What does the bible say about Sleep

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.

In this gallery, we explore what the Holy Book says about sleep and its many interpretations. Click on to begin the journey. 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.” 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?'” 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).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. ”

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!'” 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. 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.'"

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.'” 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.”

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.'” 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. 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.”

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.” 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.” 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).