Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5533 sleep, physical

5533 sleep, physical

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5532 sleep » 5533 sleep, physical

A gift from God providing necessary rest, usually at night, for the restoration of mind and body. It is sometimes denied, sometimes used by God for his purposes and sometimes abused by people.

Sleep is a gift from God

It is pleasant and refreshing

Ecclesiastes 5:12 See also 1 Kings 19:5; Jeremiah 31:26; John 11:12-13

It is God's gift to his faithful people

Psalm 127:2 See also Proverbs 3:21-24

It is often denied to the wicked

Isaiah 48:22

Sleep as a nocturnal activity

It is associated with night-time

1 Thessalonians 5:7 See also Luke 17:34; John 9:4; Romans 13:11-12

It is associated with dreams

Genesis 28:11-12; Genesis 41:1,5; Isaiah 29:7-8; Daniel 2:1; Daniel 4:5; Daniel 7:1

It is associated with sexual activity

Genesis 30:15-16; 2 Samuel 11:4

Abraham and Hagar:

Genesis 16:2,4 Genesis 26:10; Genesis 30:3-5; Genesis 35:22; Genesis 38:18; Genesis 39:14; Exodus 22:16; Deuteronomy 22:22; 2 Samuel 3:7; Hebrews 13:4

Blessings in sleep

Peace

Psalm 4:8 See also Matthew 8:24 pp Mark 4:38 pp Luke 8:23; Acts 12:6

Protection

Psalm 121:3-4 See also Psalm 3:5-6; Psalm 68:13; Ezekiel 34:25

Deep and light sleep

Deep sleep for the creation of Eve

Genesis 2:21

Deep sleep for revelation

Deep sleep as a judgment

1 Samuel 26:12; Isaiah 29:10 The sleep in this instance is symbolic.

Light sleep

Songs 5:2

Sleeping at the wrong time

While on duty

Proverbs 19:15; Matthew 28:13; Mark 13:36

During harvest

Proverbs 10:5

Instead of praying

Jonah 1:5-6; Matthew 26:40 pp Mark 14:37 pp Luke 22:45-46

During a sermon

Acts 20:9

At the transfiguration

Luke 9:32

Amidst danger

Judges 16:13-14,19; Proverbs 6:1-5; Proverbs 23:34; Matthew 13:25

Excessive sleep

Proverbs 6:9-11 See also Proverbs 20:13; Proverbs 23:21; Isaiah 56:10