### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun tᵉnûwmâh (תְּנוּמָה, `{{H8572}}`) is derived from the verbal root נוּם (nûm, `{{H5123}}`), which means "to slumber" or "to be drowsy." As a noun, tᵉnûwmâh denotes the state of drowsiness, light sleep, or slumber. It typically refers to a less profound state of unconsciousness than deep sleep (šēnāh, `{{H8142}}`) or a divinely induced stupor (tardēmāh, `{{H8639}}`). Its semantic range encompasses the physical act of resting lightly, but more significantly, it often carries a metaphorical sense of spiritual or intellectual lassitude, inattention, or neglect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
tᵉnûwmâh appears in a limited number of biblical texts, yet its usage is consistently impactful, often carrying a strong ethical or theological implication.
* **[[Psalms 132:4]]**: "I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber (tᵉnûwmâh) to my eyelids." In this context, David expresses his unwavering commitment to finding a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the Lord's dwelling. The pairing of šēnāh (sleep) and tᵉnûwmâh (slumber) emphasizes a total dedication and tireless pursuit, contrasting with any form of rest or relaxation until the sacred task is accomplished.
* **[[Proverbs 6:10]]**: "A little sleep, a little slumber (tᵉnûwmâh), a little folding of the hands to rest." This verse, repeated verbatim in [[Proverbs 24:33]], serves as a stark warning against laziness and idleness. The incremental nature of "a little sleep" and "a little slumber" highlights how seemingly minor indulgences in apathy can lead to significant ruin and poverty, illustrating the insidious nature of sloth.
* **[[Proverbs 24:33]]**: (See [[Proverbs 6:10]]) The repetition underscores the proverb's didactic force, reinforcing the dire consequences of succumbing to indolence and neglecting one's responsibilities.
* **[[Isaiah 5:27]]**: Describing the swift and formidable judgment that will come upon Israel, the prophet declares of God's instruments of wrath: "None is weary or stumbles among them; none slumbers (tᵉnûwmâh) or sleeps." Here, tᵉnûwmâh is again paired with šēnāh (sleep) to emphasize the relentless, unceasing, and indefatigable nature of the approaching agents of divine judgment. This contrasts sharply with human weakness and serves to highlight the terrifying certainty of God's decree.
* **[[Nahum 3:18]]**: Addressing the king of Assyria and the impending fall of Nineveh, the prophet declares: "Your shepherds are asleep, O king of Assyria; your nobles slumber (tᵉnûwmâh)." In this context, tᵉnûwmâh signifies the spiritual and military lethargy, unpreparedness, or negligence of Nineveh's leadership. Their slumber leads directly to their vulnerability and ultimate destruction, serving as a powerful indictment of their failed watchfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
tᵉnûwmâh is best understood in relation to other Hebrew terms for sleep and vigilance:
* **נוּם (nûm, `{{H5123}}`):** The root verb, "to slumber," from which tᵉnûwmâh is derived. The noun encapsulates the state implied by the verb.
* **שֵׁנָה (šēnāh, `{{H8142}}`):** The most common Hebrew word for "sleep" (noun). tᵉnûwmâh is often found in parallel with šēnāh, sometimes distinguishing a lighter form of sleep, or more often, intensifying the concept of rest/inactivity.
* **יָשֵׁן (yāšēn, `{{H3462}}`):** The verb "to sleep."
* **תַּרְדֵּמָה (tardēmāh, `{{H8639}}`):** A "deep sleep" or "trance," often divinely induced (e.g., [[Genesis 2:21]]), implying a state of profound unconsciousness or stupor, distinct from the lighter tᵉnûwmâh.
* **עֶצְלָה (ʿaṣlāh, `{{H6103}}`):** "Laziness" or "sloth." The "little slumber" of tᵉnûwmâh is often a manifestation or consequence of ʿaṣlāh, leading to its negative outcomes.
* **Vigilance and Watchfulness:** The concept of tᵉnûwmâh implicitly stands in opposition to spiritual alertness, diligence, and active watchfulness, which are frequently exhorted in biblical wisdom literature and prophetic warnings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tᵉnûwmâh primarily revolves around the dangers of spiritual apathy and the imperative for diligence.
* **Warning Against Spiritual Sloth:** The most prominent theological use of tᵉnûwmâh is as a cautionary metaphor for spiritual laziness and negligence. The proverbs (e.g., [[Proverbs 6:10]], [[Proverbs 24:33]]) directly link "a little slumber" to poverty and ruin, teaching that even seemingly minor acts of idleness or inattention can lead to disastrous consequences, both materially and spiritually. This underscores the need for constant vigilance and active stewardship of one's life and responsibilities before God.
* **The Imperative of Diligence and Devotion:** Conversely, the *absence* of tᵉnûwmâh signifies profound devotion and unwavering commitment, as seen in David's vow in [[Psalms 132:4]]. To forsake slumber for the sake of God's purposes reflects a heart fully dedicated and tireless in its pursuit of divine will.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Unpreparedness:** In prophetic contexts (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:27]], [[Nahum 3:18]]), tᵉnûwmâh highlights the spiritual lethargy or unpreparedness of those facing divine judgment. The unceasing nature of God's instruments of judgment contrasts sharply with the slumbering leadership or people, emphasizing the importance of spiritual alertness in recognizing and responding to God's active presence in history. It serves as a somber reminder that God's purposes do not slumber, even when humanity does.
* **Call to Wakefulness:** Ultimately, the biblical usage of tᵉnûwmâh serves as a powerful call to spiritual wakefulness, active engagement with God's commands, and readiness for His interventions. It cautions against any form of passive indifference or negligence that might hinder one's walk with the Lord or lead to spiritual downfall.
### Summary
tᵉnûwmâh (תְּנוּמָה, `{{H8572}}`) denotes a state of drowsiness or light slumber, derived from the root נוּם (`{{H5123}}`). While referring to a physical state, its biblical use carries significant metaphorical weight, primarily serving as a warning against spiritual and physical sloth. Occurrences in Proverbs (e.g., [[Proverbs 6:10]], [[Proverbs 24:33]]) vividly illustrate how "a little slumber" can lead to ruin, emphasizing the insidious nature of idleness. Conversely, the absence of tᵉnûwmâh signifies profound diligence and unwavering devotion, as exemplified by David's tireless commitment in [[Psalms 132:4]]. In prophetic passages (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:27]], [[Nahum 3:18]]), tᵉnûwmâh highlights the dangerous unpreparedness of those who are spiritually complacent in the face of impending divine judgment. Thus, tᵉnûwmâh stands as a potent biblical reminder of the imperative for constant spiritual vigilance, active engagement, and unwavering commitment to God's will, warning against the perils of apathy and negligence.
TRV