Proverbs 3:24
Proverbs 3:24 in Multiple Translations
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
When you take your rest you will have no fear, and on your bed sleep will be sweet to you.
When you rest, you won't be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
If thou sleepest, thou shalt not bee afraide, and when thou sleepest, thy sleepe shalbe sweete.
If thou liest down, thou art not afraid, Yea, thou hast lain down, And sweet hath been thy sleep.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: but thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
If thou sleep, thou shalt not fear: thou shalt rest, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
You will be able to lie down at night and not be afraid of anything, and you will sleep peacefully.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 3:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
לֹֽא
תִפְחָ֑ד
וְ֝/שָׁכַבְתָּ֗
וְֽ/עָרְבָ֥ה
שְׁנָתֶֽ/ךָ
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִפְחָ֑ד
pâchad
H6342
to dread
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ֝/שָׁכַבְתָּ֗
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
וְֽ/עָרְבָ֥ה
ʻârêb
H6149
to please
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
שְׁנָתֶֽ/ךָ
shênâh
H8142
sleep
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 3:24
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִפְחָ֑ד
pâchad
H6342
"to dread"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to feel fear or dread, like being startled by a sudden alarm. It appears in the Bible when people are in awe or fear of God. The book of Proverbs uses it to describe the fear of the Lord.
Definition: 1) to fear, tremble, revere, dread, be in awe or dread 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be in dread 1a2) to be in awe 1b) (Piel) to be in great dread 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to dread
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, (be in) fear, make to shake. See also: Deuteronomy 28:66; Isaiah 12:2; Psalms 14:5.
וְ֝/שָׁכַבְתָּ֗
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
וְֽ/עָרְבָ֥ה
ʻârêb
H6149
"to please"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This Hebrew word means to be pleasing or agreeable, like a sweet taste. It is used to describe something that brings joy or satisfaction. In the Bible, it is used to talk about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to be pleasant, be sweet, be pleasing 1a) (TWOT) sweet, pleasant
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: be pleasant(-ing), take pleasure in, be sweet. See also: Psalms 104:34; Jeremiah 6:20; Proverbs 3:24.
שְׁנָתֶֽ/ךָ
shênâh
H8142
"sleep"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sleep or be asleep, like when God put Adam to sleep in Genesis 2:21. It is also used to describe a state of unconsciousness. This word is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: sleep Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "sleep" H8139)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: sleep. See also: Genesis 28:16; Proverbs 6:4; Psalms 76:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:24
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:24
Context — The Blessings of Wisdom
22They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck.
23Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.
25Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 3:5 | I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. |
| 2 | Psalms 4:8 | I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. |
| 3 | Proverbs 6:22 | When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. |
| 4 | Psalms 121:4–7 | Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. |
| 5 | Job 11:19 | You will lie down without fear, and many will court your favor. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 31:26 | At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been most pleasant to me. |
| 7 | Psalms 127:2 | In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved. |
| 8 | Leviticus 26:6 | And I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with nothing to fear. I will rid the land of dangerous animals, and no sword will pass through your land. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 34:15 | I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 10 | Acts 12:6 | On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. |
Proverbs 3:24 Summary
[Proverbs 3:24 promises that when we trust in God, we can sleep peacefully, without fear of what's to come. This is because we know that God is in control, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, which says 'for I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' By surrendering our fears and anxieties to Him, we can experience a deep sense of peace and rest, even in challenging times. As we trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, we can lie down and rest, knowing that He is always with us, as promised in Hebrews 13:5, which says 'never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'lie down' and 'rest' in Proverbs 3:24?
In this context, 'lying down' and 'resting' refer to the physical act of sleeping, but also symbolize a state of trust and surrender to God, as seen in Psalms 4:8, where David says 'I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.'
Why will my sleep be 'sweet' according to Proverbs 3:24?
The 'sweet sleep' mentioned in this verse is a result of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as promised in Psalms 127:2, which says 'it is in vain that you rise early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.'
Is Proverbs 3:24 promising that I will never have bad dreams or sleepless nights?
