Proverbs 24:33 kjv

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

Proverbs 24:33 nkjv

A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest;

Proverbs 24:33 niv

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest?

Proverbs 24:33 esv

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

Proverbs 24:33 nlt

A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest ?

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 33 Meaning

Proverbs 24:33 conveys a concise and vivid warning against the gradual yet destructive progression of idleness and sloth. It meticulously illustrates the characteristic actions of a sluggard: an initial indulgence in a brief period of rest, which escalates into habitual lethargy and a complete cessation of productive activity. This verse emphasizes that what begins as seemingly minor concessions to laziness inevitably leads to a state of profound inactivity, culminating in severe consequences for one's well-being and resources, as highlighted in the subsequent verse (Proverbs 24:34).

Proverbs 24 33 Context

Proverbs 24:33 is part of a larger pericope (Proverbs 24:30-34) that serves as a concluding admonition within the second collection of "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). The preceding verses (24:30-32) describe a firsthand observation by the wise teacher: walking past the neglected, ruinous field and vineyard of a "sluggard." This visual encounter deeply impresses upon the observer the dire consequences of idleness. Verse 33 specifically articulates the gradual, incremental steps a sluggard takes towards complete inactivity, providing the precise "little" habits that lead to utter ruin (as revealed in the following verse, Prov 24:34, which is effectively the conclusion of this thought, though not directly queried here). The historical and cultural context is an agrarian society where diligence in working the land was fundamental for survival, sustenance, and prosperity. Neglecting one's fields was a direct path to poverty, reflecting a lack of wisdom and responsibility within the community. The proverb acts as a warning against such detrimental conduct, standing in stark opposition to contemporary beliefs or practices that might excuse idleness.

Proverbs 24 33 Word analysis

• Yet a little: mĕ'at (מְעַט). This Hebrew term means "a small amount," "a little bit," or "briefly." Its repetition before each phrase highlights the insidious, incremental nature of sloth. It's not a sudden surrender to laziness but seemingly harmless, minor indulgences that accumulate and lead to devastating results. This subtlety underscores how easily one can slip into destructive habits.
• sleep: shēynâ (שֵׁנָה). Refers to actual sleep. In this context, it symbolizes the initial, often brief, act of resting beyond necessity, setting the stage for deeper inactivity.
• a little slumber: mĕ'at tĕnûmâ (מְעַט תְּנוּמָה). tĕnûmâ signifies "slumber" or "drowsiness"—a state of being between wakefulness and deep sleep. It represents a deeper descent into lethargy, where one is not fully awake or productive, indicating a growing reluctance to engage with responsibilities.
• a little folding: mĕ'at ḥibbuq (מְעַט חִבּוּק). ḥibbuq means "embracing" or "clasping." Here, it specifically refers to the act of "folding" or clasping the hands, often resting them. This is a powerful visual metaphor for inaction, idleness, and abstaining from labor. Hands that are folded cannot be engaged in productive work.
• of the hands: yādayim (יָדַיִם). The dual form of "hand," emphasizing both hands being clasped or resting, reinforcing the image of complete cessation of manual labor.
• to sleep: lishpōwn (לִשְׁכָּב). Derived from shākhav (שָׁכַב), meaning "to lie down" or "to recline." This signifies the final stage: a deliberate act of lying down to fully give oneself over to inactivity and rest, no longer just a desire but a fully adopted posture of indolence.

• Progression of Idleness: The repetition of "a little" followed by increasing levels of inactivity (sleep -> slumber -> folding of hands -> lying down to sleep) demonstrates a dangerous progression. What seems negligible at first (a brief rest) becomes a deeper lethargy, then complete physical inactivity, culminating in a state of intentional sloth. This illustrates how small, repeated indulgences can lead to significant ruin.
• The Metaphor of Inaction: "Folding of the hands" is a vivid and direct metaphor for refusal to work. In an agrarian society where manual labor was paramount, this gesture symbolized economic and social irresponsibility. It contrasts sharply with hands that toil and produce, underscoring the spiritual and practical dangers of a sedentary, unproductive life.

Proverbs 24 33 Bonus section

The concept of the "sluggard" (Hebrew: ʻatsel, עָצֵל) is a recurring archetype throughout the Book of Proverbs, serving as a negative example to warn against laziness in all its forms—physical, mental, and spiritual. This specific verse emphasizes that the path to poverty and ruin isn't always a sudden plunge, but often a gradual, imperceptible drift initiated by small compromises. The "a little" speaks to the human tendency to rationalize brief moments of indulgence, unaware that these moments, when habitual, accumulate into a significant decline. This passage, rooted in an agrarian society, directly connects effort (or lack thereof) to visible results in the "field," a metaphor applicable to any area of life where diligent stewardship is required. Spiritually, this warns against spiritual apathy, neglecting prayer, Bible study, fellowship, or service – where a "little sleep" in vigilance can lead to spiritual poverty and failure.

Proverbs 24 33 Commentary

Proverbs 24:33 is a profound cautionary tale delivered through observation and wisdom. It unveils the subtle yet destructive nature of idleness, showing how seemingly small indulgences in laziness can compound into total inactivity and subsequent ruin. The wise person observes the visible deterioration caused by sloth – an overgrown, crumbling field – and then reflects on the internal progression of the sluggard. What begins as "a little sleep" escalates to "a little slumber," progresses to a passive "folding of the hands" (symbolizing refusal to work), and finally results in an intentional return "to sleep." This progression highlights the insidious, creeping nature of sloth, which erodes discipline, responsibility, and ultimately leads to material and spiritual destitution, emphasizing that neglecting one's duties, even slightly, guarantees negative outcomes. The principle here applies universally: a continuous indulgence in unproductive habits leads inevitably to deprivation, lack, and lost opportunity, whether in personal, professional, or spiritual life.