Found in his Cell, Deluded ... Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday Thesaurus Idle (33 Occurrences)... 2. (superl.) Not called into active service; not turned to appropriate use; unemployed; as, idle hours. 3. (superl.) Not employed ... /i/idle.htm - 18k Idleness (4 Occurrences) Lazy (10 Occurrences) Tale (7 Occurrences) Dream (82 Occurrences) Standing (334 Occurrences) Solomon (277 Occurrences) Gadding (1 Occurrence) Gossip (7 Occurrences) Gossips (5 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about idleness/being idle? | GotQuestions.orgIs “idle hands are the devil's workshop” a biblical statement? | GotQuestions.org What are idle words (Matthew 12:36)? | GotQuestions.org Idle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Idle (33 Occurrences)Matthew 12:36 Matthew 20:3 Matthew 20:6 Mark 7:7 Luke 24:11 John 12:19 Acts 17:5 Acts 17:18 2 Corinthians 9:3 Colossians 2:8 Colossians 2:18 1 Thessalonians 5:14 2 Thessalonians 3:6 2 Thessalonians 3:7 2 Thessalonians 3:11 1 Timothy 5:13 Titus 1:10 Titus 1:12 James 2:20 2 Peter 1:8 2 Peter 2:3 3 John 1:10 Exodus 5:8 Exodus 5:17 Deuteronomy 32:47 Proverbs 19:15 Ecclesiastes 10:18 Ecclesiastes 11:6 Ecclesiastes 12:3 Isaiah 16:6 Isaiah 58:13 Jeremiah 48:30 Amos 6:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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