CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Nocturnal</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/n/nocturnal.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><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="/topical/vmenus/deuteronomy/23-10.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="//biblehu.com/bmcde/n/nocturnal.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="/topical/">Topical</a> > Nocturnal</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></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/n/nobody.htm" title="Nobody">◄</a> Nocturnal <a href="/topical/n/nocturnal_emission.htm" title="Nocturnal Emission">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "nocturnal" refers to activities or occurrences that take place during the night. In the Bible, the night is often depicted as a time of both divine activity and human vulnerability. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where nocturnal events play a significant role in God's interaction with humanity.<br><br><b>Divine Encounters and Revelations</b><br><br>The Bible records several instances where God communicates with individuals during the night. One of the most notable nocturnal encounters is Jacob's dream at Bethel, where he sees a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. In this dream, God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob, promising him land and descendants (<a href="/genesis/28-10.htm">Genesis 28:10-15</a>).<br><br>Another significant nocturnal event is the calling of Samuel. As a young boy serving in the temple under Eli, Samuel hears God's voice calling him during the night. This marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry (<a href="/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3-10</a>).<br><br><b>Protection and Deliverance</b><br><br>The night is also depicted as a time when God provides protection and deliverance for His people. In the Exodus narrative, the Israelites are instructed to observe the Passover at night, marking their deliverance from Egyptian bondage (<a href="/exodus/12-6.htm">Exodus 12:6-14</a>). The Lord passes through Egypt at midnight, striking down the firstborn of the Egyptians while sparing the Israelites who have marked their doorposts with the blood of the lamb.<br><br>In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul experiences divine protection during a nocturnal event. While imprisoned, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns at midnight, leading to a miraculous earthquake that opens the prison doors and unfastens their chains (<a href="/acts/16-25.htm">Acts 16:25-26</a>).<br><br><b>Symbolism of Night</b><br><br>The night often symbolizes spiritual darkness and the absence of God's presence. Jesus uses the imagery of night to describe the urgency of His mission, stating, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work" (<a href="/john/9-4.htm">John 9:4</a>). This highlights the limited time available to accomplish God's work before spiritual darkness prevails.<br><br>The Apostle Paul also employs the metaphor of night to contrast the deeds of darkness with the light of Christ. He exhorts believers to "put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (<a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a>), encouraging them to live as children of the day.<br><br><b>Prayer and Vigilance</b><br><br>Nocturnal prayer and vigilance are emphasized in the Bible as essential practices for believers. Jesus Himself sets an example by spending entire nights in prayer, seeking communion with the Father (<a href="/luke/6-12.htm">Luke 6:12</a>). He also instructs His disciples to watch and pray, particularly during times of trial and temptation (<a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a>).<br><br>The Psalms frequently mention seeking God during the night, reflecting a deep yearning for His presence and guidance. <a href="/psalms/63-6.htm">Psalm 63:6</a> states, "When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night."<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>The Bible presents the night as a time of both divine intervention and spiritual challenge. Through nocturnal events, God reveals His power, provides deliverance, and calls His people to remain vigilant in prayer and righteous living.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>a.</I>) Pertaining to the night; as, nocturnal darkness, cries, expedition; -- opposed to diurnal.<p>2. (<I>a.</I>) Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night; as, nocturnal birds and insects.<p>3. (<I>n.</I>) An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the stars, etc., at sea.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/3915.htm"><span class="l">3915. layil -- night</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition night NASB Word Usage midnight*<br> (6), night (200), nights (14), <b>nocturnal</b> (1), overnight* (2), tonight (10). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/3915.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_nocturnal_pollution_is_a.htm"><span class="l">Whether <b>Nocturnal</b> Pollution is a Mortal Sin?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> OF THE PARTS OF LUST (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether <b>nocturnal</b> pollution is a mortal sin?<br> Objection 1: It would seem that <b>nocturnal</b> pollution is a sin. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether nocturnal pollution is a.htm</font><p><a href="/library/scholasticus/the_ecclesiastical_history_of_scholasticus/chapter_viii_the_arians_and_the.htm"><span class="l">The Arians and the Supporters of the Homoousion' Hold <b>Nocturnal</b> <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Chapter VIII."The Arians and the Supporters of the Homoousion' hold <b>Nocturnal</b><br> Assemblies and sing Antiphonal Hymns, a Species of Composition ascribed to <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter viii the arians and the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cassian/the_works_of_john_cassian_/book_ii_of_the_canonical.htm"><span class="l">Book ii. Of the Canonical System of the <b>Nocturnal</b> Prayers and <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Prolegomena. Book II. Of the Canonical System of the <b>Nocturnal</b> Prayers and Psalms.<br> Of the Canonical System of the <b>Nocturnal</b> Prayers and Psalms. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /book ii of the canonical.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cassian/the_works_of_john_cassian_/chapter_i_of_the_canonical.htm"><span class="l">Of the Canonical System of the <b>Nocturnal</b> Prayers and Psalms.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Prolegomena. Chapter I. Of the Canonical System of the <b>Nocturnal</b> Prayers<br> and Psalms. Girt, therefore, with this twofold girdle of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter i of the canonical.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cassian/the_works_of_john_cassian_/chapter_vi_how_no_change.htm"><span class="l">How no Change was Made by the Elders in the Ancient System of <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> by our Elders who decided that this Mattin service should be added; [741] but that<br> office [742] was always celebrated in their <b>nocturnal</b> assemblies according <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter vi how no change.