Genesis 15:12

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

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.

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

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

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

Commentary

Genesis 15:12 describes a pivotal moment in the life of Abram (later renamed Abraham) as he prepares to receive God's formal covenant. As the sun sets, a profound and supernatural experience overtakes him, setting the stage for one of the most significant divine revelations in the Old Testament.

Context

This verse is situated immediately before the formalization of the Abrahamic Covenant, a foundational promise between God and Abram. Earlier in the chapter, God reaffirmed His promise that Abram would have a multitude of descendants, specifically an heir from his own body (Genesis 15:4). Abram's belief in this promise was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Following this, God instructed Abram to prepare animals for a covenant ceremony, a practice common in the ancient Near East to solemnize agreements. The "deep sleep" and "horror of great darkness" serve as a divine prelude to God walking through the divided pieces, symbolizing His unilateral commitment to the covenant (Genesis 15:17).

Key Themes

  • Divine Awe and Preparation: The "deep sleep" is not ordinary slumber but a divinely induced state, often referred to as a trance, preparing Abram for a profound encounter with God. The accompanying "horror of great darkness" emphasizes the overwhelming, holy, and awe-inspiring nature of God's presence, underscoring the solemnity of the moment.
  • Solemnity of the Covenant: The intense atmosphere created by the darkness and dread highlights the absolute seriousness and binding nature of the covenant God is about to establish. This is not a casual agreement but a sacred, unilateral oath from God.
  • Symbolism of Darkness: Darkness in scripture can symbolize mystery, the unknown future, or even a prelude to divine revelation. Here, it may prophetically foreshadow the trials and affliction Abram's descendants would face (e.g., their bondage in Egypt, as revealed in the subsequent verses, Genesis 15:13), or simply represent the overwhelming power and transcendence of God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "deep sleep" translates the Hebrew word tardemah (תַּרְדֵּמָה), which is consistently used in the Old Testament for a divinely induced stupor or trance, rather than natural sleep. It's the same word used when God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep for the creation of Eve, and when God spoke to Daniel in a similar state. This signifies a supernatural intervention, clearing Abram's mind for the reception of divine truth.

The description "horror of great darkness" (Hebrew: eimah chashakhah gedolah) conveys an intense, palpable dread and an oppressive gloom. It's not merely the absence of light but a terrifying, overwhelming sensation that accompanies God's awesome presence and the weight of His impending revelation.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that encounters with the divine are often profound and can evoke a sense of awe, even fear. Just as God prepared Abram for a monumental promise through an unsettling experience, God often works in our lives in ways that may feel overwhelming or unclear at first. These moments can be preludes to deeper understanding, stronger faith, or significant spiritual milestones. We are called to approach God's promises and His Word with reverence, trusting in His faithfulness even when His ways are beyond our full comprehension.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 2:21 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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

  • Daniel 10:8 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Job 4:14 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 9:8 (3 votes)

    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.