Proverbs 6:9
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 7
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מָתַ֖י
H4970
מָתַ֖י
Strong's:
H4970
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
תִּשְׁכָּ֑ב
How long wilt thou sleep
H7901
תִּשְׁכָּ֑ב
How long wilt thou sleep
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
4 of 7
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
מָ֝תַ֗י
H4970
מָ֝תַ֗י
Strong's:
H4970
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
Cross References
Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.Psalms 94:8Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?
Historical Context
Agricultural society required seasonal diligence - missed planting or harvest meant annual poverty. The sluggard's sleep when work was urgent resulted in predictable want.
Questions for Reflection
- What responsibilities are you 'sleeping' through that require urgent attention?
- How does habitual procrastination reveal heart issues beyond mere time management?
Analysis & Commentary
How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? The rhetorical questions mock the sluggard's excessive sleep and aversion to work. Sleep here represents not legitimate rest but slothful avoidance of responsibility. The questions imply indefinite postponement - there's always tomorrow, never today. This exposes procrastination's deceptive pattern - delayed obedience eventually becomes disobedience.