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 verb σχολάζω (scholázō, `{{G4980}}`) derives from the noun σχολή (scholē), which signifies "leisure," "rest," or "time free from work." Interestingly, the English word "school" originates from this same root, indicating a place where one has leisure for study.
The core meaning of σχολάζω thus revolves around the concept of being "at leisure" or "unoccupied." From this primary sense, two distinct but related semantic ranges emerge:
1. **Positive Implication: Devotion/Availability:** To be at leisure *for* something, implying that one has made oneself available or "devoted oneself wholly to" a particular activity. This suggests intentional focus and commitment, having cleared one's schedule or attention for a specific purpose.
2. **Figurative Application: Vacancy/Emptiness:** To be literally "empty" or "vacant," particularly in reference to a place or dwelling. This is a direct application of "unoccupied" to a physical state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb σχολάζω appears in the New Testament in two distinct contexts, illustrating both facets of its semantic range:
1. **Devotion to Prayer:** In [[1 Corinthians 7:5]], Paul writes concerning marital relations: "Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may *devote yourselves* to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." Here, σχολάζω is translated as "devote yourselves" (NIV, ESV) or "give yourselves" (KJV). The context is one of intentional, temporary abstinence from marital intimacy for the specific purpose of spiritual discipline. It signifies setting aside time and energy, making oneself available and focused entirely on prayer. This is not passive leisure, but active, purposeful dedication.
2. **An Empty Dwelling:** In the Synoptic Gospels, σχολάζω describes a house that is "empty" or "vacant" in the parable of the unclean spirit's return. [[Matthew 12:44]] states: "Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house *empty*, swept, and put in order." A parallel passage is found in [[Luke 11:25]]. This usage is figurative, referring to a dwelling (or implicitly, a person's inner being) that has been cleansed of one evil but not filled with good. The emptiness creates a dangerous vacuum, making it susceptible to re-occupation by the original evil spirit, often accompanied by others.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root of σχολάζω, σχολή (scholē), underscores the concept of "leisure" or "time off." This connection highlights that the "devotion" aspect of σχολάζω implies a deliberate setting aside of other activities.
Conceptually, σχολάζω relates to:
* **Intentionality:** Particularly in [[1 Corinthians 7:5]], the word emphasizes a deliberate choice to prioritize and focus.
* **Spiritual Discipline:** The act of "devoting oneself" to prayer is a key spiritual discipline requiring focused time and effort.
* **Spiritual Emptiness:** In [[Matthew 12:44]] and [[Luke 11:25]], the "empty" house points to a spiritual vacuum, which is inherently vulnerable. This stands in contrast to being "filled" (e.g., with the Holy Spirit, righteousness, or truth).
* **Vulnerability:** An empty space is susceptible to being filled by whatever comes along.
* Related Greek words that convey aspects of emptiness or vacancy include κενός (kenos, `{{G2756}}`), meaning "empty" or "vain," though κενός often carries a connotation of futility or lack of substance, whereas σχολάζω emphasizes a state of being unoccupied.
### Theological Significance
The dual usage of σχολάζω carries profound theological significance:
1. **The Necessity of Devotion:** In the context of Christian life, [[1 Corinthians 7:5]] highlights the importance of intentional, set-apart time for spiritual pursuits, specifically prayer. This is not merely "finding time" but "making time"—a deliberate act of prioritizing communion with God. It underscores that spiritual growth and resilience against temptation often require concentrated, undistracted engagement with God. This "leisure" is not idleness but purposeful devotion, a sacred setting apart of oneself for the divine.
2. **The Peril of Spiritual Vacuum:** The "empty house" in the Synoptic Gospels serves as a stark warning. It teaches that merely removing evil (being "swept and put in order") is insufficient for true spiritual well-being. A life cleansed of sin but not subsequently filled with the Spirit of God, with righteousness, or with the presence of Christ, remains vulnerable. The spiritual vacuum invites re-occupation, often by a worse state than before. This emphasizes that salvation is not merely freedom *from* sin but also freedom *for* righteousness and a new life lived *in* Christ. True spiritual health requires not just the absence of evil, but the active presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the cultivation of godly virtues.
### Summary
The Greek word σχολάζω (scholázō, `{{G4980}}`) encompasses the dual concepts of being "at leisure" or "unoccupied," leading to two significant applications in the New Testament. In [[1 Corinthians 7:5]], it describes the intentional act of "devoting oneself wholly" to prayer, underscoring the necessity of focused spiritual discipline in the Christian life. Conversely, in [[Matthew 12:44]] and [[Luke 11:25]], it figuratively portrays a "vacant" or "empty" house, serving as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual danger of a life cleansed of evil but not subsequently filled with God's presence and righteousness. Thus, σχολάζω highlights both the importance of purposeful spiritual engagement and the peril of a spiritual vacuum, teaching that true transformation requires not only the removal of sin but also the active indwelling and filling of the Holy Spirit.
TRV