from κατά and (to sleep); to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively):--(be a-)sleep.
Transliteration:katheúdō
Pronunciation:kath-yoo'-do
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καθεύδω (katheúdō, `{{G2518}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down," and a root meaning "to sleep" (likely related to εὕδω, heudō). Its core meaning is "to lie down to rest" or "to fall asleep." This primary sense refers to a state of physical unconsciousness or inactivity, whether voluntary or involuntary.
Beyond its literal application, καθεύδω carries significant figurative weight in the New Testament. It is frequently employed to describe a state of spiritual slumber, moral indifference, or profound spiritual insensitivity. In this metaphorical sense, it denotes a lack of awareness regarding spiritual realities, divine commands, or the urgency of the present age. It can imply spiritual negligence, apathy, or even a state of unregeneracy, where one is unresponsive to the call of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
καθεύδω appears approximately 26 times in the New Testament, with notable occurrences in the Gospels and Pauline Epistles. Its usage demonstrates both literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal Sleep:**
* In the Synoptic Gospels, καθεύδω often describes the physical sleep of the disciples, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus finds Peter, James, and John καθεύδωing despite His request for them to watch and pray ([[Matthew 26:40]], [[Mark 14:37]], [[Luke 22:45]]). This highlights their human weakness and the contrast with Jesus' unwavering resolve.
* The term is also used euphemistically for death, particularly the death of believers. Jesus states that Lazarus is "sleeping" (καθεύδω) before clarifying that he is dead, signifying a temporary state from which he will be awakened ([[John 11:11-13]]). Similarly, Paul refers to deceased believers as those who have "fallen asleep" in Christ, emphasizing the hope of resurrection ([[1 Thessalonians 4:13-15]]).
* **Figurative Sleep (Spiritual Apathy/Negligence):**
* Paul extensively uses καθεύδω to denote a state of spiritual lethargy or moral indifference. In [[Romans 13:11]], he exhorts believers to "wake up from sleep" (καθεύδω), emphasizing the urgency of the hour and the nearness of salvation. This calls for a conscious, active living out of their faith.
* One of the most powerful figurative uses is found in [[Ephesians 5:14]]: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Here, the "sleeper" is one living in spiritual darkness, implying a state of profound spiritual apathy or unregeneracy that requires divine illumination and awakening.
* In [[1 Thessalonians 5:6-7]], Paul contrasts those who "sleep" (καθεύδω) and are "drunk" with those who are "awake" and "sober." He urges believers not to "sleep as others do," but to remain vigilant and self-controlled, prepared for the Lord's return. This context underscores a lack of spiritual preparedness, awareness, or moral responsibility.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of καθεύδω is rich, connecting it to several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ὕπνος (hypnos, `{{G5258}}`):** This noun means "sleep" and is the underlying concept from which καθεύδω is derived. While ὕπνος refers to the state, καθεύδω is the verb describing the act or condition of sleeping.
* **γρηγορέω (grēgoreō, `{{G1127}}`):** Meaning "to be awake," "to watch," or "to be vigilant," this verb serves as the primary antonym to καθεύδω, especially in its figurative sense. The frequent New Testament exhortation to "watch" (e.g., in eschatological warnings) directly contrasts with the spiritual danger of "sleep."
* **νήφω (nēphō, `{{G3525}}`):** This verb means "to be sober" or "to be self-controlled." It is often paired with γρηγορέω and stands in direct opposition to the carelessness, spiritual intoxication, or lack of discernment implied by καθεύδω.
* **Spiritual Blindness/Darkness:** The state of spiritual sleep is closely associated with concepts of spiritual blindness or living in darkness, as seen in passages like [[Ephesians 5:14]], where the awakening from sleep is equated with Christ's light shining upon one.
* **Vigilance and Preparedness:** The call to awaken from spiritual sleep is intrinsically linked to the broader New Testament emphasis on vigilance, spiritual alertness, and readiness for Christ's return or for the challenges of Christian living.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καθεύδω transcends its literal meaning, addressing core aspects of Christian discipleship, human nature, and eschatology.
* **Human Frailty and the Need for Vigilance:** The disciples' inability to stay awake with Jesus in Gethsemane serves as a poignant reminder of human weakness and the ever-present temptation towards spiritual complacency. It underscores the necessity of continuous prayer and reliance on divine strength to overcome the flesh's limitations.
* **Hope in the Face of Death:** The New Testament's use of καθεύδω to describe the death of believers transforms a grim reality into a temporary state. This euphemism underscores the Christian hope in the resurrection, where death is not a finality but a "sleep" from which believers will awaken to eternal life with Christ ([[1 Thessalonians 4:13-15]]). This perspective offers profound comfort and distinguishes the Christian understanding of death.
* **The Imperative of Spiritual Awakening:** Perhaps the most potent theological contribution of καθεύδω is its role as a metaphor for spiritual apathy. New Testament writers, particularly Paul, employ this term to jolt believers out of spiritual lethargy, emphasizing the urgency of living consciously and actively in light of God's truth and the impending return of Christ. This "awakening" is not merely intellectual but necessitates a transformation of lifestyle, characterized by righteousness, moral purity, and active pursuit of God's will ([[Romans 13:11-14]], [[Ephesians 5:14]]).
* **Call to Active Discipleship and Readiness:** The repeated exhortation to "wake up" and "watch" underscores the call to continuous spiritual readiness. Believers are not to live as those ignorant of the times or indifferent to the Lord's coming, but rather as children of light, sober, alert, and actively engaged in good works, prayer, and evangelism, awaiting their Master.
### Summary
καθεύδω (katheúdō, `{{G2518}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to lie down to rest" or "to fall asleep." While literally describing physical repose, its profound theological significance lies in its pervasive figurative use to denote spiritual slumber, apathy, or moral negligence. In the Gospels, it illustrates human weakness, as seen in the disciples' failure to remain awake with Jesus. In the Epistles, particularly by Paul, it serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual indifference, urging believers to "wake up" from a state of spiritual darkness and live in vigilance and preparedness ([[Romans 13:11]], [[Ephesians 5:14]]). It also functions as a comforting euphemism for the death of believers, portraying it as a temporary "sleep" awaiting resurrection ([[1 Thessalonians 4:13]]). As an antonym to γρηγορέω (to watch) and νήφω (to be sober), καθεύδω highlights the critical need for spiritual awareness, active discipleship, and readiness for the Lord's return, contrasting sharply with a life of spiritual carelessness or unresponsiveness.
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