Ashwin Lewis
Sleep of the just is an idiom that means to sleep deeply and peacefully, untroubled by one's conscience. The phrase implies that only those with clear consciences can expect to have a peaceful night's sleep, as they are not concerned about the consequences of their actions. The phrase has been used in various literary works, including Hearts in Atlantis by Stephen King and Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana. It has also been used to describe a peaceful death or burial.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | To sleep easily and deeply, untroubled by one's conscience or satisfied with one's efforts |
| Synonyms | Peaceful death or burial |
| Origin | Biblical, only Adam and Jesus Christ slept the sleep of the just |
| Usage | The phrase is used in many European languages and in modern Greek, it is used to refer to people who are oblivious to something |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep of the just in different texts
The phrase "sleep of the just" appears in many European languages, and its origin is unknown. In modern Greek, the idiom is used to refer to people who are oblivious to something. However, in earlier texts, it may refer to death. In the Synode of Florence, a 15th-century text, the phrase appears as "the just are 'resting'", implying that the dead who were righteous are now in paradise, as "sleep" is often used as a euphemism for death.
The phrase has been used in various modern texts, including:
The Sandman
The title of the first issue of the DC comic series is "Sleep of the Just". While some readers have speculated about the meaning of the title in relation to the story, others have suggested that it is simply a cool-sounding name.
The Bible
The phrase appears in the New American Bible translation as: "He gives to the vower his vow/ and blesses the sleep of the just/ For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S/ and he has set the world upon them." Interestingly, this line does not appear in any other Bible translation.
The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
In Douglas Adams' novel, the phrase is used in the following context: "You would probably not say he was sleeping the sleep of the just, unless you meant the just asleep, but it was certainly the sleep of someone who was not fooling about when he climbed into bed of a night and turned off the light."
Hearts in Atlantis
In Stephen King's novel, the phrase is used to describe a character who is sleeping peacefully: "Nate had been in the rack for an hour or more, sleeping the sleep of the just and the caught-up."
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Origin of the phrase
The phrase "sleep of the just" means to sleep easily and deeply, untroubled by one's conscience or satisfied with one's efforts. It implies that only those with clear consciences can expect to have a peaceful night's sleep, while those who have committed unjust acts will be concerned about the consequences and sleep poorly.
The phrase has been used in various literary works, including "Sir Guy's Atonement: A Christmas Term Story" by John Lea, "Hearts in Atlantis" by Stephen King, and "Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana" by Edward H. Chadwick. In these contexts, the phrase describes a peaceful sleep or, euphemistically, death.
The origin of the phrase is unknown, but it is present in many European languages and has been used in literature for at least a century. In modern Greek, the phrase is used to refer to people who are oblivious to something, while in earlier texts, it may refer to death or the belief that the just are resting in paradise.
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Religious connotations
The phrase "sleep of the just" is often used to describe a peaceful and undisturbed sleep, suggesting that the sleeper has a clear conscience and is untroubled by guilt or worry. This phrase has been used in various literary works and appears to have religious connotations.
In religious contexts, the idea of "sleeping the sleep of the just" implies that a person who lives a moral and righteous life will be rewarded with peaceful sleep, free from anxiety or remorse. It suggests that those who act justly and virtuously will not be disturbed by their conscience when they rest. This belief is reflected in the quote by Aristotle, who hints that virtue maintains a middle course, neither disturbing one's sleep with a loud snore nor keeping one awake with a silent slumber.
The phrase has been used in literature to describe the sleep of individuals who are not troubled by their actions or decisions. For example, in "Sir Guy's Atonement: A Christmas Term Story", Grimley Grange is described as "sleeping the sleep of the just" while two shadowy figures creep through the shrubbery, unaware of the impending danger. This usage suggests that those who are just are able to sleep soundly, undisturbed by fears or concerns.
In some contexts, "sleeping the sleep of the just" can also refer to a peaceful death or burial. For instance, in "Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana", Albert Vernon Randall is described as having lived a long and useful life and now sleeping the sleep of the just in the beautiful cemetery at Shebyville. Here, the phrase conveys the idea that the deceased has found peace and rest after a virtuous life.
