Question:
Does the word “sleep” in the original mean death?
Answer:
Yes—in this passage, “sleep” refers to death. Paul writes:
“For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”
—1 Corinthians 11:30
The Greek word used here is a form of koimaō, meaning to sleep or fall asleep. Scripture uses this word for both ordinary sleep and death. The context tells us which meaning is intended.
For example, Acts 12:6 uses it when Peter was sleeping between two soldiers. Matthew 28:13 uses it in the claim that the disciples stole Christ’s body while the guards slept. In both passages, ordinary sleep is meant. In 1 Corinthians 15:51 and 1 Thessalonians 4:14, however, the same verb refers to death.
Jesus Himself made this distinction clear when speaking of Lazarus:
“Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.”
—John 11:11
The disciples thought He meant ordinary rest. Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead” (verse 14).
So the word’s literal meaning is sleep, but it is also used figuratively to describe death. The comparison carries a precious assurance: just as someone sleeping can be awakened, those resting in death will be awakened at the resurrection. Death does not place them beyond the reach of Christ’s voice.
