When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

PROVERBS 3:24KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 3:24 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 3:24 mean?

Proverbs 3:24 promises that when you go to bed, you will not be afraid, and your sleep will be peaceful and pleasant. The verse reassures the reader that a life lived with wisdom and trust in God brings a deep sense of safety and rest, even at night.

This proverb is part of a father’s advice to his child, encouraging trust in God and the pursuit of wisdom. The verse highlights the practical result of living wisely: freedom from nighttime fears and the gift of restful sleep. In the context of ancient Israel, nighttime was often associated with danger and vulnerability, so the promise of sweet sleep would have been especially comforting.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 3:24

  • The word for "afraid" is פָּחַד (pāchad), which means to be startled or fearful. Its use here emphasizes the absence of anxiety or dread when lying down.
  • "Sleep" comes from שֵׁנָה (shenah), meaning both the act of sleeping and the state of rest. The verse assures not just the ability to fall asleep, but that the sleep itself will be refreshing.
  • "Sweet" is עָרַב (ʿarav), which often means pleasant or agreeable. This word highlights that the sleep is not just free from fear, but also enjoyable and satisfying.

Why Proverbs 3:24 matters

  • Proverbs 3:24 corrects the idea that faith and wisdom only affect spiritual matters, showing they also bring practical benefits like peace of mind and restful sleep.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Proverbs 3, where wisdom is described as a source of life, safety, and well-being in everyday experiences.
  • By promising sweet sleep, the proverb addresses a universal human need and fear, offering comfort that trusting God brings security even in the most vulnerable moments.

Where else these words appear

“sweet” Hebrew H6149 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 104:34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 6:20 To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.
  • Ezekiel 16:37 Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

“sleep” Hebrew H8142 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 28:16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.
  • Psalms 90:5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
  • Proverbs 24:33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

“afraid” Hebrew H6342 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
  • Psalms 78:53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
  • Isaiah 44:11 Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.