The words “sleep” or “asleep” are sometimes used as metaphors. These words are used to talk about someone who has died (see: Matthew 27:52; John 11:11, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:6). The words “slept with one’s fathers” are used to talk about a person who is dead just like his ancestors are dead (1 Kings 2:10; 11:21; 11:43).
Paul also talked about “sleepers” (see: Ephesians 5:14). This is a metaphor. Paul used the word “sleepers” to talk about people who did not honor God. Paul told them to “wake up.” That is, they should stop sinning and start doing what God wants them to do (see also: Revelation 2:2).
To “sleep with” or “lay with” is also used to talk about someone having sexual relations with someone else (Genesis 16:2; Deuteronomy 22:28-29; 2 Samuel 11:4).
See: [Metaphor](../articles/metaphor.md); [Spirit (Spiritual)](../articles/spiritspiritual.md); [Born Again (New Life, Regeneration)](../articles/bornagain.md)
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