Bible verses about sleep

The Bible links restful sleep with trust in God, saying he gives sleep to those he loves and keeps watch over them through the night.

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”Psalm 4:8 · KJV

Verses: 12
Key passage: Psalm 4:8
Translation: King James
Updated: 2026-10-27

Several psalms were written for the end of the day, when worries are loudest. They describe lying down without fear because someone else is keeping watch. These verses are short enough to read slowly before bed.

12 verses about sleep

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”

Psalm 4:8 · KJV

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”

Psalm 127:2 · KJV

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

Proverbs 3:24 · KJV

“I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”

Psalm 3:5 · KJV

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 · KJV

“He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”

Psalm 121:3-4 · KJV

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

Psalm 23:2 · KJV

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Isaiah 26:3 · KJV

“And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.”

Leviticus 26:6 · KJV

“And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.”

Job 11:18-19 · KJV

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;”

Psalm 91:5 · KJV

“The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.”

Ecclesiastes 5:12 · KJV

Questions

What does the Bible say about sleep?

The Bible links restful sleep with trust in God, saying he gives sleep to those he loves and keeps watch over them through the night. A good place to start is Psalm 4:8.

Where does the Bible talk most about sleep?

Key passages include Psalm 4:8, Psalm 127:2, Proverbs 3:24. This page lists 12 verses from the Old and New Testaments.

Which Bible translation is used?

The King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain in the United States. Other translations use different wording for the same passages.