The phrase "sleep of the just" is also found in modern Greek, where it can be used to refer to someone who is oblivious to something. However, in earlier texts, it may refer to death or the belief that the just are resting in paradise, as "sleep" is often used as a euphemism for death.
Overall, the phrase "sleep of the just" carries religious connotations that associate just and virtuous behavior with peaceful sleep and, by extension, a peaceful death. It suggests that a clear conscience and moral actions lead to a sense of tranquility and restfulness, both in life and in death.
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Sleep of the just as a euphemism for death
"Sleep of the just" is a phrase that means to sleep easily and deeply, without any worries or concerns. It is often used to describe a peaceful and undisturbed rest. The idea behind this phrase is that those who act justly and have a clear conscience can expect to sleep well, as they are untroubled by guilt or anxiety. This phrase has been used in literature and poetry to describe a character's state of sleep or to imply that they are sleeping peacefully after a job well done.
However, the phrase "sleep of the just" can also be used as a euphemism for death. While it primarily refers to a peaceful sleep, in certain contexts, it can take on a more solemn meaning, indicating that the person has passed away and is now resting eternally. This usage of the phrase can be traced back to earlier texts, where it may have been used ironically or figuratively to refer to death. For example, in the expression "the just are 'resting'", indicating that the deceased are at peace in paradise.
In some cultures and languages, the phrase "sleep of the just" or its equivalent has been used specifically to refer to death. For instance, in modern Greek, this idiom is used to describe someone who is oblivious to something, but in earlier texts, it was used as a euphemism for death. The phrase "sleep of the just" as a euphemism for death allows individuals to speak about passing away in a softer, less direct manner, providing a sense of solace and tranquility during difficult times.
The phrase "sleep of the just" as a euphemism for death conveys a sense of tranquility and peace, suggesting that the deceased person led a just and virtuous life, and is now resting peacefully. This usage of the phrase aligns with its original meaning, implying that those who live honorable lives will find solace and serenity in death, free from the worries and troubles of the living.
In literature and poetry, the phrase "sleep of the just" can be employed metaphorically to describe a character's death, adding a layer of subtlety and depth to the narrative. It allows the author to allude to the passing of a character without explicitly stating it, creating a sense of intrigue or emotional resonance. This euphemistic phrase provides a delicate approach to discussing death, offering a measure of comfort and poetry to an otherwise somber topic.
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Modern Greek usage
In Modern Greek, the phrase "sleep of the just" is used to refer to people who are oblivious to something. The phrase is a direct translation from other European languages, "Κοιμάμαι τον ύπνο του δικαίου" ("Kimame ton ipno tu dikéu", transliterated). While the origin of the phrase is unknown, it is believed to refer to the idea that only those with clear consciences can expect to sleep peacefully, untroubled by their actions or consequences.
The phrase has been used in literature and historical texts to describe a peaceful death or burial. For example, in "Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana", Albert Vernon Randall is described as sleeping "the sleep of the just" after a long and useful life. The phrase is also used to describe someone who is sleeping soundly and is not to be disturbed, indicating a deep and restful sleep.
In earlier Greek texts, the phrase may refer to death or the belief that the just or righteous are "resting" in paradise, with "sleep" being used as a euphemism for death. This expression can be found in texts dating back to the 15th century, such as the Synode of Florence.
Overall, the "sleep of the just" is a powerful phrase that conveys a sense of peace and justice, whether it is used to describe a person's peaceful sleep, death, or oblivion to a particular matter.
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Frequently asked questions
"Sleep of the just" means to sleep easily and deeply, untroubled by one's conscience or satisfied with one's efforts.
The phrase "sleep of the just" originates from the idea that people who act justly have no worries and sleep well, while those who act unjustly are concerned about the consequences of their actions and sleep poorly.
The phrase "sleep of the just" has been used in literature to describe a character's peaceful sleep or death. For example, in Stephen King's "Hearts in Atlantis," a character is described as "sleeping the sleep of the just and the caught-up."
