from σχολή; to take a holiday, i.e. be at leisure for (by implication, devote oneself wholly to); figuratively, to be vacant (of a house):--empty, give self.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **scholázō**, represented by `{{G4980}}`, means to be at leisure, to take a holiday, or to be vacant. By implication, it can mean to devote oneself wholly to something. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, illustrating two distinct applications of this idea of being unoccupied.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4980}}` carries both a negative and a positive connotation. In [[Matthew 12:44]], it is used negatively to describe a house that an unclean spirit, upon returning, finds **empty** `{{G4980}}`, swept, and garnished. In contrast, [[1 Corinthians 7:5]] uses the word in a positive, spiritual context, instructing married couples that they may, with mutual consent for a time, **give yourselves** `{{G4980}}` to fasting and prayer, setting aside normal relations for dedicated spiritual focus.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G4980}}` appears:
* `{{G3624}}` **oîkos** (house): This refers to a literal dwelling but can also figuratively mean a family or household. This is the object that is found "empty" in [[Matthew 12:44]], and it is also used to refer to the "house of Israel" [[Hebrews 8:10]].
* `{{G4335}}` **proseuchḗ** (prayer): This is one of the spiritual activities to which believers are to "give themselves." It denotes worship and is often paired with supplication [[Philippians 4:6]].
* `{{G3521}}` **nēsteía** (fasting): Described as abstinence, it is the other discipline mentioned in [[1 Corinthians 7:5]]. It is frequently associated with prayer in serious spiritual matters, such as commending new church leaders to the Lord [[Acts 14:23]].
* `{{G192}}` **akrasía** (incontinency): In [[1 Corinthians 7:5]], this word for a lack of self-restraint is given as the reason why the period of devotion should be temporary, so that Satan does not gain an advantage.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4980}}` is found in its dual application of being "unoccupied."
* **The Danger of Spiritual Emptiness:** The parable in [[Matthew 12:44]] serves as a strong warning. A life, or "house," that has been cleansed of evil but remains spiritually **empty** `{{G4980}}` is vulnerable to being reoccupied, often in a worse state than before.
* **The Power of Focused Devotion:** [[1 Corinthians 7:5]] shows the constructive use of being at leisure from worldly duties. Believers are encouraged to temporarily **give yourselves** `{{G4980}}` to God, demonstrating that setting aside time for prayer and fasting is a valuable spiritual practice.
* **A Defense Against Temptation:** The context of [[1 Corinthians 7:5]] explicitly links this period of devotion to spiritual warfare, framing it as a means to avoid temptation from **Satan** `{{G4567}}` that arises from a lack of self-restraint, or **incontinency** `{{G192}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4980}}` is a word that encapsulates a critical spiritual principle. It is not enough to simply be empty of sin or worldly distraction. A life must be actively and wholly devoted to God. While one usage warns of the perils of a vacant spiritual state [[Matthew 12:44]], the other provides the solution: purposefully giving oneself to spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting [[1 Corinthians 7:5]].
TRV