שִׁפְלוּת (shiph.lut)
shiph.lut
idleness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shiphlut describes a state of sinking or inactivity, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Ecclesiastes 10:18. In this context, it refers to the physical decay that results from neglect, specifically when a house roof collapses because no one has maintained it.
Its root suggests a downward motion or loss of elevation, which aligns with its usage here as a metaphor for structural failure due to idleness. The word captures the quiet, gradual process of deterioration rather than sudden destruction, highlighting how small acts of omission can lead to significant ruin over time.
Translators often render it as "idleness" or "neglect," emphasizing the human responsibility behind the physical outcome. This single occurrence serves as a concrete illustration in Ecclesiastes' broader reflection on wisdom and folly, showing that practical care is essential for preserving what one has built.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shiphlut appears just once in Scripture, found in Ecclesiastes 10:18. It describes a roof that sinks and a house that leaks because of idleness. This is not about sudden disaster, but the quiet damage caused by neglect. When we stop caring for what God has given us, small oversights grow into serious problems.
This verse reminds us that spiritual health requires steady attention. Just as a roof needs repair to keep out the rain, our hearts need regular care to stay strong. We do not have to be perfect, but we should not ignore the signs of wear and tear. God invites us to tend to our lives with gentle consistency.
Idleness is more than laziness; it is a failure to act when action is needed. By staying alert and responsive, we protect the peace in our homes and hearts. This simple truth encourages us to take small steps today, trusting that faithful care leads to lasting stability.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ in/ lowering of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְ/שִׁפְל֥וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 10:18
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
This verse uses shiphlut to show how neglecting maintenance causes a roof to sink and a house to leak, illustrating the practical consequences of inactivity.