### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katheúdō**, represented by `{{G2518}}`, means to lie down to rest and, by implication, to fall **asleep**. It appears 23 times in 20 unique verses. The term is used both literally to describe physical rest and figuratively to denote states of spiritual unawareness, apathy, or even death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Gospels, `{{G2518}}` is frequently used in its literal sense. Jesus is described as **asleep** in a ship during a great tempest, much to the alarm of his disciples ([[Matthew 8:24]], [[Mark 4:38]]). The disciples themselves are found **sleeping** in Gethsemane when they should have been watching ([[Matthew 26:40]], [[Mark 14:37]]). However, the word also carries a significant figurative meaning. When Jesus is told a young girl is dead, he states she is not dead, but **sleepeth** ([[Matthew 9:24]], [[Mark 5:39]], [[Luke 8:52]]), using sleep as a metaphor for a temporary state from which he can rouse her. This figurative use extends to spiritual carelessness, as in the parable where men **slept** while an enemy sowed tares [[Matthew 13:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the contrast between sleep and wakefulness:
* `{{G1127}}` **grēgoreúō** (to keep awake, i.e. watch): This word is often used as a direct command in contrast to sleeping, urging believers to "watch and be sober" instead of spiritually **sleeping** like others [[1 Thessalonians 5:6]].
* `{{G1453}}` **egeírō** (to waken): This signifies rousing from sleep or death. It appears in the call to "**Awake** thou that sleepest" [[Ephesians 5:14]], directly linking the act of waking to rising from a state of spiritual death.
* `{{G3573}}` **nystázō** (to nod, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep): This term is used alongside **katheúdō** to describe a state of drowsiness and inattention, as when the ten virgins "all slumbered and **slept**" while waiting for the bridegroom [[Matthew 25:5]].
* `{{G373}}` **anapaúō** (to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh): This is offered as an alternative to continuing to watch, as when Jesus tells the disciples, "**Sleep on** now, and take your **rest**" ([[Mark 14:41]], [[Matthew 26:45]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2518}}` is primarily seen in its use as a metaphor for spiritual conditions.
* **Spiritual Apathy:** Believers are explicitly warned not to **sleep** but to watch and be sober [[1 Thessalonians 5:6]]. This contrasts the alertness required of those who are "of the day" with the spiritual stupor of those "of the night" [[1 Thessalonians 5:7]].
* **Death as a Temporary State:** By describing the dead as merely **sleeping**, scripture reframes death not as a final end, but as a rest from which believers will awaken. This is seen when Jesus raises the "sleeping" girl [[Luke 8:52]] and in the assurance that whether we wake or **sleep**, we live with Christ [[1 Thessalonians 5:10]].
* **The Call to Spiritual Awakening:** The most direct theological command uses sleep as a metaphor for a state of spiritual death. The call to "**Awake** thou that **sleepest**, and arise from the dead" is a summons to salvation, promising that "Christ shall give thee light" [[Ephesians 5:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2518}}` **katheúdō** serves as a vital term that moves from the literal act of resting to a powerful metaphor for the state of the human soul. It illustrates both physical vulnerability, as with Jesus in the storm, and spiritual peril, as seen in the sleeping disciples and the unprepared virgins. Ultimately, the Bible uses the concept of **sleep** to contrast spiritual death and apathy with the divine call to **awake**, arise, and live in the light of Christ.
TRV