Ecclesiastes Chapter 10 verse 18 Holy Bible
By slothfulness the roof sinketh in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaketh.
read chapter 10 in ASV
When no work is done the roof goes in, and when the hands do nothing water comes into the house.
read chapter 10 in BBE
By much sloth fulness the framework falleth in; and through idleness of the hands the house drippeth.
read chapter 10 in DARBY
By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
read chapter 10 in KJV
read chapter 10 in WBT
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; And through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
read chapter 10 in WEB
By slothfulness is the wall brought low, And by idleness of the hands doth the house drop.
read chapter 10 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 18. - By much slothfulness the building decayeth. The subject is still the state. Under the image of a house which falls into ruin for lack of needful repairs, is signified the decay that surely overtakes a kingdom whose rulers are given up to indolence and debauchery, and neglect to attend to the affairs which require prompt care (comp. Amos 9:11). Such were they whom Amos (Amos 6:6) denounced, "That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph." "Much slothfulness" is expressed in the original by a dual form, which gives an intensive signification. Ewald and Ginsburg take it as referring to the "two idle hands;" but the intensifications of the dual is not unprecedented (see Delitzsch, in loc.). The rest of this clause is more accurately rendered, the rafters sink, i.e. the timber framework, whether of roof or wall, gives way. This may possibly not be noticed at once, but it makes itself known unmistakably ere long. And through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through; rather, the house leaketh, the roof lets in the rain. Septuagint, Ἐν ἀρχία χειρῶν στάξει ἡ οἰκία, "Through laziness of hands the house will drip." The very imperfect construction of the fiat roofs of Eastern houses demanded continual attention. Such common and annoying occurrences as a leaky roof are mentioned in the Book of Proverbs (see 19:13; 27:15). Plautus, ' Mostell.,' 1:2.28 - "Ventat imber, lavit parietes; perpluuntTigna; putrefacit aer operam fabri." "The rain comes down, and washes all the walls,The roof is leaky, and the weather roughLoosens the architect's most skilful work."
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) Droppeth--i.e., lets the rain drop through.
