### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tardêmâh**, represented by `{{H8639}}`, signifies a **deep sleep**. It appears **7 times** in **7 unique verses**. Its definition as "a lethargy or (by implication) trance" suggests a state beyond ordinary sleep, often profound and supernaturally influenced. This type of sleep can be induced by God for a specific purpose or can be a consequence of a person's moral state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8639}}` is frequently associated with divine action. God caused a **deep sleep** to fall upon Adam in order to form Eve from his rib [[Genesis 2:21]]. Similarly, a **deep sleep** from the LORD fell upon Saul and his men, rendering them helpless and allowing David to escape unharmed [[1 Samuel 26:12]]. The term also sets the stage for supernatural encounters, as when a **deep sleep** fell upon Abram before he experienced "an horror of great darkness" and received a covenant from God [[Genesis 15:12]]. In a different context, it is used as a metaphor for spiritual insensibility, where the LORD pours out a "spirit of **deep sleep**" as a judgment [[Isaiah 29:10]], or as the result of personal behavior, where **slothfulness** `{{H6103}}` casts one into a **deep sleep** [[Proverbs 19:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of sleep and divine communication:
* `{{H2472}}` **chălôwm** (a dream): This word is often used for a state through which God communicates. It is distinct from, but can occur during, the state of deep sleep. God can appear to someone like Solomon in a **dream** [[1 Kings 3:5]] or make himself known to a prophet through one [[Numbers 12:6]].
* `{{H2384}}` **chizzâyôwn** (a revelation, expectation by dream; vision): This term for vision is explicitly linked with deep sleep. In Job, it is noted that in "visions of the night, when **deep sleep** `{{H8639}}` falleth on men," God can speak ([[Job 4:13]], [[Job 33:15]]).
* `{{H3462}}` **yâshên** (sleep): This is a more general term for sleep. Its use alongside `tardêmâh` in [[Genesis 2:21]], where Adam was caused to fall into a **deep sleep** `{{H8639}}` and "he **slept**," highlights the exceptional nature of `tardêmâh` as a deeper, trance-like state.
* `{{H8572}}` **tᵉnûwmâh** (drowsiness, i.e. sleep; slumber(-ing)): This term describes slumber and is used in conjunction with `tardêmâh` in Job, where God communicates in dreams and visions during "slumberings upon the bed" [[Job 33:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8639}}` is significant, revealing aspects of God's interaction with humanity.
* **Divine Agency:** The term often demonstrates God's sovereignty and direct intervention. He can render individuals completely passive to perform a creative act [[Genesis 2:21]], to protect His chosen servants [[1 Samuel 26:12]], or to establish a covenant [[Genesis 15:12]].
* **Spiritual Judgment:** In a metaphorical sense, `tardêmâh` represents a state of spiritual stupor. God can pour out a "spirit of **deep sleep**" to close the eyes and minds of people to his truth, a severe form of judgment [[Isaiah 29:10]].
* **Moral Consequence:** The connection between **slothfulness** `{{H6103}}` and a **deep sleep** `{{H8639}}` in Proverbs illustrates a spiritual principle where negative character traits lead to a state of unproductiveness and spiritual idleness [[Proverbs 19:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8639}}` is not merely physical rest but a profound trance or lethargy. It functions in Scripture as a powerful illustration of divine power, where God makes a person passive to accomplish His sovereign will, whether for creation, protection, or revelation. At the same time, it can symbolize a state of severe spiritual dullness, functioning either as a divine judgment or as the direct result of human indolence. The word thus captures a state of human powerlessness, either to facilitate a divine purpose or to signify spiritual incapacity.
TRV