Genesis 15:12

KJV

¶ And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the sun {H8121} was going down {H935}, a deep sleep {H8639} fell {H5307} upon Abram {H87}; and, lo, an horror {H367} of great {H1419} darkness {H2825} fell {H5307} upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

As the sun was about to set, a deep sleep fell on Avram; horror and great darkness came over him.

Berean Standard Bible

As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.

American Standard Version

And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 15:12 describes a profound and divinely orchestrated experience that befalls Abram as the sun sets, immediately preceding the formal establishment of God's covenant with him. He is overcome by a supernatural "deep sleep" (Hebrew: *tardêmâh*), followed by an intense "horror of great darkness." This unsettling yet sacred prelude serves to underscore the solemnity, unilateral nature, and immense significance of the covenant God is about to initiate, preparing Abram for a revelation of divine promise and future prophetic insight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 15:12 is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of God's covenant with Abram. The chapter begins with God reassuring Abram of His protection and promising him a direct heir, despite Abram's advanced age and Sarah's barrenness ([Genesis 15:1-4](/genesis/15-1-4 "God's Promise of an Heir to Abram")). Abram's profound act of faith in God's promise is then explicitly "counted to him for righteousness" ([Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Abram's Faith Counted as Righteousness")). Following this, God commands Abram to prepare animals for a covenant ceremony, a ritual common in the ancient Near East where parties would typically walk between the divided pieces, signifying their commitment and the consequences of breaking the agreement ([Genesis 15:9-10](/genesis/15-9-10 "Covenant Preparation")). Abram drives away the birds of prey, indicating his active participation and readiness. The "deep sleep" and "horror of great darkness" in verse 12 directly precede the dramatic scene where God alone, symbolized by a smoking furnace and a burning lamp, passes between the pieces, signifying a unilateral, unconditional covenant ([Genesis 15:17](/genesis/15-17 "God Passes Through the Covenant Pieces")). This entire sequence highlights God's initiative and the solemnity of His commitment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Covenant-making ceremonies in the ancient Near East often involved the cutting of animals into pieces, with the covenanting parties walking between them. This ritual symbolized that the fate of the dismembered animals would befall anyone who broke the covenant. The phrase "to cut a covenant" (Hebrew: *karat berit*) itself reflects this practice. For Abram, a resident of Canaan, this ritual would have been familiar. However, the unique elements of this particular ceremony—the divinely induced sleep, the horror of darkness, and especially God alone passing through the pieces—would have profoundly distinguished it from any human covenant. This underscored that this was not a reciprocal agreement but a divine oath, binding God Himself to His promises. The setting, as the sun goes down, also evokes the ancient world's reliance on natural cycles for timekeeping, and the transition from day to night often held symbolic weight, marking a shift from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 15:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**. God orchestrates every aspect of this encounter, from the command to prepare the sacrifice to the specific supernatural phenomena that befall Abram, demonstrating that the covenant is entirely His doing, not a human negotiation. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Awe and Transcendence of God**. The "horror of great darkness" emphasizes the immense holiness and power of God, evoking a sense of reverence and even dread appropriate for a direct encounter with the Creator. This foreshadows later divine encounters, such as the giving of the Law on [Mount Sinai, shrouded in thick darkness](/exodus/19-16-18 "God's Presence on Mount Sinai"). Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **Prophetic Revelation**, as the subsequent verses reveal God's foreknowledge of Israel's future affliction and deliverance ([Genesis 15:13-16](/genesis/15-13-16 "Prophecy of Israel's Bondage and Deliverance")). The deep sleep prepares Abram to receive this profound, divinely imparted knowledge without human interference. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the **Unilateral Nature of the Abrahamic Covenant**, where God alone guarantees its fulfillment, a foundational concept for understanding God's faithfulness throughout salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deep sleep (Hebrew, _tardêmâh'_):** From H8639, this word signifies a divinely induced lethargy or trance, distinct from ordinary slumber. It implies a state of profound unconsciousness or stupor, often used in scripture to denote a supernatural intervention where God prepares an individual for a significant revelation or action. Examples include [Adam's deep sleep](/genesis/2-21 "Adam's Deep Sleep") before the creation of Eve, or [Daniel's trance-like state](/daniel/10-9 "Daniel's Vision and Deep Sleep") during a prophetic vision. Here, it ensures Abram is a passive, receptive participant in God's sovereign act.
