31 Bible Verses About Sleep

A good night’s sleep is a priceless gift from God. Healthy sleep restores strength and well-being to the human body and refreshes the mind and spirit. The classic devotional author Oswald Chambers wrote, “Sleep recreates. The Bible indicates that sleep is not meant only for the recuperation of a man’s body, but that there is a tremendous furtherance of spiritual and moral life during sleep.”

These Bible verses about sleep are chosen purposefully for meditation and instruction—to help you experience peaceful, more restful sleep. As you consider what the Bible says about sleep, allow the Holy Spirit to breathe into your spirit every moral, spiritual, and physical benefit of God’s precious gift of sleep.

What Does the Bible Say About Sleep?

The Greek term for “sleep” is hupnos. From it comes the English word “hypnosis”—that is, the act of inducing someone to sleep. In the Bible, sleep refers to three different states: natural physical slumber, moral or spiritual inactivity (i.e., apathy, laziness, idleness), and as a euphemism for death. This study will focus on the initial concept of natural sleep.

Sleeping at night is part of the normal daily rhythm of physical restoration. The human body’s need for rest is acknowledged in Scripture, and provision is made to ensure that people are allowed times of both physical and spiritual refreshment. Even Jesus needed time to rest (John 4:6; Mark 4:38; 6:31; Luke 9:58).

Scripture tells us that God never sleeps: “Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleep” (Psalm 121:4, NLT). The Lord is our Great Shepherd, always keeping watch over us so that we can experience sweet and pleasant sleep. Remarkably, when the apostle Peter was arrested and in prison awaiting his trial, he was able to sleep soundly (Acts 12:6). Amid distressing situations, King David recognized that his security came from God alone, and thus, he could sleep well at night.

The Bible also reveals that God sometimes speaks to believers through dreams or night visions as they sleep (Genesis 46:2; Matthew 1:20–24).

The Gift of God

Peaceful sleep is one of the incomparable blessings of being a child of God.

Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. (NLT)

Psalm 127:2
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. (NIV)

Jeremiah 31:26
At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me. (ESV)

Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (NIV)

God Watches Over Us

The truest and safest resting place of believers is under the watchful eye of God, our Creator, Shepherd, Redeemer, and Savior.

Psalm 3:5
I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me. (NLT)

Psalm 121:3–4
He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. (NLT)

Trusting God Brings Peaceful Sleep

Rather than counting sheep to help us fall asleep, believers recount the blessings of God and the innumerable times he has faithfully protected, guided, supported, and delivered them.

Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (NIV)

Philippians 4:6–7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Psalm 23:1–6
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. (NLT)

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT)

John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (NLT)

Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)

Psalm 91:1–2
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (NLT)

Psalm 91:4-6
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. (NLT)

Matthew 8:24
Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. (NIV)

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (NLT)

John 14:1–3
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (NLT)

Honest, Hard Work Helps Us Sleep

Ecclesiastes 5:12
People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep. (NLT)

Proverbs 12:14
Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. (NLT)

Peace and Rest for the Soul

God has established a pattern of work and rest for humans. We must allow adequate, regular time for rest and sleep so that God can renew our strength.

Matthew 11:28–30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)

1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)

John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (NLT)

Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength …” (NIV)

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God!” (NLT)

Romans 8:6
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (NLT)

Psalm 16:9
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure … (NIV)

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (NIV)

Proverbs 6:22
When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. (NLT)

Isaiah 40:29–31
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (NLT)

Job 11:18–19
Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. (NLT)

Exodus 33:14
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (ESV)

Sources

• Christian Quotations. Martin Manser.
• Dictionary of Bible Themes. Martin Manser
• Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words (p. 394).