The term "slumbered" in the Bible often refers to a state of sleep or inactivity, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. It is used to describe physical sleep as well as spiritual lethargy or lack of vigilance. The concept of slumber is significant in Scripture, as it often serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and a call to remain watchful and alert in one's faith.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the idea of slumber is frequently associated with a lack of awareness or preparedness. Proverbs 6:9-11 warns against laziness: "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." Here, slumber is linked to the consequences of neglecting one's duties and responsibilities.

Psalm 121:3-4 provides reassurance of God's vigilance: "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 contrasts human tendency to slumber with God's constant watchfulness, emphasizing His unwavering protection over His people.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, slumber is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual drowsiness. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus illustrates the importance of readiness for His return. Matthew 25:5 states, "When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep." The slumber of the virgins serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual neglect and the need for constant preparedness.

Romans 13:11 exhorts believers to awaken from spiritual slumber: "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." The apostle Paul urges Christians to live with an awareness of the times and to be active in their faith, recognizing the imminence of Christ's return.

Theological Implications

Theologically, slumber can be understood as a state of spiritual indifference or apathy. It is a condition that believers are warned against, as it can lead to a weakening of faith and a susceptibility to sin. The Bible consistently calls for vigilance, urging believers to remain spiritually awake and engaged in their relationship with God.

The concept of slumber also highlights the contrast between human frailty and divine constancy. While humans may fall into periods of spiritual drowsiness, God remains ever-watchful and faithful. This serves as both a comfort and a challenge to believers, encouraging them to rely on God's strength while actively pursuing a vibrant and alert spiritual life.(imp. & p. p.) of Slumber.

Perseverance
... low. The wise virgins slumbered. Matthew 25:5. The exercise of grace may
be hindered; as when the course of water is stopped. (2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm

'They that were Ready'
... To have these was readiness. It is beautiful to notice how these five who were ready
when the Master came had 'slumbered and slept' like the other five. Ah! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/they that were ready.htm

Daleth.
... Whence the Psalmist, struggling and wearied with the difficulty of obeying them,
saith, "My soul hath slumbered for very heaviness: O stablish Thou me with Thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/daleth.htm

Prophecies Fulfilled.
... lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ... Satan.
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /22 prophecies fulfilled.htm

Prophecies Fulfilled
... lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ... Satan.
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 22 prophecies fulfilled.htm

Matt. xxv. 1-30.
... But five of them were wise, and the other five foolish, which took not," He saith,
"oil.". "Then, while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxviii matt xxv 1-30.htm

Sleep Not
... Church is to a great extent asleep, the more reason why we should be awake; and,
if it be true, as I fear it is, that we have ourselves slumbered and slept ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved
... There is also the sleep of negligence, such as the virgins had, when it is said,
"they all slumbered and slept;" and the sleep of sorrow, which overcame Peter ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peculiar sleep of the.htm

The Ten virgins.
... lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ... advent.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xiii the ten virgins.htm

Worship
... "The entire creation grew together to reflect and repeat the glory of God, and yet
the echo of God slumbered in the hollow bowels of the dumb earth until there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/regester/the worship of the church/worship.htm

Slumbered (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Slumbered (2 Occurrences). Matthew 25:5 Now while the
bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. (WEB KJV ASV WBS RSV). ...
/s/slumbered.htm - 7k

Slumber (14 Occurrences)

/s/slumber.htm - 10k

Tarried (42 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Tarry. Multi-Version Concordance Tarried (42 Occurrences). Matthew
25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. (KJV ASV WBS) ...
/t/tarried.htm - 18k

Delaying (6 Occurrences)
... delaying his coming,' (WEB). Matthew 25:5 Now while the bridegroom delayed,
they all slumbered and slept. (See NAS). Luke 1:21 And ...
/d/delaying.htm - 8k

Delayed (18 Occurrences)
... delay to come, (See RSV). Matthew 25:5 Now while the bridegroom delayed, they
all slumbered and slept. (WEB RSV). Luke 1:21 The people ...
/d/delayed.htm - 11k

Bridegroom (23 Occurrences)
... bridegroom. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 25:5 Now while
the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. (WEB ...
/b/bridegroom.htm - 14k

Slumbereth (3 Occurrences)

/s/slumbereth.htm - 7k

Slept (74 Occurrences)
... away. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). Matthew 25:5 Now while the bridegroom delayed,
they all slumbered and slept. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/s/slept.htm - 28k

Got (764 Occurrences)
... themselves together. (See NIV). Matthew 25:5 Now while the bridegroom delayed,
they all slumbered and slept. (See NAS). Matthew 25 ...
/g/got.htm - 33k

Gathering (71 Occurrences)
... Nahum 3:18 Slumbered have thy friends, king of Asshur, Rest do thine honourable
ones, Scattered have been thy people on the mountains, And there is none ...
/g/gathering.htm - 28k

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