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Lexicographers differ as to the derivation of this word. All of course are agreed that
the letter `n' is an abbreviation of ne which stands for the negative. Parkhurst derives the
word from a Greek word meaning `to run'. Thayer derives it from either a word meaning
`to push' or `to care about', while another derives it from a word meaning `to leap'.
Whatever the actual ancestry of this word may be, it is clear that unreadiness and
consequent unwillingness to exert oneself, the lack of `push' and the lack of `care' are
implied.
The Apostle, quite apart from the question of Inspiration, was familiar with the
language and figures of the O.T. Scriptures, and doubtless some of the passages to which
we now refer would be present to his mind.
"We have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not
SLOTHFUL to go, and to enter to POSSESS the land" (Judges 18: 9).
A reference to I Kings 22: 3 will show that `still' is a synonym for `sloth' in some
contexts:
"Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the
hand of the King of Syria."
When the question of "possessing" one's "possessions" is the matter before us, we
should emulate the spirit of Isa. 62: 1:
"For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace (same word as `still'), and for Jerusalem's
sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the
salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth."
Salvation and righteousness must `go forth' before the prophet can rest satisfied. Not
only would the prophet not hold his peace but he exhorts the watchman to `keep not
silence' and to give the Lord Himself `no rest' until Jerusalem is made a praise in the
earth.
After Israel had entered the land of promise, Joshua had to say to them:
"How long are ye SLACK to go to POSSESS the land, which the Lord God of your
fathers hath given you?" (Josh. 18: 3).
"I will not fail thee" the Lord had said (Josh. 1: 5) using the very same word which
is translated "slack", for as Peter said "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise"
(II Pet. 3: 9). The two hindrances that are emphasized in Heb. 5: and 6: are, as we
have seen, "dullness of hearing" and "slothfulness in following".
No.4.
Three hindrances. Terah, Lot and the Canaanites.
pp. 59, 60; 77 - 80
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