Job 33:15
New International Version
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds,

New Living Translation
He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.

English Standard Version
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds,

Berean Standard Bible
In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds,

King James Bible
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

New King James Version
In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds,

New American Standard Bible
“In a dream, a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls on people, While they slumber in their beds,

NASB 1995
“In a dream, a vision of the night, When sound sleep falls on men, While they slumber in their beds,

NASB 1977
“In a dream, a vision of the night, When sound sleep falls on men, While they slumber in their beds,

Legacy Standard Bible
In a dream, a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls on men, While they slumber in their beds,

Amplified Bible
“In a dream, a vision of the night [one may hear God’s voice], When deep sleep falls on men While slumbering upon the bed,

Christian Standard Bible
In a dream, a vision in the night, when deep sleep comes over people as they slumber on their beds,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In a dream, a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber on their beds,

American Standard Version
In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;

Contemporary English Version
Sometimes in the night, he uses terrifying dreams

English Revised Version
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In a dream, a prophetic vision at night, when people fall into a deep sleep, when they sleep on their beds,

Good News Translation
At night when people are asleep, God speaks in dreams and visions.

International Standard Version
in a dream or night vision, when a deep sleep falls on mankind while they sleep on their beds.

NET Bible
In a dream, a night vision, when deep sleep falls on people as they sleep in their beds.

New Heart English Bible
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed;

Webster's Bible Translation
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds,

World English Bible
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In a dream—a vision of night, "" In the falling of deep sleep on men, "" In slumberings on a bed.

Young's Literal Translation
In a dream -- a vision of night, In the falling of deep sleep on men, In slumberings on a bed.

Smith's Literal Translation
In a dream, in a vision of the night, in the falling of deep sleep upon men, in slumbers upon the bed;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
By a dream in a vision by night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, and they are sleeping in their beds :

Catholic Public Domain Version
Through a dream in a vision of the night, when a deep sleep falls over men, and they are sleeping in their beds,

New American Bible
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon mortals as they slumber in their beds.

New Revised Standard Version
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on mortals, while they slumber on their beds,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering upon the bed;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In a dream and in a vision of the night, when sleep falls on man in slumber on a couch
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
sending a dream, or in the meditation of the night; (as when a dreadful alarm happens to fall upon men, in slumberings on the bed:)

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elihu Rebukes Job
14For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices. 15In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, 16He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings…

Cross References
Genesis 20:3
One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.”

Numbers 12:6
He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.

1 Kings 3:5
One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”

Daniel 2:19
During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven

Joel 2:28
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Matthew 1:20
But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 2:12-13
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route. / When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”

Matthew 27:19
While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”

Acts 2:17
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Acts 16:9
During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

Acts 18:9
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent.

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Genesis 28:12
And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder.

Genesis 31:10-11
When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females. / In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ And I replied, ‘Here I am.’

Judges 7:13-15
And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.” / His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.” / When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”


Treasury of Scripture

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumberings on the bed;

a dream

Job 4:13
In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men,

Genesis 20:3
But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.

Genesis 31:24
And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

deep

Genesis 15:12
And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

Daniel 8:18
Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

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Bed Beds Deep Dream Falleth Falling Falls Night Rest Sleep Slumber Slumbering Sound Vision
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Bed Beds Deep Dream Falleth Falling Falls Night Rest Sleep Slumber Slumbering Sound Vision
Job 33
1. Elihu offers himself instead of God to reason with Job
8. He excuses God from giving man an account of his ways, by his greatness
14. God calls man to repentance by visions, by afflictions, and by his ministry
31. He incites Job to attention














In a dream, in a vision in the night
Dreams and visions are common means through which God communicates with His people throughout the Bible. In Genesis 20:3, God speaks to Abimelech in a dream, warning him about Sarah. Similarly, Joseph, the son of Jacob, receives prophetic dreams about his future (Genesis 37:5-10). In the New Testament, Joseph, the husband of Mary, is guided by God through dreams (Matthew 1:20, 2:13). Dreams and visions often serve as divine interventions, providing guidance, warnings, or revelations. They are significant in biblical narratives, emphasizing God's sovereignty and His ability to communicate beyond the natural realm.

when deep sleep falls upon men
The phrase "deep sleep" is reminiscent of the deep sleep that God caused to fall upon Adam in Genesis 2:21 when He created Eve. This state of deep sleep signifies a moment when human consciousness is subdued, allowing God to work or communicate without human interference. It underscores the idea that God can reach individuals in their most vulnerable and unguarded states, highlighting His omnipotence and the intimate nature of His communication.

as they slumber on their beds
The bed is a place of rest and vulnerability, where individuals are removed from the distractions of daily life. In biblical times, the bed was often a simple mat or a raised platform, reflecting the modest living conditions of many. The mention of slumbering on beds suggests a universal human experience, transcending time and culture. It is during these quiet, restful moments that God chooses to reveal His messages, emphasizing His desire to connect with humanity in personal and profound ways. This setting also reflects the peace and stillness required to receive divine revelation, as seen in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God."

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a different perspective on Job's suffering. He emphasizes God's communication with humans.

2. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and seeks to understand God's purpose.

3. Visions of the Night
A method through which God communicates with humans, often used in the Old Testament to convey divine messages.

4. Deep Sleep
A state of rest where God can impart wisdom or warnings, as seen in various biblical accounts.

5. Slumber on Beds
Represents a time of vulnerability and openness to divine communication.
Teaching Points
God's Communication
God uses various means to communicate with His people, including dreams and visions. We should remain open to His guidance in unexpected ways.

