Proverbs 3:24
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
וְ֝שָׁכַבְתָּ֗
When thou liest down
H7901
וְ֝שָׁכַבְתָּ֗
When thou liest down
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
2 of 7
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִפְחָ֑ד
thou shalt not be afraid
H6342
תִפְחָ֑ד
thou shalt not be afraid
Strong's:
H6342
Word #:
4 of 7
to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general
וְ֝שָׁכַבְתָּ֗
When thou liest down
H7901
וְ֝שָׁכַבְתָּ֗
When thou liest down
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
5 of 7
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
Cross References
Psalms 3:5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.Psalms 4:8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.Proverbs 6:22When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.Jeremiah 31:26Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.Leviticus 26:6And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.Psalms 127:2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.Job 11:19Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.Ezekiel 34:15I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
Historical Context
Ancient world lacked modern security measures - night brought vulnerability to theft, attack, wild animals. Peaceful sleep required trust in God's protection. Psalm 4:8 and 127:2 similarly connect godliness with peaceful sleep, contrasting anxious self-reliance with restful trust.
Questions for Reflection
- What anxieties disrupt your sleep, and how might growing in wisdom address them?
- How does trusting God's providence enable peaceful rest even amid uncertain circumstances?
- What practices before sleep might cultivate the peaceful conscience wisdom produces?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom promises peaceful sleep without fear. The Hebrew 'pachad' (fear/dread) describes anxious worry that disrupts rest. Sleep quality reflects internal peace - the guilty and anxious sleep poorly; the righteous rest well. This verse promises that wisdom produces clear conscience and trust in God's providence, enabling peaceful sleep. Proverbs 3:24-26 expand this theme: wisdom delivers from fear because God is your confidence.