### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1879 (epanapaúomai) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "on," and the verb ἀναπαύω (anapaúō), meaning "to give rest," "to refresh," or "to cease from labor." The middle voice of epanapaúomai indicates that the action is performed by the subject upon itself or for its own benefit.
Therefore, the core meaning of G1879 is "to rest upon," "to settle upon," or "to find repose in." Its semantic range extends from a literal sense of physical resting or abiding in a place to a more figurative and profound sense of relying upon, trusting in, or finding one's security and contentment in something or someone. The prefix ἐπί often intensifies the idea of resting *on* or *in* a specific object or foundation, implying a stable and enduring connection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1879 appears in the New Testament in three significant contexts, each revealing a facet of its meaning:
1. **Luke 10:6**: "And if a son of peace is there, your peace will **rest upon** him; but if not, it will return to you." Here, epanapaúomai describes the active settling or abiding of divine peace upon a worthy recipient. It implies a stable, enduring presence of peace, not merely a fleeting feeling. The peace of the disciples, empowered by Christ, is depicted as a tangible spiritual reality that seeks and finds a place to *rest upon*.
2. **Romans 2:17**: "But if you call yourself a Jew and **rely on** the law and boast in God..." In this context, epanapaúomai takes on a figurative meaning of trusting or finding one's security and confidence in something. Paul uses it to critique those who place their ultimate reliance and boast in their possession of the Mosaic Law, rather than in a transformed heart and genuine obedience. This "resting upon" the Law is presented as a misplaced trust, leading to spiritual complacency and hypocrisy.
3. **Romans 9:33** (quoting Isaiah 28:16 LXX): "as it is written, 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'" While the Hebrew of Isaiah 28:16 uses יָחִישׁ (yachish), meaning "make haste" (implying "will not flee in panic"), the Septuagint (LXX) translates this with οὐ μὴ καταισχυνθῇ (ou mē kataischynthē), which is often rendered "will not be put to shame" or "will not be dismayed," and in some LXX manuscripts, οὐ μὴ ἐπαναπαύσεται (ou mē epanapaúsetai) is used, conveying the idea of secure trust that prevents dismay or flight. The New Testament's use of this passage, particularly in Romans 9:33 and 1 Peter 2:6, emphasizes the secure and unwavering trust placed in Christ, the "stone" laid by God. Those who epanapaúomai (rest securely) upon Him will find unshakable stability and will never be disappointed or put to shame. This stands in stark contrast to the misplaced trust in Romans 2:17.
### Related Words & Concepts
G1879 is closely related to its root verb ἀναπαύω `{{G373}}`, which broadly means "to rest" or "to refresh." Other related terms include:
* καταπαύω `{{G2664}}`: "to cause to cease," "to give rest," often used in the context of God's rest after creation or the promised Sabbath rest for believers.
* ἡσυχία `{{G2271}}`: "quietness," "rest," "tranquility."
* πίστις `{{G4102}}`: "faith," "trust," the foundational concept of reliance upon God.
* πεποίθησις `{{G4006}}`: "confidence," "reliance."
The concept encapsulated by G1879 is deeply intertwined with biblical themes of security, trust, peace, and the object of one's ultimate confidence. It highlights the distinction between a false, self-derived security and a true, God-given rest.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1879 lies primarily in its illumination of where true spiritual rest and security are found.
1. **The Abiding Nature of Divine Presence**: In Luke 10:6, the word suggests that God's peace is not ephemeral but possesses an active, discerning quality, seeking out and settling upon those who are receptive. This underscores the reality of divine blessing as a stable, indwelling presence.
2. **The Peril of Misplaced Trust**: Romans 2:17 serves as a stern warning against the spiritual complacency that arises from placing one's confidence in external religious adherence or human achievement. To "rest upon" the Law without a transformed heart is to build one's hope on a foundation that cannot justify or save. It exposes the dangers of legalism and self-righteousness, which offer a false sense of security.
3. **The Security of Trusting in Christ**: The application of Isaiah 28:16 in Romans 9:33 powerfully demonstrates the antithesis to misplaced trust. To epanapaúomai (rest securely) upon Christ, the "chosen and precious cornerstone," is to find an unshakable foundation for one's hope and salvation. This trust leads to true peace and freedom from shame or dismay. It signifies a complete and unwavering reliance on God's provision in Christ, which alone brings genuine spiritual rest and eternal security.
In essence, G1879 distinguishes between a superficial or self-generated "rest" and the profound, secure "rest" that comes from absolute reliance on God and His redemptive work in Jesus Christ.
### Summary
G1879 (epanapaúomai) signifies "to rest upon" or "to settle upon," encompassing both literal abiding and figurative reliance. Its usage in the New Testament reveals crucial theological insights: In [[Luke 10:6]], it describes the active, abiding presence of divine peace upon a receptive heart. In [[Romans 2:17]], it warns against the spiritual peril of misplaced trust, specifically a false reliance upon the Law for righteousness. Conversely, in [[Romans 9:33]] (quoting [[Isaiah 28:16]] LXX), epanapaúomai underscores the secure and unshakable trust placed in Christ, the divine cornerstone. Those who epanapaúomai upon Him will never be put to shame, finding true and lasting rest. The word thus serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of the object of one's trust, highlighting the stark contrast between human self-reliance and the divine provision of secure rest in Christ.
TRV