Proverb / Kotowaza
働かざる者食うべからず
Those who do not work have no right to receive the benefits of food or livelihood.
Those who do not work must not eat.
Quick Answer
Those who do not work have no right to receive the benefits of food or livelihood.
- Literal Image
- Those who do not work must not eat.
- Closest Equivalent
- He that will not work shall not eat.
- How to Use It
- Used to point out that one must work to earn their keep, or to criticize those who seek benefits without making a contribution to society.
Meaning
This proverb emphasizes the direct relationship between labor and reward. It teaches that individuals have a social duty to work, and those who refuse to contribute effort should not enjoy the resulting compensation or sustenance.
Literal Image
Those who do not work must not eat.
Equivalent Proverbs
He that will not work shall not eat.
Near equivalent with similar imagery.
How to Use It
Used to point out that one must work to earn their keep, or to criticize those who seek benefits without making a contribution to society.
Tone
Carries an authoritative and moralizing tone regarding social responsibility and work ethic.
Examples
働かざる者食うべからずというが、社会への貢献なくして恩恵だけを受けようとするのは許されない。
"They say 'those who do not work shall not eat,' and it is unacceptable to seek benefits without making a contribution to society."
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb utilizes classical Japanese grammar, including the negative '-zaru' and the prohibitive '-bekarazu,' which are studied at advanced levels.
働かざる
はたらかざる / hatarakazaru
those who do not work (classical negative)
者
もの / mono
person / those who
食う
くう / kuu
to eat
べからず
べからず / bekarazu
must not / should not (prohibitive)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Can sound harsh if directed at those who are unable to work rather than those who simply refuse to.
Misread Risk
Avoid using it as a literal medical or dietary rule; it is a social and ethical statement about labor and contribution.
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Origin
This expression is said to originate from a passage in the Bible, specifically the New Testament's Second Epistle to the Thessalonians. It gained further historical prominence after being incorporated into the Soviet Constitution following the Russian Revolution, serving as a principle for the importance of labor and the structure of a fair society.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.