from ἐγείρω; a resurgence (from death):--resurrection.
Transliteration:égersis
Pronunciation:eg'-er-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἔγερσις (egersis, `{{G1454}}`) is derived directly from the verb ἐγείρω (egeirō, `{{G1453}}`), which signifies "to raise up," "to awaken," or "to arouse." Consequently, ἔγερσις inherently denotes the act or state of being raised or awakened. Its semantic range is quite focused, primarily conveying the concept of a "resurgence" or "resurrection" from death. It implies a powerful re-animation, a restoration to life from a state of lifelessness, emphasizing the divine power involved in bringing forth life from the grave.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔγερσις (egersis, `{{G1454}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly significant.
* **[[Matthew 27:53]]**: "and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection went into the holy city and appeared to many."
In this passage, ἔγερσις explicitly refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ (μετὰ τὴν ἐγερσιν αὐτοῦ). The context describes the miraculous events accompanying Christ's crucifixion and immediate aftermath, where tombs were opened, and many saints who had fallen asleep were raised to life. The phrase "after His resurrection" definitively links the ἔγερσις of these saints to the pivotal ἔγερσις of Christ Himself. This usage underscores the unique power of God to overcome death, with Christ's resurrection serving as the foundational event that enables and precedes the resurrection of others.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἐγείρω (egeirō, `{{G1453}}`):** As its root verb, ἐγείρω means "to raise" or "to awaken." It is frequently used throughout the New Testament to describe God's act of raising Jesus from the dead (e.g., [[Acts 2:24]], [[Romans 4:24]]). ἔγερσις is the nominal form of this crucial action, emphasizing the event itself.
* **ἀνάστασις (anastasis, `{{G386}}`):** This is the more common and comprehensive term for "resurrection" in the New Testament. While ἔγερσις specifically highlights the *act* or *event* of rising, ἀνάστασις can refer to the broader concept of resurrection, including both the standing up again and the general resurrection of the dead (e.g., [[John 11:24]], [[Acts 24:15]]). ἔγερσις might be seen as a more direct and forceful portrayal of the immediate act of rising from the dead, whereas ἀνάστασις encompasses the broader theological reality.
* **Life (ζωή, zōē, `{{G2222}}`):** The concept of ἔγερσις is intrinsically linked to the triumph of life over death. It signifies a return to vitality and existence.
* **Death (θάνατος, thanatos, `{{G2288}}`):** ἔγερσις stands in direct antithesis to death, representing the ultimate victory over its power and dominion.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of ἔγερσις in [[Matthew 27:53]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful affirmation of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith. The fact that the resurrected saints emerge from their tombs "after His resurrection" emphatically declares that Christ's ἔγερσις is the firstfruits and the guarantor of the general resurrection of believers. This word points to the omnipotent power of God, who alone possesses the authority and ability to conquer death and bring forth life from the grave. It underscores the physical reality of resurrection, as bodies literally come forth from tombs. Ultimately, ἔγερσις highlights the divine initiative in overcoming the ultimate enemy, death, thereby securing the hope of eternal life for those who believe.
### Summary
ἔγερσις (egersis, `{{G1454}}`) is a Greek noun meaning "resurrection" or "a raising up," derived from the verb ἐγείρω (egeirō, `{{G1453}}`). Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Matthew 27:53]] unequivocally refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, serving as the pivotal event that precedes and enables the resurrection of other saints. While closely related to the more common term ἀνάστασις (anastasis, `{{G386}}`), ἔγερσις particularly emphasizes the specific *act* or *event* of rising from death. Theologically, it underscores the divine power over death, affirms the physical nature of resurrection, and establishes Christ's ἔγερσις as the necessary foundation and guarantee of the resurrection hope for all believers, signifying the ultimate victory of life over the grave.
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