### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κοίμησις (koímēsis, `{{G2838}}`) is directly derived from the verb κοιμάω (koimáō, `{{G2837}}`), which means "to put to sleep," "to fall asleep," or "to be asleep." As a noun, κοίμησις denotes the act or state of sleeping. By implication, it extends to signify a state of repose, rest, or cessation from activity. Its core semantic range thus encompasses both literal physical sleep and a broader sense of quietude or rest. The base definition "sleeping, i.e. (by implication) repose:--taking of rest" accurately captures this dual nuance, emphasizing the state of being at rest as a primary implication of sleep.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun κοίμησις (koímēsis, `{{G2838}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly weighty for its theological significance. This sole instance is found in [[John 11:13]]. In this passage, Jesus speaks of Lazarus: "Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he was speaking of taking rest in sleep." The disciples' misunderstanding is crucial to the context. Jesus uses κοίμησις as a euphemism for death, a common biblical idiom, especially when referring to the death of believers. The disciples, however, interpret it literally as natural sleep. Jesus clarifies this misunderstanding in the subsequent verse, stating plainly, "Lazarus is dead" [[John 11:14]]. This interaction highlights the deliberate choice of the term κοίμησις to convey a deeper theological truth about death, which the disciples initially fail to grasp. It sets the stage for Jesus's demonstration of His power over death through Lazarus's resurrection, presenting death not as a finality but as a temporary state from which one can be awakened.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verb from which κοίμησις (koímēsis, `{{G2838}}`) is derived, κοιμάω (koimáō, `{{G2837}}`). This verb is frequently used in the New Testament to describe both literal sleep (e.g., [[Matthew 8:24]], [[Luke 8:23]]) and, significantly, death (e.g., [[Matthew 27:52]], [[Acts 7:60]], [[1 Corinthians 15:6]], [[1 Thessalonians 4:13]]). The noun κοίμησις encapsulates the state described by this verb.
The concept of death as "sleep" is a pervasive biblical motif, found in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, שָׁכַב (shakab, `{{H7901}}`), meaning "to lie down" or "sleep," is often used for death (e.g., [[Daniel 12:2]]). In the New Testament, Jesus Himself uses this euphemism for Jairus's daughter in [[Mark 5:39]] and for Lazarus in [[John 11:11]]. The Apostle Paul extensively employs this imagery, particularly when discussing the resurrection of believers (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:18]], [[1 Corinthians 15:20]], [[1 Thessalonians 4:13-15]]), emphasizing the temporary nature of death and the certainty of future awakening.
While κοίμησις implies rest, other Greek words like ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis, `{{G372}}`) and κατάπαυσις (katapausis, `{{G2663}}`) more broadly denote cessation from labor or a state of tranquility. However, the "rest" implied by κοίμησις in the context of death is distinct, specifically pointing towards a temporary cessation of earthly life in anticipation of resurrection.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κοίμησις (koímēsis, `{{G2838}}`) is profound, primarily due to its singular use as a euphemism for death in the context of Jesus's discourse on Lazarus.
1. **Euphemism for Death:** Its primary function is to soften the harsh reality of death, particularly for believers. By portraying death as "sleep," the Bible offers a comforting perspective, implying a temporary state rather than an ultimate end.
2. **Hope of Resurrection:** This imagery powerfully undergirds the Christian hope of resurrection. Just as one awakens from sleep, believers are assured of an awakening from death. This concept is foundational to Christian eschatology, promising a future bodily resurrection (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15]]).
3. **Jesus's Authority over Death:** In the narrative of Lazarus, Jesus's choice to describe death as "sleep" and His subsequent act of raising Lazarus demonstrate His divine sovereignty over death itself. He presents death not as an insurmountable barrier but as a temporary condition from which He can awaken individuals.
4. **Peace and Rest:** The idea of "sleep" also conveys a sense of peace and rest from the toils, sufferings, and struggles of earthly life. For the departed believer, death is a peaceful repose, a cessation of pain and sorrow.
5. **Distinction from Annihilation:** The concept of "sleep" clearly distinguishes the Christian understanding of death from annihilation. It implies continued existence, albeit in a different state, awaiting a future bodily resurrection, rather than a complete cessation of being.
### Summary
The Greek noun κοίμησις (koímēsis, `{{G2838}}`), meaning "sleeping" or "repose," derives from κοιμάω (koimáō, `{{G2837}}`). Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[John 11:13]] is highly significant, where Jesus uses it as a euphemism for the death of Lazarus. This usage firmly establishes κοίμησις within the broader biblical motif of death as "sleep," particularly for those who die in faith. Theologically, this concept serves to underscore the temporary nature of death, offering the profound hope of future resurrection. It highlights Jesus's divine authority over death, portraying it not as an ultimate end but as a peaceful, transitional state awaiting awakening. This perspective provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, framing death as a rest from earthly struggles and a prelude to eternal life.
TRV