Job Chapter 33 · Verse 15

Authorized King James Version

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In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

Original Language Analysis

בַּחֲל֤וֹם׀ In a dream H2472
בַּחֲל֤וֹם׀ In a dream
Strong's: H2472
Word #: 1 of 10
a dream
חֶזְי֬וֹן in a vision H2384
חֶזְי֬וֹן in a vision
Strong's: H2384
Word #: 2 of 10
a revelation, expectation by dream
לַ֗יְלָה of the night H3915
לַ֗יְלָה of the night
Strong's: H3915
Word #: 3 of 10
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
בִּנְפֹ֣ל sleep falleth H5307
בִּנְפֹ֣ל sleep falleth
Strong's: H5307
Word #: 4 of 10
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
תַּ֭רְדֵּמָה when deep H8639
תַּ֭רְדֵּמָה when deep
Strong's: H8639
Word #: 5 of 10
a lethargy or (by implication) trance
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים H376
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
Strong's: H376
Word #: 7 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בִּ֝תְנוּמ֗וֹת in slumberings H8572
בִּ֝תְנוּמ֗וֹת in slumberings
Strong's: H8572
Word #: 8 of 10
drowsiness, i.e., sleep
עֲלֵ֣י H5921
עֲלֵ֣י
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 9 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִשְׁכָּֽב׃ upon the bed H4904
מִשְׁכָּֽב׃ upon the bed
Strong's: H4904
Word #: 10 of 10
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

Analysis & Commentary

In a dream, in a vision of the night (בַּחֲלוֹם חֶזְיוֹן לַיְלָה, ba-chalom chezyon laylah)—Elihu begins explaining how God does communicate, refuting Job's claim that God remains silent (33:14). חֲלוֹם (chalom, 'dream') and חֶזְיוֹן (chezyon, 'vision') are paralleled, suggesting nocturnal divine revelation. Throughout Scripture, God spoke through dreams to believers and unbelievers alike—Jacob (Genesis 28:12), Joseph (Genesis 37:5-10), Pharaoh's officials (Genesis 40), Pharaoh (Genesis 41), Solomon (1 Kings 3:5), Daniel (Daniel 7:1), and Joseph husband of Mary (Matthew 1:20).

When deep sleep falleth upon men (בִּנְפֹל תַּרְדֵּמָה עַל־אֲנָשִׁים, binpol tardemah al-anashim)—תַּרְדֵּמָה (tardemah, 'deep sleep') describes supernatural sleep God induces. The same word appears when God put Adam to sleep (Genesis 2:21), when Abram received the covenant (Genesis 15:12), and when Saul's guards slept while David took Saul's spear (1 Samuel 26:12). This isn't ordinary slumber but divinely imposed unconsciousness that enables revelation.

In slumberings upon the bed (בִּתְנוּמוֹת עֲלֵי מִשְׁכָּב, bitnumot alei mishkav)—תְּנוּמָה (tenumah, 'slumbering') suggests lighter sleep or drowsiness. מִשְׁכָּב (mishkav, 'bed') indicates the normal place of rest. The verse describes the full spectrum of sleep states when God may speak—from deep supernatural sleep to ordinary nightly rest. Elihu's point: God actively communicates, but humans often miss it. This prepares verses 16-18 where God opens ears and seals instruction to turn people from sin.

Historical Context

Ancient cultures, including Israel, recognized dreams as potential divine communication (Numbers 12:6, Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Joel 2:28). However, Scripture distinguishes between true divine dreams and false ones from human imagination or demonic sources. Job had complained God remained distant and uncommunicative (23:8-9). Elihu corrects this: God speaks constantly through dreams, visions, suffering, and conscience—humans simply fail to perceive or heed His voice. This anticipates God's speech from the whirlwind, demonstrating He was never truly silent.

Questions for Reflection