Proverbs 26:15 Meaning and Explanation
“The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The lazy person is so averse to effort that even bringing food to his own mouth becomes burdensome.
The Context of Proverbs 26:15
The portrait of the slothful person deepens, showing how their inaction extends to self-care and basic needs.
What Does Proverbs 26:15 Mean?
Sloth reaches absurd extremes. The slothful person tucks his hand away inside his garment and finds it too much trouble to bring it out to feed himself. The exertion is minimal, yet it feels unbearable. Laziness has deadened his will even for basic self-care.
This shows sloth as a spiritual and moral condition, not merely physical tiredness. It is a disordering of priorities and desires. When even feeding oneself becomes grievous, the person has surrendered to a paralyzing force. The image is both sad and ridiculous, capturing how far sloth can twist a person.
Proverbs 26:15 in the Original Language
nuqtal (נוּקְטַל), 'grieveth'—burdens or troubles, suggesting that the effort feels unbearable and oppressive to the slothful person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 26:15
What does Proverbs 26:15 mean?
The lazy person is so averse to effort that even bringing food to his own mouth becomes burdensome.
What is the context of Proverbs 26:15?
The portrait of the slothful person deepens, showing how their inaction extends to self-care and basic needs.