Ecclesiastes 10:18
By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
Original Language Analysis
הַמְּקָרֶ֑ה
the building
H4746
הַמְּקָרֶ֑ה
the building
Strong's:
H4746
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, something meeting, i.e., a frame (of timbers)
יָדַ֖יִם
of the hands
H3027
יָדַ֖יִם
of the hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Proverbs 14:1Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.Proverbs 20:4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.Hebrews 6:11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:Proverbs 21:25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.Proverbs 23:21For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.Proverbs 12:24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Historical Context
Ancient Palestinian homes had flat roofs requiring regular maintenance—mud-plaster roofs needed seasonal repair or they'd leak during rains. Neglected timber beams would rot, causing collapse. This practical reality made the metaphor immediately comprehensible.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'buildings' in your life (relationships, health, spiritual disciplines, responsibilities) are suffering from neglect?
- How does gradual decay through sloth differ from sudden destruction, and why does this make laziness particularly dangerous?
- What systems of accountability or routine help prevent the 'slackness of hands' that leads to collapse?
Analysis & Commentary
By much slothfulness the building decayeth (בַּעֲצַלְתַּיִם יִמַּךְ הַמְּקָרֶה, ba'atsaltayim yimmakh hammeqareh)—literally 'through double idleness/sloth, the rafters sink.' The dual form atsaltayim (slothfulness) intensifies the concept—extreme laziness. The verb makh means to sink, collapse, or decay. And through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through (וּבְשִׁפְלוּת יָדַיִם יִדְלֹף הַבָּיִת, uveshiflut yadayim yidlof habayit)—'and through lowering/slackness of hands, the house leaks,' from dalaf (to drip, leak).
Practical wisdom about consequences of neglect: atsaltayim (slothfulness) causes structural failure—meqareh (roof beams) sink, bayit (house) leaks. The imagery is visceral—delayed maintenance produces collapse. The parallel phrases atsaltayim (sloth) and shiflut yadayim (slack hands) emphasize passivity's destructive power. Proverbs extensively warns against laziness: 'A little sleep, a little slumber... and poverty will come upon you like a robber' (Proverbs 6:10-11). Paul commanded, 'If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat' (2 Thessalonians 3:10). This applies beyond physical buildings to relationships, spiritual life, institutions—whatever goes unmaintained deteriorates. Diligence preserves; sloth destroys.