The Hebrew verb nuwm means to slumber, to be drowsy, or to sleep lightly. Unlike deep sleep (radam, H7290), nuwm refers to a lighter state of drowsiness or nodding off — the kind of inattentive dozing that leads to neglect. It can be used literally of physical drowsiness or figuratively of spiritual negligence.
One of the most powerful uses of nuwm is in Psalm 121:4, which declares that the Guardian of Israel "will neither slumber nor sleep." This directly contrasts the LORD with pagan deities who were imagined to sleep or grow weary. The God of Israel is eternally vigilant, never drowsy, and always attentive to the needs of His people — a profound assurance for every believer.