English · KJV
G1127

γρηγορεύω

grēgoreúō /gray-gor-yoo'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἐγείρω
Meaningto keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively)
KJV usagebe vigilant, wake, (be) watch(-ful).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of grēgoreúō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word grēgoreúō, represented by G1127, means to keep awake or watch. It appears 24 times in 23 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from a word meaning "to wake," G1127 moves beyond its literal sense to describe a state of figurative watchfulness and spiritual vigilance.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G1127 is a command for constant spiritual alertness. It is frequently paired with prayer, as in the instruction to watch and pray to avoid entering into temptation (Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38). This vigilance is often tied to the unknown hour of the Lord's return, with believers being warned to watch because His coming will be like that of a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42, Revelation 3:3). The term also denotes a defense against spiritual attack, urging believers to be vigilant because their adversary the devil prowls like a roaring lion 1 Peter 5:8. The opposite of this watchful state is spiritual sleep or apathy 1 Thessalonians 5:6.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of watchfulness:

  • G3525 nḗphō (be sober, watch): This word means to be discreet or abstain from wine. It is frequently paired with G1127, emphasizing the need for mental clarity and self-control as a component of spiritual vigilance 1 Peter 5:8.
  • G4336 proseúchomai (pray): Meaning to pray or worship, this action is a critical partner to watchfulness. The command is often given to watch and pray together, linking alertness with active communication with God Colossians 4:2.
  • G2518 katheúdō (sleep): This term, meaning to fall asleep, is used as the direct opposite of G1127. It represents a state of spiritual unpreparedness or indifference, which believers are commanded to avoid 1 Thessalonians 5:6.
  • G2812 kléptēs (thief): A stealer. The reason for watchfulness is often the unexpected nature of the Lord's return, which is compared to the arrival of a thief Revelation 16:15.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G1127 is rooted in a believer's posture toward God and the world.

  • Eschatological Readiness: The command to watch is fundamental to being prepared for the Lord's second coming. Because the hour is unknown, a state of constant readiness is required (Matthew 25:13, Mark 13:35).
  • Spiritual Warfare: Believers must be vigilant against the schemes of their adversary, the devil 1 Peter 5:8. Watchfulness is a key defensive posture in the Christian life.
  • Perseverance in Faith: Watchfulness is an active command, often listed alongside other exhortations to spiritual maturity, such as to stand fast in the faith G4102, quit you like men, and be strong G2901 1 Corinthians 16:13. It is also linked to strengthening what remains Revelation 3:2.
  • A Foundation for Prayer: The practice of watching is inextricably linked to a diligent prayer life, where one is to continue in prayer and watch with thanksgiving G2169 Colossians 4:2.

Summary

In summary, G1127 is a potent directive that goes far beyond simply staying awake. It calls for a continuous state of spiritual readiness, moral alertness, and unwavering focus. Whether preparing for Christ's return, resisting temptation, or persevering in prayer, the command to watch defines a crucial aspect of the believer's active and expectant faith.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 23 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 10×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Aorist Active Infinitive 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 1st Plural 2×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 2nd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G3525 νήφω of uncertain affinity; to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet:--be sober, watch. G4336 προσεύχομαι from πρός and εὔχομαι; to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship:--pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer. G2518 καθεύδω from κατά and (to sleep); to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively):--(be a G2812 κλέπτης from κλέπτω; a stealer (literally or figuratively):--thief. Compare λῃστής. G4102 πίστις from πείθω; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious t G2901 κραταιόω from κραταιός; to empower, i.e. (passively) increase in vigor:--be strengthened, be (wax) strong.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 23 verses across 9 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew and Mark (6 verses each); never once in the other 18.

6
Matthew
6
Mark
2
Luke
1
Acts
1
1 Corinthians
1
Colossians
2
1 Thessalonians
1
1 Peter
3
Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.