from יָשֵׁן; sleepy; asleep, (one out of) sleep(-eth, -ing), slept.
Transliteration:yâshên
Pronunciation:yaw-shane'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word יָשֵׁן (yâshên, `{{H3463}}`) is a Qal participle derived from the verbal root יָשֵׁן (yâshēn, `{{H3462}}`), meaning "to sleep" or "to be asleep." As a participle, it functions as an adjective or substantive, describing someone or something in the state of sleep. Its core meaning is "asleep" or "sleeping." The semantic range primarily encompasses:
* **Literal Physical Sleep:** The most frequent usage describes a person or animal in a state of natural, physical slumber.
* **Figurative or Metaphorical Sleep:** It can denote a state of spiritual insensitivity, unawareness, or inaction, particularly when applied to deities or in contexts of moral apathy.
* **Sleepiness/Drowsiness:** Less commonly, it can imply being "sleepy" or "drowsy."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The participle יָשֵׁן (yâshên, `{{H3463}}`) appears in various contexts, often emphasizing vulnerability or inability to perceive.
* In [[1 Samuel 26:7]], the word describes King Saul as "sleeping" (יָשֵׁן) in his encampment, highlighting his extreme vulnerability to David. David's refusal to harm the Lord's anointed while he was in such a defenseless state underscores a profound respect for divine authority.
* Similarly, in [[1 Kings 3:20]], the term is used to describe the maidservant who was "asleep" (יְשֵׁנָה), allowing the other woman to swap the living child for the dead one. This context emphasizes the unawareness and susceptibility that accompany sleep.
* A significant metaphorical use is found in [[1 Kings 18:27]], where Elijah mocks the prophets of Baal, suggesting that Baal might be "asleep" (יָשֵׁן) and needs to be awakened. Here, "asleep" signifies Baal's non-existence, his inability to hear, act, or respond to his worshippers, starkly contrasting with the living God who is always active and attentive.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word יָשֵׁן (yâshên, `{{H3463}}`) is intricately linked to several other Hebrew terms that illuminate its meaning and broader theological implications:
* **Root Verb:** `{{H3462}}` יָשֵׁן (yâshēn) – the verb "to sleep," from which the participle is directly derived. This verb is frequently used to describe the act of sleeping, as in [[Psalm 121:4]] where God "neither slumbers nor sleeps."
* **Deep Sleep/Trance:** `{{H8639}}` תַּרְדֵּמָה (tardemah) – a noun referring to a deep, heavy sleep, often divinely induced, as seen when God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep in [[Genesis 2:21]].
* **Slumber/Drowsiness:** `{{H5123}}` נוּם (num) – "to slumber," often used in parallel with יָשֵׁן, suggesting a lighter form of sleep or drowsiness, as in the divine assurance in [[Psalm 121:4]].
* **To Lie Down/Rest:** `{{H7901}}` שָׁכַב (shakav) – "to lie down," often associated with the position one takes to sleep, as in [[1 Samuel 26:7]] where Saul was "lying sleeping."
* **To Awake:** `{{H6974}}` קוּץ (qutz) – the antonym, meaning "to awake" or "to arise," representing the cessation of sleep.
### Theological Significance
The state of being יָשֵׁן (yâshên) carries profound theological implications:
* **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** The literal occurrences of יָשֵׁן consistently highlight human vulnerability, unawareness, and susceptibility to danger or manipulation while asleep. This underscores humanity's inherent limitations and dependence on divine protection and vigilance. It implicitly points to the need for God's constant watchfulness over His people.
* **Divine Vigilance and Omnipresence:** In stark contrast to human sleep, the Bible repeatedly affirms that God never sleeps or slumbers (e.g., [[Psalm 121:4]]). This theological truth, though often expressed with the verb `{{H3462}}`, directly informs the significance of the participle `{{H3463}}`. It assures believers of God's ceaseless activity, His unwavering attentiveness, and His unceasing care, providing a profound sense of security and trust in His providence.
* **Spiritual Apathy vs. Divine Responsiveness:** The metaphorical use of יָשֵׁן, particularly in Elijah's challenge to Baal ([[1 Kings 18:27]]), is highly significant. It portrays false gods as inert, unresponsive, and effectively "asleep," unable to hear or act. This contrasts sharply with the living God of Israel, who is always "awake" and responsive to the cries of His people, demonstrating His active presence and power in the world. This usage serves as a theological polemic against idolatry.
* **Death as Sleep (Figurative):** While יָשֵׁן itself primarily denotes physical sleep, the broader biblical concept often uses "sleep" as a euphemism for death (e.g., "slept with his fathers"). While `{{H3463}}` doesn't directly mean "dead," the state of being asleep can biblically foreshadow the state of death, emphasizing a temporary cessation of activity and consciousness before a potential awakening (resurrection).
### Summary
The Hebrew participle יָשֵׁן (yâshên, `{{H3463}}`) denotes the state of being "asleep" or "sleeping." Primarily describing literal physical slumber, it frequently highlights human vulnerability and unawareness, as seen in the narratives of Saul ([[1 Samuel 26:7]]) and the maidservant ([[1 Kings 3:20]]). Theologically, יָשֵׁן serves as a powerful counterpoint to the nature of God, who is always awake and vigilant, never sleeping or slumbering, thereby assuring His people of His constant care and protection. Furthermore, in metaphorical contexts like Elijah's taunt to Baal ([[1 Kings 18:27]]), יָשֵׁן signifies spiritual inertness or non-existence, contrasting sharply with the active and responsive nature of the true God. This word thus encapsulates both a common human experience and profound theological insights into divine attributes and human dependence.
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