While Proverbs 3:24 does promise a peaceful rest, it's not a guarantee against all bad dreams or sleepless nights, but rather a promise that our trust in God will bring us peace and comfort, even in the midst of challenges, as seen in Isaiah 26:3, which says 'you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.'
How can I apply Proverbs 3:24 to my daily life?
To apply this verse, focus on trusting God with your daily concerns and surrendering your fears and anxieties to Him, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7, which says 'do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some things that keep me up at night, and how can I surrender them to God?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty and provision, like David in Psalms 4:8?
- How can I prioritize my relationship with God to experience the 'sweet sleep' promised in Proverbs 3:24?
- What are some practical ways I can 'rest' in God's presence, even in the midst of chaos?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:24
When thou liest down thou shalt not be afraid,.... That is, when thou liest down on thy bed at night in order to take sleep, having committed thyself into the hands of a faithful Creator and covenant
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:24
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy feet shall not stumble - (Psalms 91:11-12; Proverbs 10:9.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:24
Free from distracting cares and terrors, which ofttimes haunt sinners even in their sleep, because thy mind shall be composed and serene through the sense of God’ s favour and providence, and the conscience of thine own integrity.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:24
Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.Ver. 24. Thou shalt not be afraid.] See this exemplified in David; Peter; and Mr Rogers, our late protomartyr, who when he was warned suddenly to prepare for the fire, he then being sound asleep in the prison, scarce with much shaking could be awaked. Thy sleep shall be sweet.] As knowing that God - thy keeper - doth wake and watch for thee. Wicked men’ s sleep is often troublesome, through the workings of their evil consciences; as our Richard III, after the murder of his own two innocent nephews, had fearful dreams, insomuch that he did often leap out of his bed in the dark, and catching his sword, which always lay naked stuck by his side, he would go distractedly about the chamber, everywhere seeking to find out the cause of his own occasioned disquiet. So Charles IX of France, after the bloody massacre of Paris, was so inwardly terrified, that he was every night laid to sleep, and wakened again with a set of musicians. Acts and Mon., fol. 1356. Daniel’ s Hist. of Eng. Thuan, lib. lvii.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:24
Verse 24. When thou liest down] In these verses (Proverbs 3:23-26) the wise man describes the confidence, security, and safety, which proceed from a consciousness of innocence. Most people are afraid of sleep, lest they should never awake, because they feel they are not prepared to appear before God. They are neither innocent nor pardoned. True believers know that God is their keeper night and day; they have strong confidence in him that he will be their director and not suffer them to take any false step in life, Proverbs 3:23. They go to rest in perfect confidence that God will watch over them; hence their sleep, being undisturbed with foreboding and evil dreams, is sweet and refreshing, Proverbs 3:24. They are not apprehensive of any sudden destruction, because they know that all things are under the control of God; and they are satisfied that if sudden destruction should fall upon their wicked neighbour, yet God knows well how to preserve them, Proverbs 3:25. And all this naturally flows from the Lord being their confidence, Proverbs 3:26.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:24
24. Sleep… sweet — The preceding verse describes the safety and prosperity of more active life; this one, the security and pleasantness of repose.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Refreshing Sleep by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the promise of Proverbs 3:24, assuring believers that they can lie down without fear and enjoy sweet sleep, even amidst life's challenges. He encourages th |
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Hindrances to Prevailing Prayer by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor David encourages the congregation to seek God's touch and allow their lives to be changed. He emphasizes the importance of responding to the Holy Spirit's pr |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Awakened Out of Sleep by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher draws a parallel between the Israelites in the Old Testament and the Church and its members in the present day. He emphasizes that both have settled in |
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Talking to God and Men by David Guzik | In this sermon on Psalm 4, the speaker discusses the possible connection of the psalm to Absalom's rebellion, although there is no concrete evidence. The psalm begins with David ca |
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We Shall Rise Again by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the power and faithfulness of God in raising up those who have served Him faithfully, drawing parallels between God's promise of resurrection and His dem |
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Comfort and Security in Christ by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the passage from Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to the end of the chapter. He begins by explaining that he chose to preach on something comforting |
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The Future Salvation by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the exhortation given by the apostle Paul to awake out of sleep. He emphasizes that the salvation of the people of God is the hope and ultim |