* **fell (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, this primitive root means "to fall" in a wide variety of applications, often implying a descent or imposition. Its repeated use in this verse ("deep sleep *fell* upon Abram," "horror... *fell* upon him") emphasizes the external, divinely initiated nature of these experiences. It was not something Abram sought or could control, but something that was supernaturally imposed upon him by God.
* **horror (Hebrew, _ʼêymâh'_):** From H367, this word denotes fright, dread, or terror. It describes an intense, overwhelming fear or awe. In this context, it's not merely psychological fear but a profound, almost palpable sense of dread that accompanies the awesome and holy presence of God. It underscores the solemnity and overwhelming nature of the divine encounter.
* **darkness (Hebrew, _chăshêkâh'_):** From H2825, this term refers to literal darkness, but figuratively, it can also signify misery or gloom. Here, combined with "great" and "horror," it describes an oppressive, terrifying gloom that is more than just the absence of light. It symbolizes the weighty, mysterious, and awe-inspiring nature of God's presence, and possibly foreshadows the trials and afflictions that Abram's descendants would face.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the sun was going down,"**: This temporal marker sets the scene at twilight, a transitional time often associated with the culmination of a day's work and the onset of mystery or significant events in biblical narrative. The fading light emphasizes the impending supernatural phenomena and the shift from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
* **"a deep sleep fell upon Abram;"**: This clause describes the first supernatural event. The "deep sleep" (Hebrew: *tardêmâh*) is divinely induced, not ordinary slumber. It signifies God's direct intervention to prepare Abram's mind and body, rendering him a passive recipient, ensuring that the subsequent revelation and covenant are entirely God's work, free from human interference or contribution.
* **"and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him."**: The interjection "lo" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the extraordinary and startling nature of what follows. The "horror of great darkness" describes an intense, palpable dread and an oppressive, terrifying gloom that accompanies the divine presence. This is not merely the absence of light but a profound, overwhelming sensation that emphasizes the awesome, holy, and transcendent nature of God, underscoring the absolute seriousness and binding nature of the covenant He is about to establish. It serves as a prelude to the weighty prophetic revelations that follow regarding the future of Abram's descendants.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the "horror of great darkness," which not only emphasizes the solemnity of the covenant but also prophetically alludes to the future period of affliction and bondage that Abram's descendants would endure in Egypt, as detailed in the subsequent verses of this chapter. The use of **Symbolism** is prominent, with "darkness" representing the mystery, the unknown future, and the overwhelming, unapproachable holiness of God's presence. It evokes a sense of awe and dread, a common biblical motif when humanity encounters the divine, as seen on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "The Lord Descends on Mount Sinai"). The repeated phrase "fell upon him" exemplifies **Repetition**, which serves to emphasize the divine agency and the overwhelming, inescapable nature of Abram's experience. This highlights that these events were not self-induced but were sovereignly imposed by God, underscoring His control and initiative in the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 15:12 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His unique method of establishing His covenant. The divinely induced "deep sleep" and the overwhelming "horror of great darkness" are not random occurrences but purposeful preparations for a monumental revelation. They underscore that this covenant is not a bilateral agreement based on human merit or negotiation, but a unilateral, unconditional promise initiated and guaranteed by God alone. This experience impresses upon Abram, and upon us, the immense holiness, power, and transcendence of God, demanding reverence and awe. It also foreshadows the trials and tribulations that God's people would face, yet simultaneously assures them of God's foreknowledge and ultimate faithfulness to His promises, even through periods of darkness.

