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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 15:12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/15-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/01_Gen_15_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 15:12 - God Confirms His Promise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/15-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/15-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/15-11.htm" title="Genesis 15:11">◄</a> Genesis 15:12 <a href="/genesis/15-13.htm" title="Genesis 15:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness came down over him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror <i>and</i> great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror <i>and</i> great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror <i>and</i> great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened that when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror <i>and</i> great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the sun was setting, a deep sleep overcame Abram; and a horror (terror, shuddering fear, nightmare) of great darkness overcame him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As the sun was setting, a deep sleep came over Abram, and suddenly great terror and darkness descended on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As the sun was setting, a deep sleep fell on Abram, and suddenly great terror and darkness descended on him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and everything became dark and frightening. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />As the sun was just about to set, a deep sleep-a dreadful, deep darkness-came over Abram.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and fear and terror came over him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As the sun began to set, Abram was overcome with deep sleep, and suddenly a frightening and terrifying darkness descended on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the sun went down, Abram fell sound asleep, and great terror overwhelmed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And look, a terror of great darkness fell on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. Now terror and great darkness fell on him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the sun is about to go in, and deep sleep has fallen on Abram, and behold, a terror of great darkness is falling on him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the sun is about to go in, and deep sleep hath fallen upon Abram, and lo, a terror of great darkness is falling upon him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the sun shall be going down, and a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and behold terror and great darkness fell upon him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the sun was setting, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a great and darksome horror seized upon him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when the sun was setting, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a dread, great and dark, invaded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />As the sun was about to set, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a great, dark dread descended upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram; and, lo, fear and a great darkness fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And it happened that the sun was setting, and silence fell on Abram, and behold, fear and great darkness fell upon him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass, that, when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a dread, even a great darkness, fell upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And about sunset a trance fell upon Abram, and lo! a great gloomy terror falls upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/15-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3204" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/15.htm">God Confirms His Promise</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>And the birds of prey descended on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: haš·še·meš (Art:: N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement.">As the sun</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: lā·ḇō·w (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">setting,</a> <a href="/hebrew/87.htm" title="87: ’aḇ·rām (N-proper-ms) -- Exalted father, the original name of Abraham. Contracted from 'Abiyram; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham.">Abram</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nā·p̄ə·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">fell</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/8639.htm" title="8639: wə·ṯar·dê·māh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Deep sleep. From radam; a lethargy or trance.">a deep sleep,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">and suddenly</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">great</a> <a href="/hebrew/367.htm" title="367: ’ê·māh (N-fs) -- Terror, dread. Or remah; from the same as 'ayom; fright; concrete, an idol.">terror</a> <a href="/hebrew/2825.htm" title="2825: ḥă·šê·ḵāh (N-fs) -- Darkness. Or chashekah; from chashak; darkness; figuratively, misery.">and darkness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nō·p̄e·leṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">overwhelmed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/10-21.htm">Exodus 10:21-23</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that darkness may spread over the land of Egypt—a palpable darkness.” / So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days. / No one could see anyone else, and for three days no one left his place. Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11</a></span><br />You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12</a></span><br />So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/4-13.htm">Job 4:13-14</a></span><br />In disquieting visions in the night, when deep sleep falls on men, / fear and trembling came over me and made all my bones shudder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/33-15.htm">Job 33:15</a></span><br />In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9-11</a></span><br />He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet. / He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind. / He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-5.htm">Psalm 91:5-6</a></span><br />You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, / nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-2.htm">Isaiah 60:2</a></span><br />For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/13-16.htm">Jeremiah 13:16</a></span><br />Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/32-7.htm">Ezekiel 32:7-8</a></span><br />When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars. I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. / All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you, and I will bring darkness upon your land,’ declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-2.htm">Joel 2:2</a></span><br />a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-18.htm">Amos 5:18</a></span><br />Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/1-15.htm">Zephaniah 1:15</a></span><br />That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-45.htm">Matthew 27:45</a></span><br />From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-33.htm">Mark 15:33</a></span><br />From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram; and, see, an horror of great darkness fell on him.