### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διεγείρω (diegeírō, `{{G1326}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (diá, meaning "through," "thoroughly," or "completely") and the verb ἐγείρω (egeírō, `{{G1453}}`, meaning "to awaken," "to raise," or "to rouse"). The prefix διά intensifies the action of the base verb, suggesting a more complete, thorough, or full awakening. Thus, διεγείρω denotes a strong and decisive arousal. Its semantic range includes:
1. **Literal Awakening:** To wake someone fully from sleep.
2. **Figurative Arousal (Mental/Spiritual):** To stir up, arouse, or stimulate the mind, memory, or spirit, often implying a move from a state of lethargy or forgetfulness to one of active awareness or vigilance.
3. **Natural Phenomenon:** To stir up a natural element, such as a storm.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word διεγείρω appears five times in the New Testament, with distinct contextual nuances:
1. **Gospel Accounts of the Storm at Sea:**
* [[Matthew 8:26]]: "And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." Here, the KJV translates it as "arose," but the context clearly indicates Jesus being awakened from sleep by His disciples.
* [[Mark 4:38]]: "And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?" This is a direct and literal account of the disciples waking Jesus.
* [[Luke 8:24]]: "And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm." Again, the literal awakening of Jesus from sleep.
In these Synoptic accounts, διεγείρω underscores the genuine humanity of Jesus, who experienced fatigue and sleep. The disciples' act of "waking Him fully" precipitates His demonstration of divine authority over creation, highlighting the contrast between human fear and divine power.
2. **Peter's Epistles:**
* [[2 Peter 1:13]]: "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;"
* [[2 Peter 3:1]]: "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:"
In these instances, Peter employs διεγείρω figuratively. He is not literally waking his readers from physical sleep, but rather "stirring up" their minds and memories. This implies a need to arouse them from spiritual complacency, forgetfulness, or potential lethargy, to ensure their continued adherence to sound doctrine and spiritual vigilance. The purpose is to recall and apply essential truths, thereby maintaining a "pure mind" and active faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
* ἐγείρω (egeírō, `{{G1453}}`): The base verb meaning "to raise" or "to awaken." διεγείρω is an intensified form, suggesting a more thorough or complete awakening. While ἐγείρω is used for general awakening (e.g., from sleep or death), διεγείρω emphasizes the full arousal from a state of inactivity or unawareness.
* ἀνίστημι (anístēmi, `{{G450}}`): To stand up, to rise, to raise. This verb is often used in the context of resurrection. While διεγείρω is not used for resurrection, the shared root concept of "rising" or "arousing" links them, though διεγείρω focuses more on active awareness rather than a change from death to life.
* νήφω (nēphō, `{{G3525}}`): To be sober, temperate, vigilant. This concept aligns with Peter's figurative use of διεγείρω, where "stirring up" the mind leads to spiritual alertness and discernment.
* ἀναμιμνῄσκω (anamimnēskō, `{{G363}}`): To remind, to call to mind. This verb describes the specific action by which Peter "stirs up" his readers' remembrance, indicating the means by which spiritual awakening is achieved.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of διεγείρω offer significant theological insights:
1. **Christ's Incarnation and Authority:** The literal use in the Gospels affirms the genuine humanity of Jesus—He sleeps and is awakened. Yet, His awakening immediately precedes the display of His divine authority over the chaotic forces of nature, demonstrating His sovereign power even in His human state. This narrative highlights the paradox of the Incarnation: fully human, yet fully divine.
2. **The Necessity of Spiritual Vigilance:** Peter's figurative use of διεγείρω is a powerful call to spiritual awakening and sustained attentiveness for believers. It implies that spiritual apathy, forgetfulness of truth, or a dulling of the mind are real dangers that must be actively counteracted. The "stirring up" is not merely a gentle nudge but a thorough arousal, urging believers to maintain a "pure mind" (2 Peter 3:1) and to actively remember and live by the apostolic teaching.
3. **The Role of Apostolic Teaching:** Peter's letters serve as the instrument for this "stirring up." The written word, grounded in divine revelation, is presented as a vital means by which believers are kept spiritually alert, reminded of essential truths, and guarded against false teachings. This emphasizes the enduring importance of biblical instruction in fostering and maintaining spiritual vitality.
### Summary
διεγείρω (diegeírō, `{{G1326}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to wake fully" or "to thoroughly arouse." Its application in the New Testament is twofold: literally, it describes the disciples awakening Jesus from sleep during the storm, underscoring His true humanity and subsequent divine power over creation [[Matthew 8:26]], [[Mark 4:38]], [[Luke 8:24]]. Figuratively, in Peter's epistles, it signifies the apostolic endeavor to "stir up" believers' pure minds and remembrance [[2 Peter 1:13]], [[2 Peter 3:1]]. This figurative usage highlights the critical need for spiritual vigilance, active recall of foundational truths, and resistance to spiritual lethargy. The word thus encapsulates both the profound humanity and authority of Christ and the ongoing imperative for believers to maintain an awakened and discerning spiritual state through engagement with divine truth.
TRV