What does the Bible say about sleep?
6 min read
Sleep is critical for humans—we need it to restore our bodies and minds and live healthy lives. But again, there is more to sleep than the process of dozing off and entering a different state of consciousness, or lack thereof. Sleep has various connotations, particularly when it comes to the spiritual realm. For instance, while the Bible is not a human biology book as such, it does mention sleep in numerous verses. And it does so from various angles with different meanings attached to them.
The physical importance of sleep
Sleep is essential for humans, and indeed for a healthy life. One can say it’s a gift from God, as it restores one’s body and mind like nothing else.
The spiritual importance of sleep
Sleep is also important from a spiritual perspective. “Sleep recreates. The Bible indicates that sleep is not meant only for the recuperation of a man’s body, but that there is a tremendous furtherance of spiritual and moral life during sleep,” explains author Oswald Chambers.
In the Bible, sleep can be interpreted in different ways. It may refer to the physical act of sleeping, but it can also refer to moral or spiritual inactivity (e.g. laziness, apathy, etc.). Sometimes, sleep is also used as an euphemism for death.
Everyone needs to rest
The Bible mentions that rest is necessary. Even Jesus had to take time off. John 4:6 reads: “Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime.”
Jesus also slept
The Bible actually mentions a moment when Jesus was asleep. Mark 4:38 reads: “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, ‘Master, carest thou not that we perish?’”
God never sleeps
Unlike Jesus, the Father does not have that human need and therefore never sleeps. “Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleep,” (Psalm 121:4).
The first woman was created from a sleeping man
Genesis 2:21-22 says that “the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.”
What about dreams?
The Bible mentions that God may speak to believers through dreams. Genesis 46:2 is one example: “And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, ‘Jacob! Jacob!’”
God speaks through dreams
The reference in Genesis isn’t the only one in the Bible about dreams. In fact, there are many more. The Gospel of Matthew also contains a reference of God appearing to Joseph in a dream and telling him to take Mary as his wife because the child she was expecting was from the Holy Spirit.
Warning dreams
This was followed by an angel appearing to Joseph in a dream with a message from God. The details can be found in Matthew 2:13: “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.'”
Apocalyptic dreams
Acts 2:17 mentions that in the end of times, believers will have visions and dreams. “In the last days, God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.’”
Sometimes, dreams are not to be trusted
Ecclesiastes 5:7 has a clear message about placing too much hope on our dreams. It warns: “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.”
Sometimes, dreams are not to be trusted
Trusting the dreams of others can be deceitful. Jeremiah 29:8 warns us: “Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have.’”
Comforting verses
There are a number of comforting Bible verses about sleep. Let’s take a look at some that will promote a good night’s sleep.
Trust and safety
The Bible says that those who trust in God will be safe during sleep. Proverbs 3:24 is one example. It reads: “If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
Trust and safety
Psalm 4:8 is another example: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Trust and safety
Job 11:18–19 is also a good example of how God keeps us safe and helps us have a peaceful sleep. “Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.”
It’s a gift from God
Peaceful sleep is a gift to the children of God. Psalm 127:2 reads: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
Hard work will help us sleep
The link between honest hard work and a good night’s sleep can also be found in the Bible. “People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep,” (Ecclesiastes 5:12).
God rewards hard work with well-deserved rest
Matthew 11:28 also links hard work and sleep. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Sometimes being asleep is not a good thing
In Proverbs 20:13, sleep is associated with not being awake in the Lord (i.e. not following God’s path). It reads: “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.”
Proverbs 6:9 also contains a similar message. It reads: “How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?”
Luke 22:46 is yet another example of when being asleep has a negative connotation. It reads: “And he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.’”
Sleep as adultery
Sleeping with someone is a commonly used euphemism for having sex. In the Bible, we can find a reference that mentions adultery, specifically. “So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished,” (Proverbs 6:29-35).
Sleep as an opportunity for betrayal
Samson had his hair cut during his sleep and lost his strength. The story of Dalilah’s betrayal can be found in Judges 16:19.
Sleep as death
Sleep as an analogy for death can also be found in the Bible. John 11:11 describes one of Jesus’ miracles, where he brought Lazarus back from the dead. It reads: “After saying these things, he said to them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.’”
Another example can be found in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, which reads: “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”
The Bible tells us that those who wait for Christ will join him in his Father’s kingdom, regardless of whether they are dead or alive.
The message in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 is pretty clear: “For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first”.
