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Bible Dictionaries
Sleep (and Forms)
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
or This word is used to describe several different experiences. It is not used about the eternal state of the unsaved who are lost. The ungodly are not usually said to be asleep after death. The exception to this is Daniel 12:2.
1 Kings 19:5 (c) This experience indicates the carelessness and the indifference of one who forsakes the Lord, lays aside the work of GOD, and is not exercised about eternal matter.
Psalm 3:5 (c) The type in this case may represent the sweet rest that GOD gives His child who, though persecuted and in danger, is trusting fully in the living GOD, and His care.
Psalm 121:4 (c) This is a description of the eternal vigilance and the constant care of the Shepherd for His sheep.
Isaiah 56:10 (b) The reference here is to the leaders of Israel who are represented as dogs who do not care about the condition of Israel, nor their danger from enemies that surround them.
Daniel 12:2 (a) Those who have died are referred to in this passage as being asleep and it includes both the godly and the ungodly. Both shall be resurrected for judgment.
Matthew 13:25 (b) Generally speaking, men are not alert to the dangers of the invasion of their rights by the Devil. Satan very cleverly gets into schools with evil doctrines, because the authorities are not on the alert to catch destructive teachings. Satan gets his wicked devices in churches, because the leaders are not awake and careful to discern his tactics. Children learn evil habits and wicked ways because the parents are not alert and watchful over that which their children learn.
John 11:11 (a) The believer is said to be "asleep in JESUS." It indicates that one day the body will be raised from the dead in order to again walk with GOD in happy fellowship and communion. This is not true of the unsaved. Their bodies are raised in the resurrection, but only for punishment and to be sent away into the outer dark. (See also1Co 11:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:14).
Ephesians 5:14 (b) By this picture we understand the sad condition of many Christians who live so like the ungodly that they appear to be as dead as the unsaved. In reality they do have eternal life, but they are not alert to their work. they are not walking with GOD, they are not living in happy fellowship with their absent Lord. (See also Romans 13:11).
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Watson, Walter. Entry for 'Sleep (and Forms)'. Wilson's Dictoinary of Bible Types. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/wdt/s/sleep-and-forms.html. 1957.