</p><p class="hdg">deep.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/2-21.htm">Genesis 2:21</a></b></br> And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-12.htm">1 Samuel 26:12</a></b></br> So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw <i>it</i>, nor knew <i>it</i>, neither awaked: for they <i>were</i> all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/4-13.htm">Job 4:13,14</a></b></br> In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men, … </p><p class="hdg">horror.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/4-3.htm">Psalm 4:3-5</a></b></br> But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/9-8.htm">Acts 9:8,9</a></b></br> And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought <i>him</i> into Damascus… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/15-11.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/genesis/9-16.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/genesis/1-18.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/genesis/1-18.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/genesis/8-2.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/genesis/9-2.htm">Dread</a> <a href="/revelation/16-18.htm">Dreadful</a> <a href="/genesis/4-6.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/genesis/8-5.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/14-10.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">Great</a> <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Horror</a> <a href="/jude/1-19.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/genesis/2-21.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/revelation/22-5.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/genesis/9-2.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/revelation/21-17.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/exodus/8-31.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/genesis/49-25.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/exodus/1-12.htm">Dread</a> <a href="/genesis/28-17.htm">Dreadful</a> <a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/genesis/18-15.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/genesis/15-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-25.htm">Horror</a> <a href="/exodus/8-9.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/genesis/35-5.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">God encourages Abram, who asks for an heir.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">God promises him a son, and a multiplying of his seed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Abram is justified by faith.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/15-7.htm">Canaan is promised again, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/15-9.htm">and confirmed by a sign, and a vision,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">prophetic of the condition of his posterity till brought out of Egypt.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As the sun was setting</b><br>This phrase indicates the time of day, suggesting a transition from light to darkness, which often symbolizes a shift from clarity to mystery or revelation in biblical narratives. The setting sun can also signify the end of a day, metaphorically representing the end of an era or the beginning of a new covenant, as seen in the context of God's promises to Abram.<p><b>Abram fell into a deep sleep</b><br>The deep sleep Abram experiences is reminiscent of the deep sleep God caused to fall upon Adam in <a href="/genesis/2-21.htm">Genesis 2:21</a>. This sleep is not ordinary but divinely induced, suggesting a state where God can communicate profound truths or revelations. It signifies a moment of divine intervention where God is about to reveal His covenant and future plans to Abram.<p><b>and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him</b><br>The terror and darkness that Abram experiences symbolize the gravity and seriousness of the revelation he is about to receive. Darkness often represents the unknown or the presence of God, as seen in <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21</a>, where Moses approaches the thick darkness where God was. The terror could foreshadow the future suffering of Abram's descendants, as God reveals the prophecy of their enslavement in Egypt. This moment underscores the weight of the covenant and the trials that will precede the fulfillment of God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram</a></b><br>Later known as Abraham, he is a central figure in Genesis, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he is in a covenantal encounter with God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_deep_sleep.htm">The Deep Sleep</a></b><br>A divinely induced state that Abram falls into, symbolizing a significant moment of revelation and covenant-making with God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/great_terror_and_darkness.htm">Great Terror and Darkness</a></b><br>Represents the overwhelming presence of God and the seriousness of the covenant being established. It also foreshadows the future hardships that Abram's descendants will face.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_covenant.htm">The Covenant</a></b><br>This event is part of the larger account where God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_setting_sun.htm">The Setting Sun</a></b><br>Symbolizes the transition into a new phase of revelation and the solemnity of the moment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_divine_encounters.htm">The Significance of Divine Encounters</a></b><br>Abram's deep sleep and the accompanying terror and darkness highlight the gravity and holiness of divine encounters. Believers should approach God's presence with reverence and awe.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_promises.htm">Understanding God's Promises</a></b><br>The darkness and terror Abram experiences foreshadow the trials his descendants will face. This teaches us that God's promises often come with challenges, but His faithfulness remains.