Genesis 15:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As sunset approaches, God causes Abram to fall into a deep, terrifying sleep.
The Context of Genesis 15:12
God puts Abram into a supernatural sleep as the sun sets, preparing him for a vision.
What Does Genesis 15:12 Mean?
As the day ends, the moment of divine self-disclosure approaches. God causes Abram to fall into a deep sleep—not natural slumber but divinely induced. Simultaneous with the sleep comes an overwhelming sense of horror and great darkness. This is not comfortable rest but an encounter with the numinous, the holy, the awe-filled presence of God.
The darkness and horror are not punitive but proper responses to encountering the divine. They reflect the weight of what Abram is about to witness and the gravity of the covenant God is about to make. This emotional state prepares Abram's inner being for revelation. The divine darkness is a veil between the earthly and heavenly realms.
Genesis 15:12 in the Original Language
tardema (תַּרְדֵּמָה), 'deep sleep' — a heavy sleep often associated in Scripture with divinely granted visions, a suspension between waking and dreaming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 15:12
What does Genesis 15:12 mean?
As sunset approaches, God causes Abram to fall into a deep, terrifying sleep.
What is the context of Genesis 15:12?
God puts Abram into a supernatural sleep as the sun sets, preparing him for a vision.