Topical Encyclopedia
The term "slumbereth" is an archaic form of the word "slumbers," which means to sleep or to be in a state of inactivity or rest. In the context of the Bible, it often carries a deeper spiritual significance, indicating a state of spiritual lethargy or inattentiveness to God's will and commands.
Biblical References:1.
Psalm 121:3-4 : "He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." This passage reassures believers of God's constant vigilance and care. Unlike humans, who require rest and can become inattentive, God is eternally watchful and attentive to the needs of His people. The use of "slumbereth" here emphasizes the contrast between human frailty and divine omnipotence.
2.
Proverbs 6:9-11 : "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit." In this passage, slumber is used metaphorically to warn against laziness and complacency. The admonition serves as a call to diligence and alertness, both in physical and spiritual matters, highlighting the consequences of neglect and inactivity.
3.
Matthew 25:5 : "When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep." In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus uses the imagery of slumber to illustrate the importance of spiritual readiness. The virgins' sleep represents a lack of vigilance, underscoring the necessity for believers to remain spiritually awake and prepared for the return of Christ.
Theological Implications:The concept of slumber in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual negligence or unpreparedness. It is a call to believers to remain vigilant and active in their faith, avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual complacency. The Bible consistently contrasts human tendencies to slumber with God's unwavering watchfulness, encouraging believers to emulate divine attentiveness in their spiritual lives.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for areas of spiritual slumber and to awaken to the call of God. This involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and active participation in the life of the church. By doing so, Christians can ensure they are prepared for the challenges of life and the eventual return of Christ, living in a state of readiness and anticipation.
Library
Psalm CXXI.
... Psalmist telleth thee: "He that keepeth Israel, shall neither slumber nor sleep"
(ver.4). Dost thou wish to have a keeper who neitherslumbereth nor sleepeth?...
Awake! Awake!
... the gold and silver are both in the robbers hands; the child is being murdered by
the cruelty of him that hath broken in; but the fatherslumbereth, though all...
John Chapter viii. 48-59
... For "He that keepeth Israel neitherslumbereth nor sleepeth;" [788] and, "Except
the Lord keep the city, they wake in vain who keep it." [789] He then is our...
Psalm CXXVII.
... Be ye Israel: for "the Keeper of Israel neither sleepeth norslumbereth." [5518]
Yea, brethren, if we wish to be kept beneath the shadow of God's wings, let us...
The Wise and Foolish virgins
... no doubt of what will become of them; without repentance they shall never enter
into the kingdom of God and his Christ: no; their damnationslumbereth not; a...
The Apostasy which Prepares the Way for the Antichrist.
... covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment
now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnationslumbereth not" (vs.2...
The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
... They are asleep in security and they hate a soul-awakening ministry. While
they sleep, their damnationslumbereth not' (2 Peter 2:3)....
The Great Duty of Family Religion
... Surely their damnationslumbereth not: for although God, is in his good providence,
may suffer such stumbling-blocks to be put in his children's way, and...
Particular Redemption
... One sin can ruin a soul for ever; it is not in the power of the human mind to grasp
the infinity of evil thatslumbereth in the bowels of one solitary sin....
The Turning Point
... cry, "A little more rest, and a little more slumber, and a little more folding of
the arms to sleep," and so you sleep on, though your damnationslumbereth not...
Thesaurus
Slumbereth (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Slumbereth (3 Occurrences).
... (KJV ASV WBS). Psalms 121:3
He suffereth not thy foot to be moved, Thy preserver
slumbereth not. (YLT).
...Lingereth (2 Occurrences)
... through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose
judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnationslumbereth not...
Feigned (8 Occurrences)
... through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose
judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnationslumbereth not...
Preserver (7 Occurrences)
... He giveth salvation. (YLT). Psalms 121:3 He suffereth not thy foot to be
moved, Thy preserverslumbereth not. (YLT). Psalms 121:5...
Preserving (10 Occurrences)
... of God's preserving me? (YLT). Psalms 121:4 Lo, Heslumbereth not, nor
sleepeth, He who is preserving Israel. (YLT). Psalms 146:9...
Slumbering (3 Occurrences)
Slumbered (2 Occurrences)
Suffereth (14 Occurrences)
... decrease. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Psalms 121:3 He suffereth not thy foot
to be moved, Thy preserverslumbereth not. (YLT). Proverbs...
Sleepeth (13 Occurrences)
... to him, 'Rise, eat;' (YLT). Psalms 121:4 Lo, Heslumbereth not, nor sleepeth,
He who is preserving Israel. (YLT). Proverbs 10:5 He...
Merchandise (34 Occurrences)
... through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose
judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnationslumbereth not...
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