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_uncertainty.htm">Faith in Uncertainty</a></b><br>Abram's experience teaches us to trust God even when we face overwhelming situations. Faith involves believing in God's promises despite not seeing the full picture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_covenant.htm">The Role of Covenant</a></b><br>This passage underscores the importance of covenant in the biblical account. Understanding God's covenants helps us grasp His redemptive plan throughout Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_future_generations.htm">Preparation for Future Generations</a></b><br>Just as Abram's experience was pivotal for his descendants, our faithfulness today can impact future generations. We are called to live in a way that prepares the way for God's work in the lives of those who come after us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'slain_in_the_spirit'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of being slain in the Spirit?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_abrahamic_covenant.htm">What is the Abrahamic Covenant?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_saul's_sleep_natural_or_supernatural.htm">Does the claim that God caused Saul’s camp to fall into a deep sleep have any natural explanation, or is it purely supernatural? (1 Samuel 26:12) </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_400_years_important_in_egypt.htm">What is the significance of 400 years in Egypt?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">When the sun was going down.</span>--The time described was the evening following the night on which he had received the assurance that his seed should be countless as the stars. He had then, in his trance, also asked for some security that Canaan should be the heritage of his posterity, and in answer had received the command to arrange, upon a large scale, the ceremonial of a solemn treaty-making. The morning had been spent in the performance of the command, and after wards he had watched, probably for several hours, by the side of the divided bodies, uncertain what would happen, but occupied in driving away the vultures, which gathered from all quarters round the abundant feast. At sunset the revelation came to him, not in a waking trance, as on the previous night, but in "a deep sleep," and with those accompaniments of terror so powerfully described in <a href="/context/job/4-12.htm" title="Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and my ear received a little thereof.">Job 4:12-16</a>, and which the creature cannot but feel when brought near to the manifest presence of the Creator (<a href="/daniel/10-8.htm" title="Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.">Daniel 10:8</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">lo, a terror, even great darkness, falling upon him. </span>The terror was not mental so much as bodily, caused by a deep gloom settling round him, such as would be the effect of an eclipse of the setting sun, and shutting all mortal things away from his view.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And when the sun was going down.</span> Literally, was about to go down (cf. Gesenius, § 132). The vision having commenced the previous evening, an entire day has already passed, the interval being designed to typify the time between the pro-raise and its fulfillment (Kalisch). <span class="cmt_word">A deep sleep</span> - <span class="accented">tardemah</span> (cf. Adam s sleep, <a href="/genesis/2-21.htm">Genesis 2:21</a>); <span class="greek">ἔκστασις</span> (LXX.); a supernatural slumber, as the darkness following was not solely due to natural causes - <span class="cmt_word">fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness</span> - literally, <span class="accented">an, horror, a great darkness, i.e.</span> an overwhelming dread occasioned by the dense gloom with which he was encircled, and which, besides Being designed to conceal the working of the Deity from mortal vision (Knobel), was meant to symbolize the Egyptian bondage (Grotius, Calvin, Rosenmüller, Keil, Aalisch), and perhaps also, since Abram's faith embraced a larger sphere than Canaan (<a href="/hebrews/11-10.htm">Hebrews 11:10, 14, 16</a>), and a nobler seed than Sarah's son (<a href="/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56</a>), the sufferings of Christ (Wordsworth, Inglis) - <span class="cmt_word">fell upon him.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/15-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As the sun</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙</span> <span class="translit">(haš·še·meš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> </span><span class="str2">The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">setting,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָב֔וֹא</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḇō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abram</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_87.htm">Strong's 87: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fell</span><br /><span class="heb">נָפְלָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(nā·p̄ə·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a deep sleep,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְתַרְדֵּמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṯar·dê·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8639.htm">Strong's 8639: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lethargy, trance</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and suddenly</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִנֵּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">great</span><br /><span class="heb">גְדֹלָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḡə·ḏō·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">terror</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵימָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_367.htm">Strong's 367: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fright, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and darkness</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲשֵׁכָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·šê·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2825.htm">Strong's 2825: </a> </span><span class="str2">Darkness, misery</span><br /><br /><span class="word">overwhelmed</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹפֶ֥לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(nō·p̄e·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him.</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">OT Law: Genesis 15:12 When the sun was going down (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/15-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 15:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 15:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/15-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 15:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 15:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>