Brief Overview of Γρηγορέω (G1127: Grēgoreō)

Grēgoreō (γρηγορέω) is a Greek verb found under Strong’s Concordance number G1127. The word is derived from the Greek root ἐγείρω (egeirō), meaning “to awaken” or “to rise.” Grēgoreō primarily means “to watch,” “to be vigilant,” or “to stay awake.” In its biblical context, the term is often used metaphorically to emphasize spiritual alertness and readiness, particularly in the context of anticipating the return of Christ or being mindful of one’s spiritual condition. Grēgoreō conveys the importance of staying spiritually awake, attentive, and prepared.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Grēgoreō is defined as “to be awake,” “to be vigilant,” or “to keep watch.” BDAG highlights the verb’s frequent use in the New Testament to describe spiritual watchfulness and alertness, particularly in the context of eschatological teachings where believers are exhorted to remain vigilant in anticipation of the Lord’s return. The lexicon notes that Grēgoreō is often used in imperative forms, reflecting its importance as a command for believers to stay spiritually alert.

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Thayer’s Lexicon supports this definition, describing Grēgoreō as “to watch” or “to be awake,” emphasizing its metaphorical use to refer to spiritual vigilance. Thayer’s highlights the verb’s use in the New Testament, particularly in passages where Jesus instructs His disciples to stay alert and be prepared for His coming. The lexicon also notes that Grēgoreō is associated with the idea of being on guard against spiritual dangers and temptations.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon concurs with these interpretations, defining Grēgoreō as “to be awake,” “to watch,” or “to keep watch.” LSJ points out that Grēgoreō was commonly used in both literal and figurative senses in ancient Greek, from staying physically awake to being mentally and spiritually vigilant.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Grēgoreō as “to watch” or “to be vigilant,” focusing on its use in the New Testament to refer to spiritual alertness. The concordance highlights that Grēgoreō appears frequently in contexts where believers are admonished to remain watchful and prepared, often in connection with the return of Christ or in the face of spiritual challenges.

Examples of Grēgoreō in the Bible include Matthew 24:42, where Jesus instructs His disciples, “Therefore, stay awake (γρηγορεῖτε), for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Another example is found in 1 Peter 5:8, where believers are warned, “Be sober-minded; be watchful (γρηγορήσατε). Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” These verses highlight the importance of spiritual vigilance and readiness.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Grēgoreō is used in various contexts to describe the act of staying awake or being vigilant. One example is in the works of Homer, where Grēgoreō is used to describe warriors keeping watch during the night, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of a camp or city.

Another example can be found in Herodotus, where Grēgoreō is used to describe the watchfulness of guards or sentinels, highlighting the need for alertness in protecting against surprise attacks or dangers. This usage underscores the literal meaning of the term in the context of physical vigilance.

A third example is from Plato, who uses Grēgoreō metaphorically in his philosophical dialogues to describe the mental and spiritual alertness required of a philosopher. Plato’s use of the term illustrates its broader application in contexts that emphasize intellectual and spiritual vigilance, not just physical wakefulness.

Summary

Grēgoreō (γρηγορέω) is a Greek verb meaning “to watch,” “to be vigilant,” or “to stay awake,” derived from the root ἐγείρω (egeirō), which means “to awaken.” The term is frequently used in the New Testament to emphasize spiritual alertness and readiness, particularly in anticipation of the return of Christ. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ describe Grēgoreō as encompassing both literal and metaphorical vigilance, urging believers to stay spiritually awake and prepared. In classical Greek literature, Grēgoreō is used to describe physical wakefulness, such as soldiers keeping watch, as well as intellectual and spiritual vigilance. The term’s usage in both biblical and classical contexts underscores its importance in conveying the need for constant awareness and preparedness in the face of both physical and spiritual challenges.