Did man sleep before the Fall?

Question
Did man sleep before the Fall?
Answer
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According to Genesis 2:21, Adam slept before the Fall. Sleep is not as a result of the Fall; even the sinless Son of God (Heb 4:15), the Lord Jesus Christ, slept (Luke 8:23). See the comparison of Genesis 1-3 and Matthew 13 in "Calvinism and Matthew 13?" below, where the servants "slept" (Matt 13:25).

This said, sin, guilt, shame, and worry often negatively affect sleep. The Bible describes people who had difficulty sleeping (Gen 31:40; Dan 2:2; 6:18). David complained to the Lord concerning sleeplessness (Psa 6:6). And others gave thanks for sleep (Psa 127:2).

This said, while sleep should never keep one from properly attending to the Lord's work (Mark 14:32-42), those in Christ (Phil 4:7) should sleep reasonably well (Psa 4:8).

Related Topics:

Calvinism and Matthew 13?

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).