The Greek word diagrēgoréō, represented by G1235, means to waken thoroughly. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Derived from the words διά and γρηγορεύω, its definition emphasizes a complete and thorough awakening, not just a partial stirring from sleep.
The sole use of G1235 occurs during the Transfiguration. The verse states, "But G1161 Peter G4074 and G2532 they that were with G4862 him G846 were G2258 heavy G916 with sleep G5258: and G1161 when they were awake G1235, they saw G1492 his G846 glory G1391, and G2532 the two G1417 men G435 that stood with G4921 him G846" Luke 9:32. This moment captures a pivotal transition from a state of being weighed down by sleep to one of full awareness, which immediately precedes the sight of Christ's divine glory. The disciples' ability to witness this event was contingent on their being "thoroughly awake".
Several related words in the immediate context of Luke 9:32 clarify the meaning of G1235:
- G5258 hýpnos (sleep): This describes the state from which the disciples awoke. It can refer to literal sleep or, figuratively, to spiritual torpor Romans 13:11.
- G916 baréō (to weigh down): This word describes the disciples as being "heavy" with sleep, indicating they were burdened and pressed down, not merely resting lightly Luke 9:32.
- G1391 dóxa (glory): This is what the disciples perceived immediately after they were thoroughly awake. It refers to a very apparent glory, honour, or dignity (Luke 9:32, John 1:14).
- G1492 eídō (to see): This is the action that resulted from being awake. It properly means to see (literally or figuratively) and can imply knowledge or understanding Luke 9:32.
The theological weight of G1235 is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.
- A Prerequisite for Divine Revelation: The disciples' ability to see Christ's glory was directly dependent on their being "thoroughly awake." Their previous state of being "heavy with sleep" G5258 prevented this perception, suggesting that a state of clear awareness is necessary to witness God's work Luke 9:32.
- Transition to Spiritual Sight: The act of becoming awake G1235 serves as the bridge from a state of physical limitation to one of spiritual perception. It was only after this thorough awakening that they "saw his glory" Luke 9:32, linking the physical state to spiritual readiness.
- Witnessing Heavenly Company: Being awake enabled the disciples to see not only the glory G1391 of Jesus but also the "two men that stood with him" Luke 9:32. This highlights how a state of full alertness can open one's eyes to the spiritual realities present alongside the physical world.
In summary, G1235 signifies far more than simply waking from sleep. It describes a complete and thorough awakening that serves as a necessary condition for perceiving divine reality. Its single appearance in scripture is at the Transfiguration, where it powerfully illustrates that moving from a state of being "heavy with sleep" to being fully awake is what allowed the disciples to witness the glory of Christ. Despite its rarity, diagrēgoréō carries immense theological weight, connecting physical alertness to spiritual revelation.
TRV