### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râdam**, represented by `{{H7290}}`, is a primitive root meaning to stun or stupefy. It appears **7 times** in **7 unique verses** and describes a profound state of being fast asleep, in a deep sleep, or cast into a dead sleep, which can be induced by weariness, divine intervention, or even lead to death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7290}}` is used to illustrate a state of extreme unawareness or helplessness. While mariners feared for their lives and cried out to their gods during a storm, Jonah was below deck "fast asleep" [[Jonah 1:5]], leading the shipmaster to rebuke him as a "sleeper" [[Jonah 1:6]]. Similarly, Daniel falls into a "deep sleep" after a divine encounter ([[Daniel 8:18]], [[Daniel 10:9]]). The term also carries a sense of finality and judgment, as when God's rebuke casts a chariot and horse into a "dead sleep" [[Psalms 76:6]]. In a practical sense, it describes the vulnerability of Sisera, who was "fast asleep and weary" when he was killed [[Judges 4:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of this deep sleep:
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This word is directly linked to the state of being fast asleep in the account of Sisera, whose stupor led directly to his death [[Judges 4:21]]. It highlights the ultimate vulnerability associated with `{{H7290}}`.
* `{{H6965}}` **qûwm** (to rise): This word is presented as the direct opposite and remedy for Jonah's stupor. The command to "arise" is a call to awaken from a state of inaction and spiritual oblivion [[Jonah 1:6]].
* `{{H954}}` **bûwsh** (to be ashamed): This term reveals the social and moral outcome of inappropriate sleep. The son who "sleepeth in harvest" is one that "causeth shame," framing this state as a dereliction of duty [[Proverbs 10:5]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H7290}}` extends beyond simple rest into moral and spiritual dimensions.
* **State of Vulnerability:** The deep sleep of Sisera demonstrates a state of complete helplessness, which directly enabled his demise. He was killed precisely because he was "fast asleep" [[Judges 4:21]].
* **Willful Ignorance:** Jonah's sleep during a life-threatening crisis, while others were afraid and crying out, portrays a profound stupor that suggests an evasion of responsibility and divine calling [[Jonah 1:5]].
* **Consequence of Judgment:** The "dead sleep" in Psalms is not natural rest but a metaphor for total defeat inflicted by God's rebuke, rendering an enemy completely inert [[Psalms 76:6]].
* **Moral Failure:** In Proverbs, sleeping during the harvest is not restorative but irresponsible. It is an act that "causeth shame," linking this type of sleep to laziness and failure [[Proverbs 10:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7290}}` describes far more than physical slumber. It conveys a profound, death-like stupor that renders a person unaware and vulnerable. Whether a supernaturally induced state, a sign of moral failure, or the direct result of divine judgment, **râdam** signifies a complete and often perilous state of inaction.
TRV