Slumber
In the Bible, the term "slumber" often refers to a state of sleep or drowsiness, but it also carries deeper connotations related to spiritual vigilance and alertness. The Hebrew word "שֵׁנָה" (shenah) and the Greek word "κοιμάομαι" (koimaomai) are used in various contexts, primarily signifying physical sleep but also symbolizing a lack of awareness or spiritual lethargy. For instance, in Proverbs 6:9-11, the passage warns against slumbering, suggesting that a lack of diligence can lead to poverty and ruin: "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?"Moreover, slumber is often used metaphorically to describe a state of spiritual apathy. In the New Testament, Paul exhorts believers in Romans 13:11-12 not to "sleep" but to be awake and aware, emphasizing the importance of living in the light of Christ’s return. Similarly, in Matthew 26:40-41, Jesus admonishes His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to "watch and pray" so that they do not enter into temptation, highlighting the need for spiritual vigilance. Thus, while slumber may denote physical rest, biblically it serves as a caution against spiritual complacency and the need for constant awareness in one's faith journey.