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H7901 · Hebrew · Old Testament
שָׁכַב
shakab
Verb
to lie down, sleep, have sexual relations

Definition

To lie down — for sleep, rest, death, or sexual intimacy. The euphemism 'to lie with' describes sexual relations. 'He lay down with his fathers' is the standard death formula for kings.

Usage & Theological Significance

The resting/sleeping/dying range of shakab connects mortal sleep and eternal sleep. The resurrection hope is implicit in texts like Daniel 12:2 where many who 'sleep in the dust' will awake.

Key Bible Verses

Daniel 12:2 Many of those who sleep [shakab] in the dust of the earth shall awake.
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down [shakab] and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Ruth 3:4 When he lies down [shakab], observe the place where he lies.

Word Study

Daniel 12:2 is a pivotal resurrection text — shakab used of death, with awakening to follow. Paul's language 'those who have fallen asleep' (1 Thess 4:13-15) draws on this OT idiom of death as sleep.

Related Words

External Resources

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