Job 33:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

In a dream {H2472}, in a vision {H2384} of the night {H3915}, when deep {H8639} sleep falleth {H5307} upon men {H582}, in slumberings {H8572} upon the bed {H4904};

Complete Jewish Bible

"In a dream, in a vision at night, when slumber falls upon people, as they sleep in their beds,

Berean Standard Bible

In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 33:15, a pivotal statement by Elihu, unveils a profound aspect of God's communication with humanity, specifically through divine revelation in dreams and nocturnal visions. This verse meticulously describes the unique circumstances under which such supernatural encounters often occur: during the profound, unconscious state of sleep, when individuals are most receptive and least resistant to divine input. Elihu presents this as a primary, though often overlooked, means by which God speaks to people, frequently for the purpose of warning, instruction, and ultimately, their preservation from harm and spiritual peril.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 33:15 is strategically placed within Elihu's initial discourse (Job 32-37), marking a significant shift from the failed theological arguments of Job's three friends. Elihu, portrayed as a younger and more discerning figure, seeks to correct both Job's perceived self-righteousness and his friends' rigid, insufficient understanding of God's ways. This particular verse directly follows Elihu's assertion in [Job 33:14](/job/33-14 "Job 33:14 - God Speaks, Man Doesn't Perceive") that "God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not." Verse 15 then serves as a crucial elaboration, detailing *how* God communicates, often subtly and unexpectedly, when human consciousness is disengaged. The verses immediately succeeding, [Job 33:16-18](/job/33-16-18 "Job 33:16-18 - The Purpose of God's Warnings in Dreams"), further elucidate the divine purpose of these nocturnal messages: to turn individuals from pride, to deliver them from destructive paths, and to preserve their lives. Thus, [Job 33:15](/job/33-15 "Job 33:15 - God Speaks in Dreams") functions as a foundational premise for Elihu's argument that God actively intervenes in human lives for their ultimate good and instruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, dreams and visions were universally recognized and accepted as legitimate and potent channels for divine communication. Across various cultures, from Mesopotamia to Egypt and throughout the biblical narrative, kings, prophets, and even ordinary individuals understood that deities could convey messages, warnings, and guidance through these nocturnal experiences. The patriarchs, for instance, frequently received direct divine revelation in dreams, as exemplified by [Jacob's profound dream of a ladder to heaven](/genesis/28-12 "Genesis 28:12 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel") or [Joseph's prophetic dreams](/genesis/37-5 "Genesis 37:5 - Joseph's Prophetic Dreams") that foretold his future. The Book of Job itself is set in a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic era, a time when direct divine encounters were more prevalent and less mediated by established prophetic institutions. The prevailing cultural understanding was that during sleep, the human spirit became more open and receptive to the spiritual realm, making it an ideal time for God to bypass conscious resistance or intellectual barriers. This context highlights that Elihu's claims about God speaking through dreams were not an anomaly but rather aligned with a widely accepted and understood mode of divine interaction.