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/constitutions_of_the_holy_apostles/sec_v_the_teaching_of_the.htm"><span class="l">The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Now if any persons keep to the Jewish customs and observances concerning the natural<br> emission and <b>nocturnal</b> pollutions, and the lawful conjugal acts, [3313 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v the teaching of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mede/a_key_to_the_apocalypse/the_fourth_trumpet.htm"><span class="l">The Fourth Trumpet.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> not shine, and likewise a third part of the night." Where the diurnal light, which<br> is that of the sun, is called by the name of day, and the <b>nocturnal</b> light of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the fourth trumpet.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cassian/the_works_of_john_cassian_/chapter_xxvi_the_answer_how.htm"><span class="l">The Answer How we Should not Exceed the Proper Measure of Food.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> for the fact that we have but recently taken food hinders our intellect from being<br> bright and keen both in our evening and in our <b>nocturnal</b> prayers, and so at <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxvi the answer how.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cassian/the_works_of_john_cassian_/"><span class="l">The Works of John Cassian.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Book II. Of the Canonical System of the <b>Nocturnal</b> Prayers and Psalms. Chapter I.<br> Of the Canonical System of the <b>Nocturnal</b> Prayers and Psalms. Chapter II. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/cassian/the works of john cassian /</font><p><a href="/library/tertullian/to_his_wife/chapter_iv_of_the_hindrances_which.htm"><span class="l">Of the Hindrances which an Unbelieving Husband Puts in his Wife's <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> the poorer, cottages? Who will willingly bear her being taken from his side<br> by <b>nocturnal</b> convocations, if need so be? Who, finally <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter iv of the hindrances which.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/n/nocturnal.htm"><span class="l"><b>Nocturnal</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Pertaining to the night; as, <b>nocturnal</b> darkness,<br> cries, expedition; -- opposed to diurnal. <b>...</b><b>Nocturnal</b> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nocturnal.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/owl.htm"><span class="l">Owl (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> They are mostly <b>nocturnal</b> in their habits. <b>...</b> OWL. oul (bath ha-ya`anah; Latin Ulula):<br> The name of every <b>nocturnal</b> bird of prey of the Natural Order Striges. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/owl.htm - 18k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jackal.htm"><span class="l">Jackal (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> They are cowardly, <b>nocturnal</b>, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion, and<br> are noted for their piercing and dismal howling. <b>...</b> It is cowardly and <b>nocturnal</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jackal.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/moth.htm"><span class="l">Moth (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (n.) A mote. 2. (n.) Any <b>nocturnal</b> lepidopterous insect, or any not included<br> among the butterflies; as, the luna moth; Io moth; hawk moth. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/moth.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/hyena.htm"><span class="l">Hyena</span></a><br><b>...</b> They are large and strong, but cowardly. They feed chiefly on carrion, and are<br><b>nocturnal</b> in their habits. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HYENA. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/hyena.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nod.htm"><span class="l">Nod (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nod.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nobody.htm"><span class="l">Nobody (21 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nobody.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nero.htm"><span class="l">Nero</span></a><br><b>...</b> with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses,<br> or set fire to, and, when day declined, burned to serve for <b>nocturnal</b> lights. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nero.htm - 41k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gecko.htm"><span class="l">Gecko (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (n.) Any lizard of the family Geckonidae. The geckoes are small, carnivorous, mostly<br><b>nocturnal</b> animals with large eyes and vertical, elliptical pupils. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gecko.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/wolf.htm"><span class="l">Wolf (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> The wolf of Syria and Palestine is large, light colored, and does not<br> seem to hunt in packs. Like other wolves it is <b>nocturnal</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/wolf.htm - 13k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/wet-dreams.html">Is a wet dream / nocturnal emission a sin? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bigfoot-Sasquatch.html">What does the Bible say about the possibility of Bigfoot/Sasquatch? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-impurity.html">What is the meaning of impurity in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/nocturnal.htm">Nocturnal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Nocturnal (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-10.htm">Deuteronomy 23:10</a></span><br />If there is among you any man who is not clean by reason of that which happens him by night, then shall he go outside of the camp. He shall not come within the camp:<br /><span class="source">(See NAS NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/n/nocturnal.htm">Nocturnal</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beck.htm">Beck (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/enoch.htm">Enoch (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beckon.htm">Beckon (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cain.htm">Cain (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nodab.htm">Nodab (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nocturnal.htm">Nocturnal (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/understand.htm">Understand (208 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/living-place.htm">Living-place (83 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wink.htm">Wink (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/settled.htm">Settled (112 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dwelt.htm">Dwelt (307 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/east.htm">East (228 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/eden.htm">Eden (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nodded.htm">Nodded (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/city.htm">City</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lord's.htm">Lord's (548 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/n/nobody.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nobody"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nobody" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/n/nocturnal_emission.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nocturnal Emission"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nocturnal Emission" /></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="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></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>