### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐξυπνίζω (exypnízō) is derived from ἔξυπνος (exypnos), meaning "awakened" or "roused from sleep," combined with the prefix "ἐξ-" (ex-), which denotes "out of" or "from." Its core meaning is "to awaken" or "to rouse from sleep." The prefix intensifies the action, emphasizing a complete emergence *out of* a state of slumber. While primarily used in a literal sense to describe physical awakening, its singular biblical occurrence imbues it with profound metaphorical and theological implications concerning spiritual awakening and resurrection from death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma ἐξυπνίζω (exypnízō) appears only once in the New Testament, in a context of immense theological weight:
* **[[John 11:11]]**: "These things he said, and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep." (ταῦτα εἶπεν, καὶ μετὰ τοῦτο λέγει αὐτοῖς, Λάζαρος ὁ φίλος ἡμῶν κεκοίμηται, ἀλλὰ πορεύομαι ἵνα ἐξυπνίσω αὐτόν.)
In this passage, Jesus deliberately uses "sleep" as a euphemism for death, a common biblical metaphor, especially for the death of believers. His declaration, "I go, that I may awake him out of sleep," is a direct assertion of His divine power over death. The choice of ἐξυπνίζω here is significant; it maintains the metaphor of death as a temporary slumber, underscoring Jesus' unique perspective on mortality. He does not speak of a difficult or uncertain task, but of a simple awakening. The disciples initially misunderstand this spiritual reality, believing Jesus refers to natural sleep ([[John 11:12]]), which highlights the radical nature of His claim. The subsequent resurrection of Lazarus ([[John 11:43-44]]) serves as the ultimate demonstration and literal fulfillment of Jesus' statement, proving His absolute authority over life and death.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words relate to the concept of awakening or rising, often used interchangeably with resurrection:
* **`{{G1453}}` (egeírō)**: This is a much more common verb meaning "to raise up," "to awaken," or "to cause to rise." It is frequently used for raising from sleep or, more significantly, raising the dead (e.g., "Christ was raised from the dead"). While ἐξυπνίζω emphasizes the action of coming *out of* sleep, `{{G1453}}` often denotes the *result* of being raised or standing up.
* **`{{G450}}` (anístēmi)**: Meaning "to stand up," "to rise," or "to raise," this verb is also extensively used in the context of resurrection.
* **`{{G2837}}` (koimáō)**: This verb means "to fall asleep" or "to be asleep" and is frequently used in the New Testament as a euphemism for the death of believers (e.g., [[Acts 7:60]], [[1 Corinthians 15:51]]). The use of "sleep" for death reinforces the idea that for those in Christ, death is not an end but a temporary state, a "sleep" from which they will awaken.
The concept of "awakening" in the New Testament is intrinsically linked to the broader theological theme of resurrection, encompassing both individual instances (like Lazarus) and the eschatological resurrection of all people.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐξυπνίζω in [[John 11:11]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Jesus' Absolute Authority Over Death**: By declaring His intention to "awake" Lazarus from "sleep," Jesus reveals His divine sovereignty over death. He speaks of reversing death as effortlessly as one might rouse a person from a nap, demonstrating His unique power as the Lord of life. This challenges the human perception of death as an irreversible end.
* **Death as "Sleep" for Believers**: The language employed by Jesus reinforces a consistent New Testament theme: for those who believe in Him, death is not a final cessation but a temporary state, a slumber from which they will be roused. This perspective offers immense comfort and hope, transforming the fear of death into an anticipation of future awakening and reunion with Christ.
* **Prefigurement of Christ's Own Resurrection**: The miraculous awakening of Lazarus serves as a powerful prefigurement and tangible demonstration of Christ's own impending victory over death through His resurrection. If Jesus possesses the power to awaken others, He certainly has the power to awaken Himself and all who are united with Him.
* **Divine Perspective on Mortality**: The choice of ἐξυπνίζω elevates the understanding of death from a terrifying, ultimate end to a temporary transition, viewed from a divine perspective. It underscores the Christian belief that physical death is not the end of existence but a passage to a different state, ultimately leading to resurrection and eternal life.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐξυπνίζω (exypnízō), meaning "to awaken out of sleep," though appearing only once in the New Testament, holds immense theological significance. Its sole occurrence in [[John 11:11]], where Jesus declares His intention to "awake" Lazarus, is pivotal. By framing death as "sleep," Jesus not only softens its terror but unequivocally asserts His divine power to reverse it. This specific choice of word highlights the ease with which the Son of God can call the dead back to life, presenting resurrection not as an arduous miracle but as a simple awakening. The theological implications are profound: death is a temporary state for those in Christ, Jesus is the sovereign Lord of life, and the resurrection of Lazarus stands as a powerful testament to the future resurrection of all believers. This rare word, therefore, encapsulates a core Christian hope and Jesus' ultimate triumph over the grave.
TRV