* **Key Themes:** [Job 33:15](/job/33-15 "Job 33:15 - God Speaks in Dreams") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Communication**, emphasizing God's active, persistent, and multifaceted desire to interact with humanity, even when humans are oblivious, resistant, or in a state of unconsciousness. It reveals God's diverse methods of speaking, extending beyond conventional auditory speech. Secondly, it highlights **Revelation Through Dreams and Visions** as a legitimate, powerful, and often intimate means by which God conveys His will, warnings, and guidance. This method frequently bypasses the conscious mind, reaching individuals at a deeper, more receptive level, as seen in instances like [God inducing a deep sleep upon Adam](/genesis/2-21 "Genesis 2:21 - God's Deep Sleep on Adam") before creating Eve, or [Abraham's deep sleep](/genesis/15-12 "Genesis 15:12 - Abraham's Deep Sleep and Covenant Vision") preceding the covenant vision. Thirdly, it introduces the profound theme of **God's Sovereign Purpose in Correction and Preservation**. Elihu argues that these divine communications are not random occurrences but are profoundly purposeful, designed to turn individuals from destructive paths, to humble the proud, and ultimately to save them from spiritual or physical ruin, a point meticulously elaborated in the verses immediately following [Job 33:15](/job/33-15 "Job 33:15 - God Speaks in Dreams").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** (H2472) This term refers to a nocturnal experience, but in the biblical context, it frequently denotes a divinely inspired message, revelation, or vision imparted during sleep. Unlike ordinary dreams, these are understood to carry specific meaning, divine instruction, and a clear purpose from God, often requiring interpretation or leading to a direct encounter with the divine will.
* **Vision (Hebrew, _chizzâyôwn'_):** (H2384) This word, closely related to "dream" in this context, signifies a revelation or a profound visual experience, often received in a dream-like state or trance. It emphasizes the revelatory aspect, suggesting a clear, divinely originated perception that conveys a message or insight, often with prophetic or instructive content.
* **Deep sleep (Hebrew, _tardêmâh'_):** (H8639) This is a crucial term, signifying a profound, often supernaturally induced, slumber or lethargy. It is distinctly different from ordinary sleep and is frequently used in Scripture to describe a state where God prepares an individual for a significant revelation or divine intervention. This implies a complete cessation of conscious awareness and mental resistance, making the individual optimally receptive to God's message without distraction. Examples include the deep sleep God put Adam into before creating Eve ([Genesis 2:21](/genesis/2-21 "Genesis 2:21 - Adam's Deep Sleep")) and the deep sleep that fell upon Abraham before the covenant vision ([Genesis 15:12](/genesis/15-12 "Genesis 15:12 - Abraham's Deep Sleep")).
* **Slumberings (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwmâh'_):** (H8572) While "deep sleep" refers to the profound state of unconsciousness, "slumberings" (from a root meaning "to nod, to drowse") emphasizes the quiet, restful, and inactive state of the body and mind upon the bed. It reinforces the idea that God communicates when the individual is physically at rest and mentally disengaged from daily concerns, creating an optimal environment for spiritual reception and divine penetration of thought.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In a dream,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the primary mode of divine communication Elihu is discussing. It refers to a specific type of nocturnal experience where God imparts messages, insights, or warnings, often symbolic or direct, to an individual's subconscious mind while they are asleep. This highlights a divine initiative, not a human seeking.
* **"in a vision of the night,"**: This clause functions as a powerful parallel to "in a dream," often used interchangeably or to emphasize a more vivid, clear, and divinely originated visual revelation that occurs during the darkness of night. It distinguishes these profound encounters from common, fleeting dreams, implying a more structured, purposeful, and impactful divine message that is meant to be remembered and understood.
* **"when deep sleep falleth upon men,"**: This specifies the precise condition under which these divine communications frequently occur. The phrase "deep sleep" (Hebrew, _tardêmâh_) indicates a profound, often divinely orchestrated slumber or trance, suggesting that God actively initiates this state to ensure optimal receptivity and to bypass the conscious mind's defenses, distractions, or intellectual barriers. It implies a moment of human vulnerability, passivity, and openness to the divine.
* **"in slumberings upon the bed;"**: This final clause further elaborates on the physical setting and state of repose. "In slumberings upon the bed" paints a vivid picture of complete physical rest and unconsciousness, reinforcing the idea that God chooses a time when humans are least active, most passive, and fully disengaged from the world's demands, thereby allowing His message to penetrate the inner being without interference or resistance.

#### Literary Devices
Job 33:15 masterfully employs **Parallelism** to amplify its profound message concerning divine communication. The phrases "In a dream" and "in a vision of the night" exhibit clear **Synonymous Parallelism**, where two distinct phrases express essentially the same core idea, thereby reinforcing and intensifying the concept of nocturnal divine revelation. Similarly, the clauses "when deep sleep falleth upon men" and "in slumberings upon the bed" also demonstrate **Synonymous Parallelism**, meticulously describing the same state of profound unconsciousness and physical repose. This deliberate repetition through parallelism serves to emphasize the specific, unique conditions under which God chooses to communicate with humanity. Furthermore, the verse utilizes evocative **Imagery**, painting a clear and relatable picture of a person lying in profound sleep, physically at rest, yet spiritually open and receptive to a divine encounter. This vivid imagery underscores the mysterious, intimate, and often unexpected nature of God's engagement with His creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 33:15 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's active and pervasive engagement with His creation. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty over human consciousness, powerfully demonstrating His ability to communicate His will, warnings, and guidance even when individuals are unaware, resistant, or in a state of complete unconsciousness. This verse underscores the enduring biblical truth that God is neither distant nor silent but actively and persistently seeks to guide, warn, and preserve humanity, often employing extraordinary and unexpected means to achieve His purposes. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in the lives of individuals, even to the point of speaking into their deepest, most vulnerable, and unconscious states. This highlights God's relentless love, His profound care, and His unwavering desire for humanity's well-being, using dreams and visions as a form of divine grace to turn people from destructive paths and to lead them toward life and righteousness.