* [Genesis 2:21](/genesis/2-21 "Adam's Deep Sleep and the Creation of Eve")
* [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Thunder, Lightning, and a Thick Cloud on Mount Sinai")
* [Daniel 10:9](/daniel/10-9 "Daniel's Deep Sleep During a Vision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The experience of Abram in Genesis 15:12 offers a powerful lesson on how God often prepares us for significant spiritual breakthroughs or profound revelations. Just as Abram was rendered passive and overwhelmed by a "horror of great darkness" before receiving God's unconditional covenant, we too may encounter periods of spiritual disorientation, uncertainty, or even a sense of dread when God is at work in profound ways. These "dark nights of the soul" or moments of deep spiritual vulnerability are not necessarily signs of God's absence, but can be divinely orchestrated preparations for a deeper understanding of His character, a stronger reliance on His promises, or a clearer vision of His will. Our call is to cultivate reverence and trust, recognizing that even in the midst of unsettling experiences, God is sovereignly moving to establish His purposes and reveal His unfailing faithfulness. We are invited to embrace humility, knowing that true divine encounters often strip away our self-sufficiency and invite us into a posture of complete dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when faced with spiritual "darkness" or uncertainty in your life?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you for a deeper revelation or commitment through challenging or unsettling experiences?**
* **What does Abram's passive reception of this experience teach us about our role in receiving God's grace and promises?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "deep sleep" (tardêmâh)?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *tardêmâh* (H8639) denotes a divinely induced stupor or trance, distinct from ordinary sleep. It appears in scripture when God is about to perform a significant act or impart profound revelation, as seen when God caused [Adam to fall into a deep sleep](/genesis/2-21 "Adam's Deep Sleep") before creating Eve, or when [Daniel experienced a similar state](/daniel/10-9 "Daniel's Deep Sleep During a Vision"). In Abram's case, it highlights the supernatural nature of the impending covenant revelation, ensuring his full receptivity and God's sole agency in establishing the covenant without human interference or contribution.

**Why did "a horror of great darkness" fall upon Abram?**

Answer: The "horror of great darkness" (H367, H1419, H2825) emphasizes the overwhelming holiness, power, and transcendence of God, evoking a sense of awe and dread appropriate for a direct divine encounter. It underscores the absolute solemnity and binding nature of the covenant God was about to make. Additionally, it serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the future affliction and bondage that Abram's descendants would endure in Egypt, as revealed in the subsequent verses ([Genesis 15:13-16](/genesis/15-13-16 "Prophecy of Israel's Bondage and Deliverance")), demonstrating God's foreknowledge and control over history, even through periods of hardship. This darkness also symbolizes the mysterious and unapproachable aspects of God's presence, similar to the darkness that shrouded [Mount Sinai when God descended](/exodus/19-16 "God's Presence on Mount Sinai").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 15:12, with its profound "deep sleep" and "horror of great darkness" preceding God's unilateral covenant with Abram, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Abrahamic covenant, established solely by God's initiative as He passed through the divided pieces, foreshadows the New Covenant secured by Christ's finished work on the cross. Just as Abram was a passive recipient of God's sovereign promise, humanity is saved not by works or human effort, but by God's grace alone through faith in Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). The "horror of great darkness" that fell upon Abram finds its cosmic echo in the three hours of darkness that covered the land during Christ's crucifixion ([Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Darkness at the Crucifixion")), symbolizing the weight of sin and divine judgment that Jesus, the Lamb of God, bore on behalf of humanity to secure the covenant promises. Through His death and resurrection, Christ perfectly fulfilled the Abrahamic covenant, becoming the singular "seed" through whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ, the Seed of Abraham")), and establishing an eternal covenant of grace, making God's promises of salvation and blessing accessible to all who believe in Him ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 2:21

¶ 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;

Job 33:15

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

Daniel 10:8

Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

Daniel 10:9

Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

Job 4:13

In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men,

Job 4:14

Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.

Acts 9:8

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought [him] into Damascus.