Topical Encyclopedia Sleeping, a natural and essential part of human life, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, both literally and metaphorically. It serves as a symbol of rest, vulnerability, and sometimes spiritual lethargy. The Bible provides insights into the significance of sleep, its spiritual implications, and its role in the life of believers.Physical Rest and Renewal Sleep is portrayed as a gift from God, necessary for physical rest and renewal. In Psalm 127:2, it is written, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved." This verse highlights the divine provision of sleep as a blessing, emphasizing that human efforts are futile without God's provision and care. Divine Protection During Sleep The Bible assures believers of God's protection during sleep. Psalm 4:8 states, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." This verse reflects the trust and security that believers can have in God's watchful care, even in their most vulnerable state. Spiritual Metaphor Sleep is also used metaphorically to describe spiritual states. In the New Testament, sleep often symbolizes spiritual lethargy or unawareness. Romans 13:11 urges believers, "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." Here, sleep represents a state of spiritual complacency, and the call is to awaken to spiritual vigilance and readiness. Jesus and Sleep The Gospels recount instances of Jesus sleeping, illustrating His humanity and trust in the Father. In Mark 4:38, during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, "Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion." His calmness amidst chaos serves as a powerful example of faith and reliance on God's sovereignty. Warnings Against Spiritual Sleep The Bible warns against spiritual sleepiness, urging believers to remain alert and watchful. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Paul writes, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober." This exhortation emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and preparedness for the return of Christ. Resurrection and Sleep In the context of death, sleep is used as a metaphor for the temporary state before resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:51, Paul declares, "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed." Here, sleep signifies the believer's death, with the assurance of awakening to eternal life through resurrection. Conclusion The biblical perspective on sleep encompasses both its physical necessity and its spiritual symbolism. It serves as a reminder of God's provision, protection, and the call to spiritual alertness. Believers are encouraged to find rest in God's care while remaining vigilant in their faith journey. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sleep.Greek 2518. katheudo -- to sleep ... to sleep. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: katheudo Phonetic Spelling: (kath-yoo'-do) Short Definition: I sleep, am sleeping Definition: I sleep, am ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2518.htm - 7k 69. agrupneo -- to be sleepless, wakeful 2838. koimesis -- a resting 2837. koimao from NG2749 -- sleep, fall asleep, die 1235. diagregoreo -- to keep awake, to be fully awake 3677. onar -- a dream, in a dream Strong's Hebrew 3463. yashen -- sleeping... 3462, 3463. yashen. 3464 . sleeping. Transliteration: yashen Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-shane') Short Definition: asleep. Word Origin ... /hebrew/3463.htm - 6k 4904. mishkab -- place of lying, a couch, act of lying 5123. num -- to be drowsy, slumber 4296. mittah -- a couch, bed 7290a. radam -- to be in or fall into heavy sleep Library The Sleeping Apostle Sleeping and Waking The Resurrection of the Sleeping Saints. Now all the Woods are Sleeping, On Sleeping in Church Contents: on Mutual Subjection on Sleeping in Church on the Wisdom ... The Very Same Night While I was Sleeping Satan Attacked Me ... Alethos Mataiotes Ta Sumpanta Ho De Bios Skia Kai Enupnion. Now the Laborer's Task is O'er Psalm LIX. Thesaurus Sleeping (69 Occurrences)...Sleeping (69 Occurrences). Matthew 8:24 And there came up a great storm in the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was sleeping. ... /s/sleeping.htm - 27k Sleeping-rooms (1 Occurrence) Bedchamber (6 Occurrences) Bedstead (1 Occurrence) Sleep (136 Occurrences) Carts (13 Occurrences) Awaking (24 Occurrences) Couldn't (6 Occurrences) Dream (82 Occurrences) Ring (33 Occurrences) Resources Why is sleep/sleeping necessary? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about soul sleep? | GotQuestions.org Will we sleep in heaven? | GotQuestions.org Sleeping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sleeping (69 Occurrences)Matthew 8:24 Matthew 9:24 Matthew 13:25 Matthew 25:5 Matthew 26:40 Matthew 26:43 Matthew 26:45 Matthew 27:52 Matthew 28:13 Mark 4:38 Mark 5:39 Mark 13:36 Mark 14:37 Mark 14:40 Mark 14:41 Luke 8:52 Luke 17:34 Luke 22:45 Luke 22:46 John 11:11 Acts 12:6 1 Corinthians 15:6 1 Corinthians 15:20 Ephesians 5:14 1 Thessalonians 4:13 1 Thessalonians 4:14 1 Thessalonians 4:15 1 Thessalonians 5:7 1 Thessalonians 5:10 2 Peter 2:3 Genesis 2:21 Genesis 28:13 Leviticus 14:47 Numbers 5:20 Deuteronomy 22:22 Deuteronomy 24:13 Judges 16:13 Judges 16:14 Judges 19:4 Ruth 3:4 1 Samuel 3:3 1 Samuel 26:5 1 Samuel 26:7 1 Samuel 26:12 2 Samuel 4:11 2 Samuel 11:11 1 Kings 1:21 1 Kings 3:19 1 Kings 3:20 1 Kings 18:27 1 Kings 21:27 Job 11:19 Psalms 44:23 Proverbs 6:9 Proverbs 6:22 Proverbs 10:5 Ecclesiastes 4:11 Ecclesiastes 10:20 Song of Songs 5:2 Isaiah 5:27 Isaiah 11:7 Isaiah 38:15 Isaiah 56:10 Jeremiah 51:39 Ezekiel 34:25 Daniel 12:2 Hosea 7:6 Jonah 1:6 Nahum 3:18 Subtopics Related Terms |