Divine Sovereignty
God's ability to communicate during sleep underscores His sovereignty over all aspects of life, including our subconscious.

Spiritual Awareness
Believers should cultivate spiritual awareness and discernment to recognize when God is speaking, whether through dreams, scripture, or other means.

Rest and Revelation
Times of rest can be opportunities for God to reveal His will. Prioritizing rest and reflection can enhance our spiritual receptivity.

Biblical Discernment
Not all dreams are from God. It is crucial to test dreams and visions against Scripture and seek godly counsel to discern their origin and meaning.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Job 33:15?

2. How does Job 33:15 illustrate God's communication through dreams and visions today?

3. What role do "dreams" and "visions" play in understanding God's will for us?

4. How can we discern God's voice in dreams, as seen in Job 33:15?

5. Connect Job 33:15 with other biblical instances of God speaking through dreams.

6. How should believers respond to divine messages received in dreams, per Job 33:15?

7. How does Job 33:15 relate to God's communication through dreams and visions today?

8. What is the significance of dreams in the context of Job 33:15?

9. Does Job 33:15 suggest God speaks more clearly in dreams than in waking life?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 33?

11. In Job 33:15–16, how does the claim that God instructs people through dreams hold up against modern psychological research on dreaming?

12. What does the Bible say about interpreting dreams?

13. In Job 33:14, if God truly speaks in multiple ways, why is there no verifiable evidence of such divine communication today?

14. What is the order of the Bible's books?
What Does Job 33:15 Mean
In a dream

• Scripture treats dreams as a valid channel God chooses for direct communication. Joseph’s prophetic dreams (Genesis 37:5-11) and the warning to Abimelech (Genesis 20:3) show that the Lord can bypass ordinary senses to reveal His will.

• Elihu’s point is that God is still speaking; our responsibility is to listen. The gospel-era dream given to Joseph about Mary’s child (Matthew 1:20) confirms that this method did not disappear with the patriarchs.

Job 33:15 therefore assures us that divine messages can come when our own plans, distractions, and defenses are silenced.


in a vision in the night

• “Vision” highlights clarity and purpose. While a daytime vision is possible (Acts 10:9-16), nighttime visions emphasize God’s initiative when human activity pauses (Genesis 46:2; Daniel 2:19).

• Darkness cannot hinder the Lord; rather, it underscores His sovereignty. The Macedonian call to Paul in a night vision (Acts 16:9) demonstrates guidance that redirects entire ministries.


when deep sleep falls upon men

• The phrase recalls the heavy sleep God placed on Abram before the covenant vision (Genesis 15:12) and on Saul’s army when David spared the king (1 Samuel 26:12).

• Such “deep sleep” suggests that God sometimes suspends natural alertness so He can implant truth or protection without human interference. It emphasizes that revelation is God-initiated, not man-generated.


as they slumber on their beds

• Beds symbolize rest and vulnerability. Psalm 4:4 invites meditation “upon your beds,” while Proverbs 3:24 promises, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid…” God uses these quiet moments to correct, comfort, or warn (Isaiah 29:10).

• Elihu stresses that no believer is beyond God’s reach; even the most private setting is a stage for His voice.


summary

Job 33:15 teaches that the Lord lovingly breaks into human passivity—through dreams, nocturnal visions, deep sleep, and bedside slumber—to reveal His purposes and steer us away from peril. Our task is attentive humility, trusting that the God who speaks in the night is as authoritative and reliable as the God who thundered from Sinai and who ultimately spoke through His Son.

Verse 15. - In a dream, in a vision of the sight. So God spoke to Abimelech (Genesis 20:3-7), to Jacob (Genesis 31:11), to Laban (Genesis 31:24), to Joseph (Genesis 38:5, 9), to the Pharaoh whom Joseph served (Genesis 41:1-7), to Solomon (1 Kings 3:5), to Daniel (Daniel 2:19), to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:28; Daniel 4:5-18), and to many others. Sometimes men recognized such visions as Divine communications; but sometimes, probably quite as often, they regarded them as mere dreams, fancies, phantasies, unworthy of any attention. Elihu seems to hold that Divine visions came only when deep sleep falleth upon men; and similarly Eliphaz, in Job 4:13. This method of revelation seems to belong especially to the more primitive times, and the earlier stages of God's dealings with men. In the New Testament dreams scarcely form any part of the economy of grace. In slumberings upon the bed. A pleonastic addition, which must not be regarded as diminishing from the force of the precedent clause.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In a dream,
בַּחֲל֤וֹם ׀ (ba·ḥă·lō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2472: A dream

in a vision
חֶזְי֬וֹן (ḥez·yō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2384: A revelation, dream

in the night,
לַ֗יְלָה (lay·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

when deep sleep
תַּ֭רְדֵּמָה (tar·dê·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8639: A lethargy, trance

falls
בִּנְפֹ֣ל (bin·p̄ōl)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

upon
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

men
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

as they slumber
בִּ֝תְנוּמ֗וֹת (biṯ·nū·mō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8572: Drowsiness, sleep

on
עֲלֵ֣י (‘ă·lê)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

their beds,
מִשְׁכָּֽב׃ (miš·kāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4904: Place of lying, a couch, act of lying


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OT Poetry: Job 33:15 In a dream in a vision (Jb)
Job 33:14
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