עָצֵל (a.tsal)
a.tsal
be sluggish
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb atsal, found only once in the Old Testament, describes a state of being sluggish or inactive. In Judges 18:9, the tribe of Dan uses this term to urge their people to move quickly and seize territory, contrasting their urgent mission with the lethargy they wish to avoid.
This single occurrence highlights how the word functions as a negative descriptor for inaction. The context shows that atsal is not merely about physical tiredness, but a reluctance to engage in necessary effort. By warning against being atsal, the text emphasizes the value of decisive movement and spiritual alertness in fulfilling one’s calling.
Because it appears only here, the word serves as a sharp reminder against complacency. Its rarity makes its usage particularly striking, marking a moment where the community recognizes that hesitation is dangerous. The verb thus anchors a specific call to action within the narrative of Israel’s expansion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word atsal describes a heavy reluctance to act, a spiritual or physical sluggishness that keeps us from moving forward when action is needed. In Judges 18:9, the tribe of Dan uses this term to urge their people to stop standing still and seize the opportunity before them. It is not simply about being tired after hard work, but about a hesitation that borders on disobedience to a clear calling.
For your faith life, this word serves as a gentle warning against complacency. When God places a task or a need before you, lingering in indecision can cause us to miss the moment of grace. Recognizing this sluggishness allows you to ask for the strength to rise up and engage with what matters most, rather than letting fear or apathy hold you back.
May you find courage to move forward in faith, trusting that your efforts are seen and valued by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you hesitate1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֵּעָ֣צְל֔וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 18:9
They said, “Arise, and let’s go up against them; for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. Do you stand still? Don’t be slothful to go and to enter in to possess the land.
This verse uses the term to contrast urgent action with dangerous hesitation during a mission to possess land.