### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun תַּרְדֵּמָה (tardêmâh), Strong's `{{H8639}}`, derives from the verbal root רָדַם (radam), which means "to be in a deep sleep" or "to be entranced." Tardêmâh thus signifies a profound, heavy sleep, a lethargy, or a trance. It is not merely ordinary sleep (שֵׁנָה `{{H8142}}`) but implies a state of deep unconsciousness, often divinely induced or with specific, profound implications. The term suggests a suspension of normal sensory perception and volitional activity, often preparing an individual for a supernatural encounter or divine action. Its semantic range extends from a literal, supernaturally imposed slumber to a metaphorical state of spiritual insensitivity or stupor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
תַּרְדֵּמָה appears six times in the Old Testament, each instance illuminating its unique character:
* **[[Genesis 2:21]]**: This is the first occurrence, where "the LORD God caused a deep sleep (תַּרְדֵּמָה) to fall upon the man, and while he slept, He took one of his ribs." Here, tardêmâh is a divinely imposed state, essential for God's creative act of forming Eve. Adam's unconsciousness ensures he is a passive recipient, highlighting God's sole agency in this foundational event.
* **[[Genesis 15:12]]**: As the sun was setting, "a deep sleep (תַּרְדֵּמָה) fell upon Abram. And behold, dreadful darkness and great terror fell upon him." This tardêmâh precedes God's solemn covenant with Abram, detailing the future of his descendants and the land. It is a state of profound awe and fear, preparing Abram for a momentous divine revelation and promise.
* **[[1 Samuel 26:12]]**: David and Abishai enter Saul's camp undetected because "a deep sleep (תַּרְדֵּמָה) from the LORD had fallen upon them." This is a miraculous intervention by God, protecting David from Saul's pursuit and demonstrating divine favor and sovereignty over human affairs. The sleep renders Saul and his men utterly helpless, allowing David to prove his innocence and respect for God's anointed.
* **[[Job 4:13]]**: Eliphaz recounts a terrifying night vision: "Amid thoughts from visions of the night, when deep sleep (תַּרְדֵּמָה) falls on men." Here, tardêmâh is the state conducive to receiving a terrifying spiritual message or revelation, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the divine encounter.
* **[[Proverbs 19:15]]**: "Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep (תַּרְדֵּמָה), and an idle person will suffer hunger." This is the only instance where tardêmâh is not directly attributed to divine action but is a consequence of human behavior. It metaphorically describes a state of spiritual or moral lethargy, a debilitating stupor that leads to ruin.
* **[[Isaiah 29:10]]**: "For the LORD has poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep (רוּחַ תַּרְדֵּמָה), and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and He has covered your heads, the seers." This is a severe judgment. God induces a spiritual blindness and insensitivity among His people, particularly their spiritual leaders, rendering them unable to perceive or understand divine truth. It is a judicial hardening, a consequence of their rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is the verbal root רָדַם (radam), from which תַּרְדֵּמָה is derived. Other words for sleep in Hebrew, such as שֵׁנָה (shenah) `{{H8142}}` (general sleep), נוּם (num) `{{H5123}}` (slumber), or יָשֵׁן (yashen) `{{H3462}}` (to sleep), typically refer to natural sleep. Tardêmâh, however, stands apart by its implication of a profound, often divinely orchestrated, or spiritually significant state of unconsciousness. It is distinct from mere physical rest and often serves as a prelude to or a component of a supernatural event or revelation. The concept of "trance" or "vision" in prophetic literature (e.g., Ezekiel, Daniel) shares an affinity with the revelatory aspect of tardêmâh, where ordinary consciousness is suspended to facilitate divine communication.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of תַּרְדֵּמָה is profound, underscoring several key aspects of God's character and interaction with humanity:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Agency**: Most notably, tardêmâh serves as an instrument of God's sovereign will. It is God who "causes" or "pours out" this deep sleep. This highlights His absolute control over human consciousness and His ability to manipulate circumstances for His divine purposes, whether creative, redemptive, or disciplinary.
* **Preparation for the Supernatural**: The state of tardêmâh often prepares individuals for encounters or events that transcend natural human experience. By suspending consciousness, God removes human interference, allowing for the performance of a miracle (Eve's creation), the sealing of a covenant ([[Genesis 15:12]]), the protection of His chosen ([[1 Samuel 26:12]]), or the reception of terrifying revelation ([[Job 4:13]]).
* **Revelation and Judgment**: In some contexts, tardêmâh facilitates divine communication, albeit sometimes in a terrifying manner. Conversely, in [[Isaiah 29:10]], it becomes a metaphor for judicial blindness, a divine judgment where God's people are rendered spiritually insensitive to His truth due to their disobedience. This demonstrates God's power to both reveal and conceal.
* **Human Passivity and Dependence**: When tardêmâh falls upon an individual, they become utterly passive. This emphasizes human helplessness and complete dependence on God's initiative and power, especially in the face of His mighty acts.
### Summary
תַּרְדֵּמָה (tardêmâh), Strong's `{{H8639}}`, denotes a profound "deep sleep" or "trance," distinct from ordinary slumber. Primarily, it functions as a potent instrument of divine sovereignty, allowing God to accomplish His purposes without human interference. This divinely induced state facilitates pivotal events such as the creation of Eve ([[Genesis 2:21]]), the solemnization of God's covenant with Abram ([[Genesis 15:12]]), the miraculous protection of David ([[1 Samuel 26:12]]), and the reception of divine revelation ([[Job 4:13]]). While often a tool for divine blessing or revelation, tardêmâh can also describe a metaphorical spiritual lethargy resulting from human slothfulness ([[Proverbs 19:15]]) or, most strikingly, a judicial blindness poured out by God as a judgment upon a rebellious people ([[Isaiah 29:10]]). The word powerfully underscores God's absolute control over human consciousness and His ability to use even a state of unconsciousness to advance His redemptive, protective, and disciplinary will.
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