In the biblical context, the concept of being "sleepy" or experiencing sleepiness is often associated with both physical and spiritual states. Sleep is a natural part of human life, created by God for rest and rejuvenation. However, the Bible also uses sleepiness metaphorically to describe spiritual lethargy or lack of vigilance.

Physical Sleepiness:
The Bible acknowledges the necessity of physical rest. In Genesis 2:2-3, God Himself rested on the seventh day, setting a precedent for the importance of rest. Sleep is a gift from God, as seen in Psalm 127:2, which states, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for He grants sleep to His beloved." This verse highlights that God provides rest to those He loves, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His provision rather than relying solely on human effort.

Spiritual Sleepiness:
The New Testament frequently warns against spiritual sleepiness, urging believers to remain vigilant and alert. In Romans 13:11, Paul writes, "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, sleepiness is used metaphorically to describe a state of spiritual complacency or unawareness. Believers are called to awaken from this state and live in anticipation of Christ's return.

Jesus Himself admonished His disciples to stay awake and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:40-41, He says, "Then He returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. 'Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?' He asked Peter. 'Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.'" This passage underscores the need for spiritual vigilance and the danger of succumbing to physical sleepiness at critical moments.

Parables and Teachings:
The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 further illustrates the consequences of spiritual sleepiness. Five of the virgins were wise and prepared, while the other five were foolish and unprepared, falling asleep without enough oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom arrived, the foolish virgins were not ready and were shut out of the wedding feast. This parable serves as a warning to remain spiritually alert and prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Exhortations to Wakefulness:
Throughout Scripture, believers are exhorted to remain awake and sober-minded. 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 call to wakefulness is a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for constant readiness.

In summary, while physical sleepiness is a natural and necessary part of life, spiritual sleepiness poses a significant danger to the believer. The Bible encourages vigilance, preparedness, and an active faith, urging followers of Christ to remain spiritually awake and alert in anticipation of His return.1. (n.) Drowsy; inclined to, or overcome by, sleep.

2. (n.) Tending to induce sleep; soporiferous; somniferous; as, a sleepy drink or potion.

3. (n.) Dull; lazy; heavy; sluggish.

4. (n.) Characterized by an absence of watchfulness; as, sleepy security.

3463. yashen -- sleeping
... asleep, one out of sleep. From yashen; sleepy -- asleep, (one out of) sleep(-eth,
-ing), slept. see HEBREW yashen. 3462, 3463. yashen. 3464 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/3463.htm - 6k

The Sleepy Magistrates' Proclamation
... 5. Wesley Refused Sacraments at Epworth; Cornwall and the Scilly Isles; Natural
Amphitheater at Gwennap; Wesley in Danger The Sleepy Magistrates' Proclamation. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/the sleepy magistrates proclamation.htm

Diamond and his Mother Sat Down Upon the Edge of the Rough Grass ...
... But Diamond felt rather sleepy, and turned on his side and gazed sleepily over the
sand. ... "I'm too sleepy," said Diamond. "Do read some of them to me.". ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 13 diamond and his.htm

The Card Parties
... One time when John had won in a number of games and had been treated to as
many drinks from the bottle of beer, he became very sleepy. ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter v the card parties.htm

Letter cix. To Riparius.
... You tell me that Vigilantius (whose very name Wakeful is a contradiction: he ought
rather to be described as Sleepy) has again opened his fetid lips and is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cix to riparius.htm

Wesley's Last Hours
... went into the room; immediately after he came out and desired me to mull some wine
with spices and carry it to Mr. Wesley: he drank a little and seemed sleepy. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesleys last hours.htm

The Enchanted Ground
... Christian, if thou art one of the sleepy brotherhood, thou art subject to divers
illusions. ... I remember, once in my life, having a sleepy congregation. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the enchanted ground.htm

The Intercessory Prayers of Christians
... importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth." The man's plea for
bread was so insistent that he did not heed the protest of his sleepy friend. ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 8 the intercessory prayers.htm

When Diamond Went Home to Breakfast, He Found his Father and ...
... Sandwich.". "Sleepy old hole!" said his father. "Don ... called it. And no wonder
that it was sleepy, for it was nearly dead of old age. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 9 when diamond went.htm

The Alarum
... If in these pushing times any man goes about his business in a sleepy, listless
fashion, he very soon finds himself on an ebb-tide, and all his affairs aground ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the alarum.htm

Canticles 4:12 the Lord's Garden.
... Let believers open their sleepy eyes, and try to understand the value of their
privileges! This is the most blessed part of the Lord's garden. ...
/.../chapter xv canticles 4 12 the.htm

Sleepy (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Tending to induce sleep; soporiferous; somniferous; as, a sleepy drink or
potion. 3. (n.) Dull; lazy; heavy; sluggish. ...Sleepy (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/sleepy.htm - 6k

Sleeps (20 Occurrences)

/s/sleeps.htm - 11k

Stagger (20 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) A disease of horses and other animals, attended by reeling, unsteady gait
or sudden falling; as, parasitic staggers; appopletic or sleepy staggers. ...
/s/stagger.htm - 13k

Sleet (1 Occurrence)

/s/sleet.htm - 6k

What is the enemy within? | GotQuestions.org

Why would God leave the 99 to find 1? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be sober-minded? | GotQuestions.org

Sleepy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus