a primary verb ("pause"); to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e. restrain, quit, desist, come to an end:--cease, leave, refrain.
Transliteration:paúō
Pronunciation:pow'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb *paúō* (`{{G3973}}`) is a primary verb, carrying the fundamental meaning of "to stop," "to cease," or "to come to an end." Its semantic range encompasses both transitive and intransitive applications. Transitive uses imply causing something or someone to stop (e.g., "to restrain," "to bring to an end"), while intransitive uses refer to an action or state ceasing on its own accord (e.g., "to desist," "to quit," "to come to a halt"). The core notion embedded within *paúō* is that of a cessation, a termination of activity, or a definitive pause. It denotes a conclusion or an interruption, whether voluntary or involuntary, temporary or permanent, depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *paúō* occurs frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Persistent Action:** Often, *paúō* appears in the negative (οὐ παύομαι - "I do not cease"), emphasizing unwavering persistence. In [[Acts 5:42]], the apostles "did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ" daily. Similarly, in [[Acts 20:31]], Paul reminds the Ephesian elders that for three years he "did not cease to admonish each one with tears." This highlights a relentless dedication to ministry and evangelism. Paul also uses this construction in his prayers, assuring the Ephesians that he does "not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers" ([[Ephesians 1:16]]), and the Colossians that he has "not ceased to pray for you" since hearing of their faith ([[Colossians 1:9]]). These instances underscore the unceasing nature of intercession and spiritual care.
* **Cessation of Opposition/Wrongdoing:** The verb can denote the stopping of negative actions or opposition. In [[Acts 13:10]], Paul confronts Elymas the magician, asking, "Will you not cease to make crooked the straight paths of the Lord?" Here, *paúō* is used transitively, demanding a cessation of malicious activity.
* **Eschatological Cessation of Gifts:** A highly significant theological application is found in [[1 Corinthians 13:8]], where Paul states concerning spiritual gifts, "if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away." This refers to the future cessation of certain revelatory gifts when "the perfect comes," implying that these temporary means will no longer be necessary in the full presence of God.
* **Cessation from Sin:** Perhaps the most profound theological use is in [[1 Peter 4:1]]: "Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin." This verse connects suffering with Christ to a definitive break from the dominion and practice of sin. It implies a decisive turning point in the believer's life, where the power of sin is broken, leading to a new orientation away from its control and toward righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
*paúō* is conceptually linked to several other Greek terms that denote ending, completing, or resting:
* **`{{G2664}}` *katapauō***: This verb means "to cause to cease," "to make to rest," or "to give rest." It is notably used in the Septuagint and New Testament for God's resting on the seventh day after creation ([[Hebrews 4:4]]) and for the divine rest offered to believers. While *paúō* can simply mean to stop, *katapauō* often carries the nuance of bringing something to a complete and settled end, often with the implication of rest or fulfillment.
* **`{{G5055}}` *teleō***: Means "to complete," "to finish," "to bring to an end." While *paúō* signifies a cessation, *teleō* emphasizes the successful accomplishment or conclusion of a task or process.
* **`{{G2967}}` *koluō***: Means "to hinder," "to prevent," "to forbid." This word describes an active resistance to an action, whereas *paúō* describes the action itself coming to a halt.
* **`{{H7673}}` *shābat*** (Hebrew): The Hebrew equivalent for "to cease" or "to rest," particularly in the context of the Sabbath, provides a conceptual parallel to the cessation of work.
The concept of "cessation" itself stands in contrast to "persistence" or "continuation," highlighting the significance of both the stopping of ungodly acts and the unceasing devotion to righteous ones.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *paúō* is multi-faceted:
1. **Divine Expectation of Righteous Living:** The imperative to "cease from sin" in [[1 Peter 4:1]] is a cornerstone of Christian ethics. It signifies a radical break from a life dominated by sin, a turning point enabled by identification with Christ's suffering and death. This is not necessarily a claim to sinless perfection, but rather a decisive reorientation of one's life's purpose and practice, marked by a refusal to continue in patterns of unrighteousness. It speaks to the transformative power of the Gospel.
2. **The Nature of Spiritual Gifts:** The cessation of tongues and prophecy in [[1 Corinthians 13:8]] points to the temporary and instrumental nature of some spiritual gifts. They serve a purpose in the present age, but will be superseded by the perfect reality of God's full presence and direct knowledge in the eschatological future. This informs discussions on the continuation or cessation of certain gifts today.
3. **The Perseverance of God's Servants:** The repeated negative construction "did not cease" (e.g., [[Acts 5:42]], [[Ephesians 1:16]], [[Colossians 1:9]]) underscores the vital importance of persistent prayer, teaching, and ministry. It reflects the unwavering commitment required in gospel work, mirroring the steadfastness of God Himself in His redemptive plan. This highlights the virtue of endurance and faithfulness in the face of challenges.
4. **Divine Sovereignty and Order:** While *paúō* is not primarily used for God's own "resting" (for which *katapauō* is more common), the concept of things coming to an end, whether a storm ceasing or a practice terminating, points to the divine ordering of creation and history, where all things have their appointed beginning and end.
### Summary
The Greek verb *paúō* (`{{G3973}}`) fundamentally means "to stop," "to cease," or "to come to an end," functioning both transitively and intransitively. Its biblical usage reveals profound theological implications: it describes the persistent and unceasing dedication of apostles and believers in prayer, teaching, and ministry ([[Acts 5:42]], [[Ephesians 1:16]]); it denotes the termination of opposition or wrongdoing ([[Acts 13:10]]); it signifies the eschatological cessation of certain spiritual gifts when the perfect comes ([[1 Corinthians 13:8]]); and most significantly, it articulates the transformative reality of "ceasing from sin" for those who have suffered with Christ ([[1 Peter 4:1]]). Thus, *paúō* encapsulates both the imperative to discontinue ungodly practices and the call to unwavering perseverance in righteous pursuits, all within the framework of God's sovereign plan and the believer's walk in Christ.
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