* [Numbers 12:6](/numbers/12-6 "Numbers 12:6 - God Speaks Through Dreams and Visions to Prophets")
* [Joel 2:28](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28 - Prophecy of Dreams and Visions in the Last Days")
* [Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God's Diverse Ways of Speaking in the Past")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 33:15 serves as a powerful reminder that God's communication is not confined to our conscious awareness, our preferred methods, or our waking hours. It challenges us to broaden our understanding of how God might be speaking to us, even when we are not actively seeking His voice or are otherwise distracted. In a world saturated with noise, information, and constant distractions, this verse encourages a posture of profound humility, attentiveness, and spiritual receptivity. It prompts us to recognize that God's warnings, guidance, and comfort can manifest in myriad unexpected forms. While divinely inspired dreams and visions may not be as common or as overtly dramatic today as they were in biblical times, the underlying principle remains timeless: God profoundly desires to interact with us for our ultimate good. This divine interaction might manifest as a quiet conviction deep within our spirit, a profound insight gained during meditation or prayer, wisdom gleaned from the careful study of Scripture, or even through the timely counsel of trusted spiritual mentors. The ultimate purpose, as Elihu meticulously explains, is often corrective and protective, urging us to humbly reflect on areas where God might be trying to redirect us from pride, self-deception, or destructive patterns, even when our conscious minds are resistant. It fosters a deep trust in God's persistent and unwavering care, assuring us that He is always working for our preservation and spiritual flourishing, even in the depths of our unconsciousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or unexpected ways might God be trying to communicate with me that I am currently overlooking or dismissing?**
* **How does the idea of God speaking in "deep sleep" challenge my preconceived assumptions about how God typically interacts with people and reveals His will?**
* **What "slumberings" or unconscious resistances—whether spiritual apathy, unaddressed sin, or intellectual pride—in my life might be preventing me from hearing God's voice more clearly?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater openness, receptivity, and attentiveness to God's varied forms of communication, even those that are subtle, unexpected, or seemingly beyond my conscious control?**

### FAQ
**Does God still speak through dreams and visions today, as described in Job 33:15?**

Answer: While the primary and most complete mode of God's revelation has culminated in the person of Jesus Christ and the comprehensive completion of the Holy Scriptures, the Bible indicates that God can and does still communicate through dreams and visions. [Numbers 12:6](/numbers/12-6 "Numbers 12:6 - God Speaks Through Dreams and Visions") explicitly states, "If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." Furthermore, the prophet Joel prophesied a future time when God would pour out His Spirit, declaring, "your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions" ([Joel 2:28](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28 - Prophecy of Dreams and Visions in the Last Days")), a prophecy powerfully quoted and affirmed by Peter on the Day of Pentecost in [Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost"). While not every dream is a divine message, and spiritual discernment is absolutely crucial ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")), God retains the sovereign right to use any means He chooses to speak to His people, including dreams and visions, often for purposes of warning, guidance, encouragement, or even evangelism. However, the ultimate, most authoritative, and fully sufficient revelation of God's character and will is found in Jesus Christ and His written Word, the Bible.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 33:15 speaks of God's communication through dreams and visions in a pre-Christ era, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate, most perfect, and complete form of divine revelation found in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament instances of God speaking in "deep sleep" or through nocturnal visions were partial, preparatory, and often symbolic, serving to foreshadow the complete and final unveiling of God's character, will, and redemptive plan in His Son. [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in Christ") powerfully declares, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." Jesus is the living Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the very embodiment and ultimate expression of God's message to humanity. He is the ultimate dream and vision fulfilled, making God fully known, perfectly accessible, and intimately relatable. Through Christ, and by the indwelling and illuminating work of the Holy Spirit ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Reminder")), believers now have direct and unhindered access to God's truth and guidance, not primarily through fleeting dreams but through the living Word of God (Jesus Himself) and the Spirit's profound illumination of the written Word (Scripture). The profound purpose of God's communication in [Job 33:15](/job/33-15 "Job 33:15 - God Speaks in Dreams")—to turn individuals from pride, to preserve their lives, and to deliver them from destruction—finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Christ, who offers true repentance, complete forgiveness of sins, and eternal life to all who believe and obey Him ([Acts 5:31](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus, Author of Repentance and Forgiveness")).

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

Numbers 12:6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.

Job 4:13

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

Genesis 31:24

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Daniel 4:5

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Genesis 20:3

¶ But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou [art but] a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she [is] a man's wife.

Jeremiah 23:28

The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What [is] the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

Daniel 8:18

Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.