from διά and γρηγορεύω; to waken thoroughly:--be awake.
Transliteration:diagrēgoréō
Pronunciation:dee-ag-ray-gor-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαγρηγορέω (`{{G1235}}`, transliterated *diagrēgoréō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (*dia*) and the verb γρηγορεύω (*grēgoreuō*, `{{G1129}}`). The root verb γρηγορεύω means "to be awake," "to watch," or "to be vigilant." The prefix διά in this context serves to intensify the meaning, conveying a sense of thoroughness, completeness, or passage *through* a state to a new, fully realized one. Thus, διαγρηγορέω signifies "to be thoroughly awake," "to be fully aroused from sleep," or "to be completely watchful." It implies a transition from a state of slumber to one of full, acute awareness, distinguishing it from a mere waking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διαγρηγορέω appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 9:32]]**: "Now Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; but when they were thoroughly awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him."
This sole occurrence is found within the narrative of the Transfiguration. The disciples (Peter, John, and James) had accompanied Jesus up a mountain to pray. The text explicitly states they were "heavy with sleep" (Greek: βαρυνόμενοι ὕπνῳ, *barynomenoi hypnō*), indicating a profound drowsiness. However, at the moment of Jesus' transfiguration, they διαγρηγορήσαντες (*diagrēgorēsantes*), meaning they became "thoroughly awake" or "fully roused." This thorough awakening enabled them to witness the astounding vision of Jesus' glory and the presence of Moses and Elijah. The use of διαγρηγορέω here is crucial, emphasizing that their perception was not partial or hazy due to lingering sleep, but rather acute and complete, allowing them to fully apprehend the divine revelation unfolding before them. It highlights the contrast between their prior state of physical and potentially spiritual dullness and their subsequent state of full alertness in the face of the miraculous.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb γρηγορεύω (`{{G1129}}`), which is much more common in the New Testament. While γρηγορεύω often carries the meaning of spiritual vigilance and watchfulness (e.g., [[Matthew 24:42]], [[Mark 13:37]], [[1 Peter 5:8]]), διαγρηγορέω specifically emphasizes the *process* of becoming fully awake from a state of sleep. The prefix διά elevates the intensity, suggesting a complete overcoming of the sleepy state.
Another related concept is the state of being "heavy with sleep" (καταβαρύνω, `{{G2659}}` in [[Luke 9:32]]), which stands in direct opposition to διαγρηγορέω. The narrative explicitly moves the disciples from one state to the other, underscoring the dramatic shift required to perceive divine glory. This transition from slumber to full alertness also resonates with broader biblical themes of spiritual awakening, moving from spiritual blindness or dullness to clear sight and understanding.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of διαγρηγορέω in [[Luke 9:32]] carries profound theological weight. It signifies that the disciples' witnessing of the Transfiguration was not a dream or a semi-conscious experience, but a vivid, fully perceived reality. Their thorough awakening underscores the objective truth and profound significance of Christ's glory revealed on the mountain.
Theologically, this word suggests that divine revelation often demands a state of full human readiness and awareness. While God's revelation is sovereign, human perception plays a vital role, and in this instance, it required a complete overcoming of physical drowsiness. It can serve as a metaphor for spiritual awakening: just as the disciples needed to be "thoroughly awake" to see Christ's glory, so too must believers be spiritually alert and vigilant to discern God's truth and presence in their lives. The moment of divine encounter necessitated a transition from a state of slumber to one of heightened spiritual and physical perception.
### Summary
διαγρηγορέω (`{{G1235}}`) means "to be thoroughly awake" or "to be fully roused from sleep," intensifying the basic meaning of "to be awake" through the prefix διά. Its sole occurrence in [[Luke 9:32]] is highly significant, describing the disciples' state of full alertness at the Transfiguration, enabling them to clearly witness Christ's glory. This word highlights the transition from a state of drowsiness to complete awareness, underscoring the necessity of full human perception to apprehend profound divine revelation. It serves as a powerful illustration of the shift from spiritual dullness to a vivid, clear apprehension of God's truth.
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