### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâshên**, represented by `{{H3463}}`, primarily means **sleepy** or **asleep**. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to describe not only the literal state of physical sleep but also extends metaphorically to represent unawareness, inactivity, and even death itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H3463}}` describes several distinct situations. It is used for literal sleep, as when Solomon recounts the story of the woman whose child was taken while she **slept** [[1 Kings 3:20]]. It also depicts a state of profound unawareness, such as when Saul and his men were all **asleep**, allowing David to approach them undetected because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them [[1 Samuel 26:12]]. The term can be used mockingly, as when Elijah suggests the god Baal might be **sleepeth** and in need of being awakened [[1 Kings 18:27]]. It also serves as a metaphor for death in the prophecy that many who **sleep** in the dust of the earth shall awake [[Daniel 12:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the concepts of sleep and waking:
* `{{H3364}}` **yâqats** (to awake): This word describes the act of waking from sleep and is often used in direct contrast to `{{H3463}}`. It appears when the Lord **awaked** as one out of sleep [[Psalms 78:65]] and in Elijah's taunt that Baal must be **awaked** [[1 Kings 18:27]].
* `{{H5782}}` **ʻûwr** (to wake; to stir up): This term often carries a more figurative sense of being roused to action. In Song of Solomon, the speaker says "I sleep, but my heart **waketh**" [[Song of Solomon 5:2]], showing a state of inner alertness despite physical rest.
* `{{H6974}}` **qûwts** (to awake; arise): This word for waking is used in the context of resurrection, stating that those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall **awake** [[Daniel 12:2]].
* `{{H8639}}` **tardêmâh** (deep sleep): This describes a heavy, profound sleep, often sent by God. It is explicitly connected to `{{H3463}}` when Saul's army is asleep because a **deep sleep** from the LORD had fallen on them [[1 Samuel 26:12]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H3463}}` is significant, touching on themes of vulnerability, divinity, and eschatology.
* **Human Vulnerability:** Sleep represents a state of helplessness. Saul is defenseless while **sleeping** in his trench [[1 Samuel 26:7]], and the handmaid's child is stolen while she **slept** [[1 Kings 3:20]], highlighting the lack of awareness that accompanies sleep.
* **Divine Power and Impotence:** The term is used to contrast the active power of God with the lifelessness of idols. While the Lord **awaked** to save his people [[Psalms 78:65]], Elijah mocks Baal as a god who might be **sleepeth** [[1 Kings 18:27]].
* **The Sleep of Death:** `{{H3463}}` serves as a key Old Testament metaphor for the state of death prior to resurrection. This is most clearly seen in Daniel's vision of those who **sleep** in the dust of the earth who will one day awake, some to everlasting life and others to shame [[Daniel 12:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3463}}` **yâshên** is more than just a word for being asleep. While it denotes literal slumber, its greater significance is found in its metaphorical applications. It illustrates human vulnerability, the difference between the true God and false idols, and provides a foundational biblical image for death as a temporary state preceding a final awakening.
TRV