English · KJV
G373

ἀναπαύω

anapaúō /an-ap-ow'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἀνά and παύω
Meaning(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh
KJV usagetake ease, refresh, (give, take) rest.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of anapaúō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word anapaúō, represented by G373, is defined as to repose, refresh, take ease, or give rest. Stemming from the words ἀνά and παύω, it conveys a sense of ceasing from labor or finding relief, both literally and figuratively. It appears 13 times across 12 unique verses in the Bible, illustrating various dimensions of rest and refreshment.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G373 is used in several distinct contexts. It is famously used by Jesus when He offers to give rest to all who labour G2872 and are heavy laden G5412 Matthew 11:28. This spiritual rest is contrasted with the worldly pursuit of ease, such as when the rich fool tells his soul G5590 to "take thine ease" Luke 12:19. The word also describes physical respite, as when Jesus invites his disciples to come apart and rest for a while Mark 6:31. Furthermore, it signifies the encouragement and renewal believers provide for one another, as when the spirit of Paul and the Corinthians was refreshed 1 Corinthians 16:18 or when the "bowels of the saints" were refreshed through a brother's love Philemon 1:7.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help illuminate the concept of the rest offered by G373:

  • G2872 kopiáō (to labour): This word, meaning to feel fatigue or to work hard, describes the state from which G373 provides relief. It is used in direct contrast to rest in Jesus' invitation to all who labour Matthew 11:28.
  • G5412 phortízō (are heavy laden): Meaning to be overburdened, this term identifies the condition of those who are invited by Christ to receive His rest Matthew 11:28.
  • G1205 deûte (come): This invitation to "come hither" is the prerequisite for receiving the rest of G373. It is the command Jesus gives to the weary multitudes Matthew 11:28 and His busy disciples Mark 6:31.
  • G2873 kópos (labour): Defined as toil that reduces strength, this noun is used to describe what the faithful will cease from in eternity. Those who die in the Lord rest from their labours Revelation 14:13.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G373 is significant, encompassing both present relief and future hope.

  • Rest in Christ: The most profound application of G373 is that true, spiritual rest is a gift from Christ Himself. It is not found merely in the absence of work, but in coming to Him Matthew 11:28.
  • Fellowship and Refreshment: The term demonstrates that a vital aspect of Christian community is mutual encouragement. Believers are called to refresh one another's spirits (1 Corinthians 16:18; 2 Corinthians 7:13) and "bowels" G4698, a figurative term for inward affection (Philemon 1:7, Philemon 1:20).
  • Hope of Eternal Repose: G373 serves as a promise of ultimate rest for the believer. A voice from heaven declares the dead in Christ blessed G3107 because they will rest from their labours G2873 Revelation 14:13. Martyred souls are also told to rest for a season until the number of their fellowservants G4889 is complete Revelation 6:11.

Summary

In summary, G373 presents a multi-layered concept of rest. It moves from physical repose from worldly toil to the spiritual refreshment found in fellowship, and ultimately to the eternal peace promised in Christ. It defines rest not simply as inactivity, but as a restorative gift that is actively given by Christ Matthew 11:28, shared among believers 1 Corinthians 16:18, and fully realized as a reward for the faithful in eternity Revelation 14:13.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 12 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Present Middle Indicative 2nd Plural 2×
  • 2nd Future Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Middle Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Future Middle Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2872 κοπιάω from a derivative of κόπος; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard:--(bestow) labour, toil, be wearied. G5412 φορτίζω from φόρτος; to load up (properly, as a vessel or animal), i.e. (figuratively) to overburden with ceremony (or spiritual G5590 ψυχή from ψύχω; breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus dist G1205 δεῦτε from δεῦρο and an imperative form of (to go); come hither!:--come, X follow. G2873 κόπος from κόπτω; a cut, i.e. (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains:- G4698 σπλάγχνον probably strengthened from (the "spleen"); an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy:--bowels, inward affec

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 12 verses across 8 of the 27 books. 4 books tie for most frequent (2 verses each); never once in the other 19.

2
Matthew
2
Mark
1
Luke
1
1 Corinthians
1
2 Corinthians
2
Philemon
1
1 Peter
2
Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.