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Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries:•Strong's Hebrew 3462: יָשֵׁן (yashen) • to sleep
•Strong's Hebrew 8142: שֵׁנָה (shenah) • sleep

These Hebrew terms similarly denote the state of sleep and are used in the Old Testament to describe both physical rest and metaphorical states of spiritual inactivity or death.

Usage:The term ὕπνος is used in the New Testament to refer to physical sleep, as well as metaphorically to describe a state of spiritual slumber or death.

Context:The Greek word ὕπνος appears in several New Testament passages, illustrating both literal and metaphorical uses. In the literal sense, it describes the natural state of rest experienced by humans. For example, inActs 20:9, Eutychus falls into a deep sleep (ὕπνος) during Paul's lengthy discourse, leading to his fall from a window.

Metaphorically, ὕπνος is employed to convey spiritual lethargy or unawareness. InRomans 13:11, Paul exhorts believers to "wake up from your slumber (ὕπνος)," urging them to recognize the urgency of the times and live in readiness for salvation. This metaphorical use underscores the need for spiritual vigilance and preparedness.

Additionally, ὕπνος is used to describe death, as seen in1 Thessalonians 4:13-15, where Paul comforts believers concerning those who have "fallen asleep (ὕπνος)" in Christ, assuring them of the hope of resurrection. This euphemistic use highlights the temporary nature of death for believers, who will be awakened to eternal life.

The concept of ὕπνος in the New Testament serves as a powerful reminder of the dual nature of sleep as both a necessary physical rest and a potential spiritual danger if it leads to complacency or unawareness of spiritual realities.