from ἐκ and νήφω; (figuratively) to rouse (oneself) out of stupor:--awake.
Transliteration:eknḗphō
Pronunciation:ek-nay'-fo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1594}}` (eknḗphō) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb νήφω (nēphō, `{{G3525}}`), which signifies "to be sober," "to be temperate," or "to be watchful." The combination thus conveys the sense of coming *out of* a state of spiritual intoxication, stupor, or heedlessness. Figuratively, it means "to rouse oneself out of stupor" or "to awake." It implies a decisive break from a previous condition of spiritual slumber, apathy, or a lack of moral clarity, moving towards a state of alertness and sound judgment. The "ek" prefix emphasizes a complete and definitive departure from the former state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G1594}}` (eknḗphō) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[1 Corinthians 15:34]]: "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, specifically confronting their denial of the resurrection of the dead. This theological error had practical implications, leading some to adopt a hedonistic worldview ("Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die," [[1 Corinthians 15:32]]). Paul's imperative, "Awake to righteousness," is a powerful call for spiritual awakening and moral reformation. The "stupor" from which they are to awake is not literal drunkenness, but a state of spiritual dullness, ignorance, and moral compromise that resulted from their flawed understanding of Christian truth. Their denial of the resurrection led to a lack of accountability and a casual approach to sin. Paul urges them to snap out of this spiritual lethargy, to become sober-minded and vigilant, so that they might live righteously and gain a true knowledge of God, rather than remaining in a state of spiritual ignorance that brings shame.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root word related to `{{G1594}}` is νήφω (nēphō, `{{G3525}}`), which frequently appears in Pauline and Petrine epistles, often in conjunction with γρηγορέω (grēgoreō, `{{G1127}}`, "to be watchful"), emphasizing the need for spiritual sobriety and vigilance against temptation, false teaching, or the coming of the Lord (e.g., [[1 Peter 5:8]], [[1 Thessalonians 5:6-8]]). Another related term is ἀνάνήφω (ananēphō, `{{G388}}`), meaning "to come to one's senses again" or "to recover sobriety," found in [[2 Timothy 2:26]], where it describes escaping the snare of the devil.
The concept of "awakening" or "rousing" oneself from spiritual slumber is also echoed in other New Testament passages, such as [[Romans 13:11]], which speaks of the time for believers to "wake up from sleep" as salvation is nearer. Similarly, [[Ephesians 5:14]] exhorts, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." These related words and concepts collectively underscore the biblical imperative for believers to maintain spiritual alertness, moral clarity, and a keen awareness of divine truth, actively resisting any influences that would induce spiritual apathy or compromise.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G1594}}` in [[1 Corinthians 15:34]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder that believers are susceptible to spiritual stupor, a state where their spiritual senses are dulled, leading to doctrinal error and unrighteous living. The command "Awake to righteousness" is not merely an admonition to cease sinning, but a call to a deeper spiritual transformation rooted in a correct understanding of God's truth. It highlights the inseparable link between sound doctrine (orthodoxy) and righteous living (orthopraxy); a failure in one often leads to a failure in the other.
The act of "awakening" is presented as a volitional and urgent responsibility for the believer. It implies a conscious effort to shake off spiritual lethargy, to confront intellectual and moral compromise, and to actively pursue a life consistent with God's character and commands. This awakening is essential for gaining a true "knowledge of God," which is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative, experiential understanding that shapes one's entire being. The passage thus underscores the necessity of spiritual vigilance and discernment in the Christian life, urging believers to live in the full light of divine truth rather than succumbing to the spiritual darkness of ignorance or apathy.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G1594}}` (eknḗphō) literally means "to rouse oneself out of stupor" or "to awake." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 15:34]] is a powerful imperative: "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God." This command calls believers to emerge decisively from a state of spiritual apathy, ignorance, or moral compromise, which can arise from doctrinal error (such as denying the resurrection). It emphasizes the critical link between sound theology and righteous living, urging a return to spiritual sobriety and vigilance. The word underscores the believer's responsibility to actively pursue a deep, transformative "knowledge of God" and to live a life characterized by moral clarity and divine truth, rather than succumbing to spiritual slumber that leads to sin and shame.
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