תַּרְדֵּמָה

a lethargy or (by implication) trance

Definition

The Hebrew word תַּרְדֵּמָה (tardêmâh) refers to a divinely induced, profound state of sleep or trance, distinct from ordinary sleep. It often describes a supernatural lethargy or deep slumber sent by God, as when God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep before creating Eve (Genesis 2:21) or when a 'deep sleep' fell upon Abram during the covenant ceremony (Genesis 15:12). In some prophetic contexts, it signifies a spiritual stupor or trance-like state, such as the spirit passing before Job's face in a vision (Job 4:13) or God sealing vision from the prophets (Isaiah 29:10). It can also describe a natural, heavy slumber resulting from laziness (Proverbs 19:15).

Biblical Usage

תַּרְדֵּמָה appears seven times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and poetic books. In Genesis, it describes a God-initiated sleep for a revelatory or covenantal purpose (Genesis 2:21, 15:12). In 1 Samuel 26:12, it denotes a natural, deep sleep sent by the Lord to protect David. The poetic books (Job 4:13, 33:15) use it for visionary trances, while Proverbs 19:15 employs it for the sluggish sleep of the lazy. Isaiah 29:10 uses it metaphorically for a spiritual stupor God pours out on His people.

Etymology

Derived from the root רָדַם (rādam, H7290), meaning 'to be asleep' or 'to fall into a deep sleep.' The noun form תַּרְדֵּמָה intensifies this sense, indicating a heavy, profound, or divinely caused slumber. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, also convey meanings related to deep sleep or stillness.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it often marks moments of divine intervention and revelation. The 'deep sleep' is a vehicle for God's creative (Genesis 2:21), covenantal (Genesis 15:12), and protective (1 Samuel 26:12) actions. In the prophets, it illustrates God's judicial act of hardening or blinding (Isaiah 29:10). Understanding תַּרְדֵּמָה enriches reading by highlighting how God sovereignly interacts with humanity, sometimes using altered states of consciousness to accomplish His purposes or convey His word.

In the ancient Near East, a divinely caused deep sleep or trance was a recognized concept for divine communication or intervention, differing from modern views of sleep as merely a biological process. This 'deep sleep' was understood as a supernatural state where the human will is suspended, allowing God to act or reveal Himself directly.

שֵׁנָה (shēnâh, H8142) — ordinary, natural sleep; תְּנוּמָה (tᵊnûmâh, H8572) — a light slumber or drowsiness; שַׁלְוָה (shalvâh, H7962) — security or careless ease, sometimes contextually linked to complacency.

Word Details

Scripture References