The Greek word apéchei, represented by G566, is used impersonally to mean it is sufficient or it is enough. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, highlighting its use in a uniquely significant moment.
The sole appearance of G566 is in Mark 14:41, at a pivotal moment in the Garden of Gethsemane. After coming to his disciples for the third time G5154 and finding them sleeping, Jesus saith G3004 to them, "Sleep on G2518 now G3063, and G2532 take your rest G373: it is enough G566." With this declaration, he signals a crucial turning point, immediately adding, "the hour G5610 is come G2064; behold G2400, the Son G5207 of man G444 is betrayed G3860 into G1519 the hands G5495 of sinners G268."
The context of G566 is illuminated by several words used alongside it in Mark 14:41:
- G5610 hṓra: Meaning an "hour" or "season," this word marks the arrival of the divinely appointed time for Jesus's suffering, as stated in John 17:1, "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son."
- G3860 paradídōmi: This word means to surrender or betray. It describes the action that defines the hour, as Jesus is delivered up, an act of sacrificial love also mentioned in Galatians 2:20 where the Son of God "gave himself for me."
- G2518 katheúdō: Defined as to fall asleep, this describes the state of the disciples, whose watchfulness has failed. It stands in contrast to the spiritual wakefulness believers are called to, as in Ephesians 5:14: "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead."
- G373 anapaúō: Meaning to take rest or refresh, this is what Jesus tells the disciples to do just before announcing the critical moment has arrived, creating a poignant contrast between their rest and his impending ordeal. It is the same word used for the rest he promises the weary in Matthew 11:28.
The theological weight of G566 is concentrated in its single, dramatic use. It signifies a moment of absolute transition and divine finality.
- The Appointed Hour: The phrase "it is enough" marks the conclusion of the period of waiting and prayer in the garden. It announces that the prophesied "hour" G5610 for the Son of Man's suffering and betrayal has irrevocably arrived Mark 14:41.
- Sovereign Fulfillment: Immediately following this declaration, Jesus states that the Son G5207 of man is betrayed G3860. This links the sufficiency of the moment to the sovereign fulfillment of God's plan, where the Son is willingly surrendered into the hands of sinners G268 Mark 14:41.
- A Shift from Watchfulness to Arrest: Jesus's words are spoken to disciples who were instructed to watch but are instead asleep G2518. His statement, "it is enough," concludes their failed watch. The opportunity for them to watch and pray has passed, and the events of the passion must now unfold.
In summary, apéchei G566 is a term of profound significance despite its single appearance. Used by Jesus in Mark 14:41, it serves as a verbal marker for the end of his final moments of peace and the beginning of his Passion. It declares that the time for waiting is over and the divine "hour" has come, setting in motion the betrayal and arrest of the Son of Man. The word encapsulates the solemn finality of a pivotal moment in redemptive history.
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