Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is a significant part of the human experience, so it is no surprise that biblical writers allude to it frequently. The concept of sleep is used in many ways in the Bible, and the term deep sleep appears seven times in the Old Testament. In each case, it seems to refer to a special state induced by the Lord Himself to convey an important revelation to, or through, the person experiencing it. For example, in Genesis 2:21, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam so that he could take one of his ribs to create Eve. Deep sleep is also mentioned in the New Testament, such as in Acts 20:9, where Eutychus falls into a deep sleep during a late-night church service and falls from an upstairs window.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Deep sleep in the Bible | A special state induced by God to convey an important revelation |
| Deep sleep is also known as | Spirit of Deep Sleep |
| Deep sleep in Hebrew | Tardema |
| Number of times deep sleep is mentioned in the Old Testament | 7 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in the New Testament | Mark 4:38, Acts 20:9 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in the Book of Genesis | 2:21 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in the Book of Judges | 4:21 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in the Book of Jonah | 1:5 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in the Book of Daniel | 8:18, 10:9, 12:2 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in Psalms | 76:6 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in Proverbs | 19:15 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in Isaiah | 29:10 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in Samuel | 26:12 |
| Deep sleep mentioned in Job | 4:13, 33:15 |
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What You'll Learn
Deep sleep as a state induced by God to convey a message
The Bible makes several references to "deep sleep", often referring to it as a state of slumber induced by God to convey an important message or revelation to a person. This concept is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in Genesis 2:21, where it describes the Lord God causing a deep sleep to fall upon Adam:
> "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof." (Genesis 2:21)
This is the first of seven occurrences of the term "deep sleep" in the Old Testament. In each instance, it appears to signify a unique state brought about by God to impart a significant message or covenant. During Adam's deep sleep, God created Eve from his rib, and through their union, the birth of all nations on Earth was foretold.
The second instance of deep sleep in the Bible is also found in Genesis, where it is said to have fallen upon Abram (later known as Abraham). During this deep sleep, God established a covenant with Abram, promising that from his seed would come the chosen nation. This deep sleep prefigured Christ's own deep sleep of death on the cross, through which a new world was born.
Deep sleep in the Bible is not always induced by God. In some cases, it is used to describe a natural state of slumber, such as when Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus slept on a cushion in the boat (Mk. 4:38). The Bible also uses the concept of sleep symbolically to emphasise certain truths about God, such as his ever-watchfulness and providential care.
In summary, the idea of "deep sleep" in the Bible is multifaceted. While it can refer to natural sleep or be used symbolically, it often carries a deeper meaning, suggesting a divinely induced state of slumber through which God communicates important messages, covenants, or revelations.
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Deep sleep as a symbol of death
The concept of sleep is used in many ways in the Bible, and the term "sleep" is used symbolically in several different senses. The word "sleep" is used literally of the state of the body in normal, unconscious repose. Sleep is also used figuratively in the Bible, to stress certain truths about God. For example, a psalmist wrote, "He will not allow your foot to slip; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:3-4).
Deep sleep is mentioned seven times in the Old Testament, and it is often interpreted as a special state induced by God to convey an important revelation. For instance, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and during this sleep, God took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh (Genesis 2:21). This deep sleep resulted in the creation of Eve, who would become the mother of all nations.
Deep sleep is also associated with death and the afterlife in the Bible. Before the resurrection of Jesus, the souls of the unrighteous were believed to have gone to a place of torment, while the souls of the righteous went to Abraham's Bosom inside the earth to enjoy a peaceful deep sleep until their awakening (1 Samuel 7:12). This concept of peaceful sleep after death is also seen in Psalm 4:8, where a good night's sleep is described as a gift from God.
The Bible also describes death as a sleep, but it is important to note that it is only referring to the body and not the consciousness of the individual. For example, Daniel refers to those who "sleep in the dust of the earth" (Daniel 12:2). The Greek word "koimaomai" is used to describe the sleep of death, and it is related to the word "koimeterion," from which the English word "cemetery" is derived.
Deep sleep is also mentioned in relation to Jesus's crucifixion. Jesus's deep sleep of death on the cross is seen as a fulfillment of ancient covenants and the institution of the eternal New Covenant in His blood. His death and resurrection judged death and hell, and a new world was born (1 Samuel 7:12).
In summary, deep sleep in the Bible is often associated with divine revelation, the afterlife, and the fulfillment of God's covenants. It is used symbolically to convey the idea of death and resurrection, as well as God's providential care and watchfulness.
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Deep sleep as a symbol of God's providential care
The concept of sleep is used in many ways in the Bible, and the term "sleep" is used symbolically in several different senses. Deep sleep is referred to seven times in the Old Testament, and in each instance, it appears to be a state induced by God to convey an important message or vision to the sleeper, or to facilitate an event.
