### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katapaúō**, represented by `{{G2664}}`, is derived from κατά and παύω and means to settle down or to cause to desist. It is used to convey ceasing an action, giving rest, or restraining. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily in the book of Hebrews.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2664}}` is central to the concept of divine rest. It describes God, who "did rest the seventh day from all his works" [[Hebrews 4:4]]. This act of divine cessation becomes a pattern for believers. The goal is for one to have "ceased from his own works, as God did from his" [[Hebrews 4:10]]. The term also signifies giving rest to others, as seen in the discussion of whether Jesus (Joshua) had truly given the ultimate rest to God's people [[Hebrews 4:8]]. A different application is found in Acts, where the apostles "scarce restrained they the people" from offering them sacrifices, showing the word's meaning of actively causing a group to desist [[Acts 14:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the meaning of `{{G2664}}`:
* `{{G2663}}` **katápausis** (reposing down, i.e. (by Hebraism) abode:--rest): This is the noun form of the verb. It is the "rest" that one enters into, a state of abode that is the goal of ceasing from works [[Hebrews 4:10]].
* `{{G2041}}` **érgon** (toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act:--deed, doing, labour, work): This word is often contrasted with the rest provided by `{{G2664}}`. The theme involves ceasing from one's own "works" to enter God's rest [[Hebrews 4:10]].
* `{{G1525}}` **eisérchomai** (to enter (literally or figuratively)): This verb describes the action required to experience the rest. One must "enter" into the rest that God provides [[Hebrews 4:10]].
* `{{G3433}}` **mólis** (with difficulty:--hardly, scarce(-ly), + with much work): This adverb qualifies the act of restraining in Acts, indicating that the apostles were only able to stop the people "with difficulty" [[Acts 14:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2664}}` is tied to the New Testament understanding of salvation and sanctification.
* **The Pattern of Divine Rest:** The word establishes God's own rest on the seventh day as the foundational example for believers. God "did rest" from His works, setting a precedent [[Hebrews 4:4]].
* **Rest from Self-Effort:** A core theological concept is the call to cease from one's "own works" [[Hebrews 4:10]]. This points to a reliance on God's finished work rather than human striving.
* **A Promised Future Rest:** The word is used to describe a promise that transcends the earthly rest given by Jesus (Joshua), pointing toward "another day" of ultimate rest in God [[Hebrews 4:8]].
* **Active Cessation:** Beyond a passive state, `{{G2664}}` can denote an active power to "restrain" or cause others to cease from a wrong action, as when the apostles stopped the people from an act of improper worship [[Acts 14:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2664}}` **katapaúō** carries a profound, dual meaning. It encapsulates the spiritual principle of ceasing from personal labor to enter a divine state of rest modeled by God Himself. Simultaneously, it can describe the authoritative act of restraining or bringing something to a halt. This word is therefore crucial for understanding the biblical concept of rest as both a gift to be entered and a power to be wielded.
TRV