### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anápausis**, represented by `{{G372}}`, conveys the concept of **rest** as an intermission or recreation. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The term signifies not just a pause from labor, but a state of being that can be either a profound spiritual gift or something desperately sought after.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the scriptures, `{{G372}}` is used to describe both a state of spiritual peace and its absence. Jesus offers **rest** to the **souls** `{{G5590}}` of those who take His **yoke** `{{G2218}}` and **learn** `{{G3129}}` from Him [[Matthew 11:29]]. Conversely, an **unclean** `{{G169}}` spirit is depicted as wandering through **dry** `{{G504}}` places, **seeking** `{{G2212}}` **rest** but finding none ([[Matthew 12:43]], [[Luke 11:24]]). The concept is also used to describe a perpetual state, such as the four beasts who **rest** not day or night in their worship [[Revelation 4:8]] and those in **torment** `{{G929}}` who have no **rest** [[Revelation 14:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context in which **rest** is found or sought:
* `{{G2218}}` **zygós** (yoke): This word, meaning a coupling or servitude, is what believers are invited to **take** `{{G142}}` from Christ to **find** `{{G2147}}` **rest** [[Matthew 11:29]].
* `{{G5590}}` **psychḗ** (soul): The **rest** offered by Christ is specifically for the **soul**, the animal sentient principle [[Matthew 11:29]].
* `{{G169}}` **akáthartos** (unclean): Describing something as impure or demonic, this is used for the **spirit** `{{G4151}}` that wanders seeking but not finding **rest** [[Matthew 12:43]].
* `{{G929}}` **basanismós** (torment): The state of **torment** is described as the complete absence of **rest** for those who **worship** `{{G4352}}` the beast [[Revelation 14:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of `{{G372}}` are significant, portraying **rest** as a spiritual condition with eternal consequences.
* **Rest as a Gift of Christ:** True spiritual **rest** is not achieved through inactivity but is found in a relationship with Christ. It is a result of taking His **yoke** `{{G2218}}` and learning from Him, who is **meek** `{{G4235}}` and **lowly** `{{G5011}}` in heart [[Matthew 11:29]].
* **The Restlessness of Evil:** The scriptures portray evil forces, such as the **unclean** `{{G169}}` spirit, as being in a state of perpetual restlessness, continually **seeking** `{{G2212}}` **rest** in **dry** `{{G504}}` places but never finding it ([[Matthew 12:43]], [[Luke 11:24]]).
* **Rest in Judgment and Worship:** The absence of `{{G372}}` can signify two opposite eternal states. For those who worship the beast, it is an aspect of their **torment** `{{G929}}` to have no **rest** [[Revelation 14:11]]. For the holy beasts before the throne, their lack of **rest** is a feature of their unceasing worship [[Revelation 4:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G372}}` **anápausis** is a multifaceted term that transcends simple physical repose. It represents a state of being that can be a gracious gift for the **soul** `{{G5590}}` found in Christ, a condition desperately sought but never found by unclean spirits, or a defining characteristic of eternity, whether in ceaseless worship or unending **torment**. Its usage reveals that true **rest** is a matter of one's spiritual allegiance and ultimate destiny.
TRV