from ἀνά and παύω; (reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh:--take ease, refresh, (give, take) rest.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀναπαύω (anapaúō), Strong's `{{G373}}`, is a compound word derived from ἀνά (ana), meaning "up, again, back," and παύω (paúō), meaning "to cease, stop, desist." This etymology suggests a cessation of activity that leads to a state of restoration or refreshment. The base definition indicates a reflexive action: "to cause oneself to cease" or "to rest oneself."
The semantic range of ἀναπαύω is multifaceted:
* **Physical Rest/Repose:** This refers to a literal cessation from labor, activity, or travel, allowing for physical recuperation. It implies a period of quietude and relaxation.
* **Figurative Rest/Ease:** Beyond the physical, it denotes a state of mental tranquility, freedom from anxiety, worry, or burdens. It speaks to an inner peace and a sense of relief.
* **Refreshment/Restoration:** By implication, the act of resting leads to renewed strength, vigor, or spirit. It suggests a revitalization that follows a period of cessation.
* **To Remain/Abide (less common):** In some contexts, it can convey a settled state, akin to remaining or abiding in a particular condition, though this nuance is less prominent in the New Testament usage compared to the primary meanings of rest and refreshment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀναπαύω appears several times in the New Testament, revealing its rich theological implications:
* **Divine Invitation to Rest:** Perhaps the most profound usage is found in [[Matthew 11:28-29]], where Jesus issues the tender invitation: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest [ἀναπαύσω]. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest [ἀνάπαυσιν, the noun form `{{G467}}`] for your souls." Here, the rest is not merely physical but a spiritual cessation from the burden of sin, legalism, and the weariness of life without God. It is a rest provided by Christ, leading to inner peace.
* **Physical Rest in Context:** In [[Matthew 26:45]] and [[Mark 14:41]], Jesus finds his disciples sleeping in Gethsemane and asks, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest [ἀναπαύεσθε]?" This highlights a physical rest, but in a context of spiritual urgency and failure to watch and pray. It serves as a poignant contrast to the spiritual vigilance required.
* **Worldly vs. True Rest:** In [[Luke 12:19]], the rich fool says to himself, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax [ἀναπαύου], eat, drink, be merry." Here, ἀναπαύω is used ironically to describe a self-centered, superficial sense of ease based on material possessions, which is ultimately fleeting and leads to spiritual destitution. This contrasts sharply with the divine rest offered by Christ.
* **Mutual Spiritual Refreshment:** Paul uses ἀναπαύω to describe the refreshing effect believers have on one another. In [[1 Corinthians 16:18]], he states that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus "refreshed [ἀνέπαυσαν] my spirit and yours." Similarly, in [[Philemon 1:7]], he commends Philemon, saying, "For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed [ἀναπέπαυται] through you." This demonstrates the communal aspect of Christian life, where believers can be instruments of God's refreshment to others.
* **Eschatological Rest:** The concept of ἀναπαύω extends to the ultimate rest awaiting the faithful. In [[Revelation 6:11]], the martyrs under the altar are told to "rest [ἀναπαύσασθε] a little longer." This signifies a temporary cessation from earthly suffering until the full number of their fellow servants is complete. More explicitly, [[Revelation 14:13]] declares, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest [ἀναπαύσονται] from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" This is the glorious, eternal rest from toil and tribulation promised to those who persevere in faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἀναπαύω is enriched by understanding its relationship to other terms:
* **`{{G467}}` (anapausis):** This is the direct noun form of ἀναπαύω, meaning "rest, refreshment, repose." It often appears in contexts synonymous with the verb, emphasizing the state or condition of rest.
* **`{{G2663}}` (katapaúō):** This verb means "to cause to cease, to give rest to, to rest from, to settle down." While similar, katapaúō often carries a stronger connotation of a definitive, complete cessation or a permanent settlement, particularly in relation to God's rest from creation ([[Hebrews 4:4]]) or the promised land as a place of rest ([[Hebrews 4:8]]). anapaúō tends to focus more on the restorative aspect of ceasing.
* **`{{G2838}}` (kopos):** Meaning "labor, toil, trouble, weariness," this word stands in direct antithesis to ἀναπαύω. The rest provided by Christ is a release from kopos.
* **`{{G939}}` (basanos):** "Torment, torture, distress." This word represents the suffering from which ἀναπαύω offers relief, particularly in the eschatological sense.
* **Sabbath (σαββατισμός, `{{G4520}}`):** The Old Testament concept of the Sabbath, a divinely ordained day of rest from labor, provides a foundational understanding for the New Testament concept of spiritual rest. The "Sabbath rest" mentioned in [[Hebrews 4:9]] for the people of God points to a deeper, spiritual reality of rest in Christ, which ἀναπαύω embodies.
* **Peace (εἰρήνη, `{{G1515}}`):** True rest (ἀνάπαυσις) is intimately connected with peace, both with God and within oneself. A state of ἀναπαύω implies an inner εἰρήνη.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀναπαύω is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Provision of Rest:** At its core, ἀναπαύω highlights God as the ultimate source of true rest. Unlike the temporary, often illusory rest offered by worldly pursuits, the rest given by Christ is deep, abiding, and soul-satisfying. It is a divine gift, not something earned.
* **Spiritual Transformation:** The rest offered by Jesus in [[Matthew 11:28]] is not merely physical cessation but a spiritual transformation. It is a rest from the heavy burden of sin, guilt, and the impossible demands of legalism, leading to a life of grace and peace under Christ's "easy yoke."
* **Eschatological Hope:** ἀναπαύω points to the glorious future hope of believers. The "rest from their labors" in [[Revelation 14:13]] is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise, a cessation of all suffering, toil, and persecution in the presence of God. It assures believers that their struggles are temporary and their reward is eternal tranquility.
* **Contrast with Worldly Pursuit of Ease:** The usage in [[Luke 12:19]] serves as a stark warning against seeking rest and security in material possessions or self-indulgence. Such "rest" is fleeting and ultimately leads to spiritual bankruptcy, contrasting sharply with the eternal, spiritual rest found in Christ alone.
* **Mutual Edification in the Body of Christ:** The use of ἀναπαύω in [[1 Corinthians 16:18]] and [[Philemon 1:7]] underscores the reality that believers can, by their love, service, and presence, be agents of refreshment and spiritual rest for one another. This reflects the character of God, who provides rest, through the actions of His people.
* **Call to Vigilance:** The Gethsemane account reminds believers that while divine rest is promised, there are times when spiritual vigilance is paramount. Physical rest can become spiritual complacency, particularly in moments of spiritual warfare or crisis.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀναπαύω (anapaúō), Strong's `{{G373}}`, signifies a cessation of activity that leads to restoration, refreshment, and inner peace. Its semantic range encompasses physical repose, mental ease, and spiritual revitalization. Biblically, it is most notably associated with the profound spiritual rest offered by Jesus Christ to those burdened by sin and toil, a rest that brings peace to the soul. It also describes the mutual spiritual refreshment believers provide one another and points to the ultimate, eternal rest from all labors and suffering awaiting the faithful in the eschaton. In contrast to the fleeting and superficial ease sought in worldly pursuits, ἀναπαύω emphasizes a divine, abiding rest that is a gift from God and a hallmark of the Christian hope.
TRV