Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the concept of sleep is multifaceted, encompassing both the physical act of resting and a metaphorical state representing spiritual or moral conditions. Sleep is often depicted as a natural and necessary part of human life, but it also serves as a symbol for spiritual lethargy or death.
Physical Sleep:Sleep is acknowledged as a God-given necessity for the restoration and rejuvenation of the body. In the creation narrative, God Himself rested on the seventh day, setting a precedent for the rhythm of work and rest (
Genesis 2:2-3). The psalmist acknowledges the gift of sleep as a blessing from God: "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved" (
Psalm 127:2). This verse highlights the futility of excessive labor without reliance on God's provision and the peace that comes from trusting in Him.
Metaphorical Sleep:Sleep is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to describe a state of spiritual insensitivity or moral indifference. The apostle Paul exhorts believers to awaken from such a state: "And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed" (
Romans 13:11). Here, sleep represents a lack of awareness or urgency regarding spiritual matters, and believers are called to be vigilant and alert.
Sleep as Death:In several instances, sleep is used as a euphemism for death, emphasizing the temporary nature of death for believers. Jesus refers to the death of Jairus's daughter as sleep, saying, "The child is not dead, but asleep" (
Mark 5:39). Similarly, when speaking of Lazarus, Jesus tells His disciples, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up" (
John 11:11). This language underscores the Christian hope in the resurrection, where death is not the end but a temporary state before eternal life.
Warnings Against Spiritual Sleep:The New Testament contains several admonitions against spiritual sleepiness, urging believers to remain watchful and prepared for the Lord's return. Jesus warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (
Matthew 25:13). The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the importance of being spiritually awake and ready, as those who were unprepared were shut out of the wedding feast.
Rest in Christ:While physical sleep is necessary, the ultimate rest is found in Christ. Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (
Matthew 11:28). This rest is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual peace and assurance, providing a deeper sense of restfulness that transcends the physical need for sleep.
In summary, sleep in the Bible is a complex theme that addresses both the physical need for rest and the spiritual implications of being alert and prepared. It serves as a reminder of human limitations and the necessity of relying on God's provision and grace.
Strong's Hebrew
3462. yashen -- to sleep... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to sleep NASB Word Usage chronic (1), fell asleep
(1), remained long (1), sleep (10),
sleeps (1), slept (5), supply (1).
...7901. shakab -- to lie down
... 1), lies (25), lies down (10), lodged (1), lying (7), lying down (4), make your
bed (1), recline (1), rest (4), rested* (1), sleep (4),sleeps (1), slept (37...
7290a. radam -- to be in or fall into heavy sleep
... sleep (1), dead sleep (1), deep sleep (2), fallen sound asleep (1), fell into a
deep sleep (1), sank into a deep sleep (1), sleeping (1),sleeps (1), sound...
Library
WesleySleeps in a Cellar
... Chapter 9. Wesley's Marriage; Dealings with Cornwall Smugglers; His Illness
and Recovery WesleySleeps in a Cellar. Monday, May 25...
The Peace-Bringer in the Natural World
... Though Christ is present, the storm comes, and Hesleeps through it.... Hesleeps,
but He never over-sleeps, and there are no too-lates with Him....
How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and...
... Whence, also, the utterance of one that is stricken and yetsleeps is expressed
by Solomon, who says, They have beaten me, and I was not pained; they have...
The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved
... He who toils,sleeps all the sounder for his toil.... Thesesleeps are not the
benisons of God; nor does he bestow them on his beloved....
God, the All-Seeing One
... Mosessleeps in some spot that eye hath not seen.... But God knoweth where Mosessleeps;
and if he knows that, he understands where all his children are hidden....
God, the All-Seeing One
... Mosessleeps in some spot that eye hath not seen.... But God knoweth where Mosessleeps;
and if he knows that, he understands where all his children are hidden....
He Describes the Circumspectness of his Intercourse With
... thus: with maidens we do not dwell, nor have we anything in common with them; with
maidens we do not eat, nor drink; and, where a maidensleeps, we do not sleep...
The Seed Growing Secretly.
... Hesleeps by night, and attends to other affairs by day, often looking to it indeed,
and oftener thinking of it, but never touching it till harvest....
Matt. viii. 23, 24
... Therefore also Hesleeps: for had He been awake when it happened, either they would
not have feared, or they would not have besought Him, or they would not so...
Now Rests Her Soul in Jesu's Arms,
... Now rests her soul in Jesu's arms,. Her body in the gravesleeps well,.... The body
rests, its labours over,. Andsleeps till Christ shall bid it wake;...
Thesaurus
Sleeps (20 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Sleeps (20 Occurrences). Matthew 9:24 he said, Withdraw,
for the damsel is not dead, but
sleeps.
... the child has not died, but
sleeps.
...Died (348 Occurrences)
... the child has not died, butsleeps. (DBY NAS).... Luke 8:52 And all were weeping and
lamenting her. But he said, Do not weep, for she has not died, butsleeps....
Sleep (136 Occurrences)
... 5. (vi) To be, or appear to be, in repose; to be quiet; to be unemployed, unused,
or unagitated; to rest; to lie dormant; as, a questionsleeps for the present...
Shepherd (76 Occurrences)
... are led to the watering-places (Genesis 29:2, 3). After drinking, the animals lie
down or huddle together in the shade of a rock while the shepherdsleeps....
Die (401 Occurrences)
... the child has not died, butsleeps. (Root in DBY YLT NAS).... But he said, Do not
weep, for she has not died, butsleeps. (Root in DBY YLT NAS)....
Noon (30 Occurrences)
... Either he is musing, or he has gone aside, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he
sleeps and must be awakened." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Lamenting (8 Occurrences)
... Lamenting (8 Occurrences). Luke 8:52 And all were weeping and lamenting her. But
he said, Do not weep, for she has not died, butsleeps. (DBY NAS)....
Gathers (27 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he
whosleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame. (WEB NAS RSV NIV)....
Withdraw (52 Occurrences)
... to Galilee, (YLT). Matthew 9:24 he said, Withdraw, for the damsel is not
dead, butsleeps. And they derided him. (DBY YLT). Acts 4...
Intrigue (3 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Hosea 7:6 For they have made ready their heart like an oven,
while they lie in wait. Their bakersleeps all the night....
Resources
What happens after death? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about soul sleep? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Adventism? What is a biblical view of the Adventist movement? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