Deep sleep is a symbol of God's providential care and protection. For example, in Genesis 2:21, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam so that he could create Eve from his rib. This deep sleep was a protective measure, as God was preparing Adam for the surgery of removing his rib. The deep sleep also allowed Adam to rest and gain strength for the coming day, which is implied to be a gift from God (Leviticus 26:6; Psalm 4:8).
In the same way, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Abram (Genesis 15:12), during which God established His covenant with him, promising that from his seed would come a chosen nation. This deep sleep was a symbol of God's care and protection over Abram, as He prepared him for the significant revelation that was to come.
Deep sleep is also mentioned in relation to Abraham's Bosom, a place inside the earth where the souls of the righteous went to enjoy a peaceful deep sleep until the time of their awakening (1 Samuel 7:12). This deep sleep can be seen as a gift from God, a time of rest and peace for those who have been faithful to Him.
In addition, the Bible mentions that God will pour a spirit of deep sleep on a person in special circumstances, such as when He wants to convey a spoken message or give a vision (0). This deep sleep can be seen as a symbol of God's providential care, as He uses it to communicate with His people and guide them.
Overall, the concept of deep sleep in the Bible is often associated with God's protection, care, and guidance. It is a symbol of His providential care, reminding us that He is ever watchful of our needs and will provide for us, even in our sleep.
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Deep sleep as a symbol of God's judgement
The concept of sleep is used in many ways in the Bible. The word "sleep" is used both literally and symbolically. Deep sleep in the Bible is often associated with God's judgment and is seen as a special state induced by God to convey an important revelation.
The first mention of "deep sleep" in the Bible is in Genesis 2:21, where God causes a deep sleep to fall upon Adam so that he can take one of his ribs and create Eve. This is the first of seven occurrences of the term "deep sleep" in the Old Testament. In each case, it refers to a supernatural state induced by God to convey a message or facilitate an event. For example, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Abram (Genesis 15:12) to establish his covenant with him, promising that from his seed, a chosen nation would be born.
Deep sleep is also mentioned in the story of Jonah, who fell into a deep sleep during a storm at sea (Jonah 1:5). This could symbolize God's judgment on Jonah for his disobedience or his protection from the chaos around him. Similarly, Peter and those with him fell into a deep sleep before witnessing the glory of Christ and the two men standing with him (Matthew 26:43).
In some cases, deep sleep in the Bible can also symbolize spiritual blindness or insensitivity to God's voice. For example, the Bible states that God gave the Israelites a "spirit of deep sleep, eyes not to see, and ears not to hear" (Romans 11:8). This could represent God's judgment on their rebellion and sin, allowing them to suffer the consequences of their actions.
The Bible also describes death as a deep sleep, indicating that the body is at rest while the soul awaits judgment. For instance, Daniel refers to those who "sleep in the dust of the earth" (Daniel 12:2), and Jesus himself experienced a deep sleep of death on the cross, through which death and hell were judged, and a new world was born.
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Deep sleep as a state of unconscious repose
The concept of "sleep" is used in many ways in the Bible, and the term "sleep" is used both literally and symbolically. The Bible makes a distinction between different levels of sleep, including lighter sleep (REM) and deeper sleep (non-REM).
Deep sleep in the Bible is often associated with a state of unconscious repose, a time when the body and mind are at rest. This state is sometimes induced by God or a divine power to convey important messages or revelations. For example, in Genesis 2:21, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and during this sleep, God took one of Adam's ribs and closed up the flesh, creating a bride for him. Similarly, in Genesis 15:12, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and God established a covenant with him, promising that his seed would bear a chosen nation.
Deep sleep is also mentioned in the story of Jonah, who fell into a deep sleep during a storm while he was in the lowest part of the vessel. In Acts 20:9, Eutychus is described as being borne down with "deep sleep" during a late-night church service, causing him to fall from an upstairs window to the ground.
In some cases, deep sleep in the Bible is associated with death. For example, in Daniel 12:2, Daniel refers to those who "sleep in the dust of the earth," indicating that the dead are in a state of mindless sleep. However, other passages suggest that the dead are conscious in their realm of existence, such as the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:23-25.
The Bible also uses sleep figuratively to stress certain truths about God. For instance, Psalms 121:3-4 emphasizes God's constant watchfulness: "He will not allow your foot to slip; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."
Deep sleep is also mentioned in the context of spiritual experiences and visions. In one account, a person describes feeling a great sleepiness come upon them during worship, and during this deep sleep, they received a prophetic vision from God.
Overall, the concept of deep sleep in the Bible is multifaceted and is used to convey a range of spiritual, symbolic, and literal meanings.
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Frequently asked questions
Deep sleep in the Bible is used to refer to a special state induced by God to convey an important revelation or facilitate an event. It is also used to describe death.
The Hebrew word for deep sleep in the Bible is "tardema".
The term "deep sleep" is used seven times in the Old Testament.
During Adam's deep sleep, God created Eve from one of Adam's ribs, and from their seed, all the nations of the earth were born.
Yes, in the New Testament, the Bible describes Jesus sleeping in the stern of a boat while crossing the Sea of Galilee with his disciples.
