Brief Overview of κατάπαυσις (Strong’s G2663: katapausis)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words helps uncover the deeper meanings behind scriptural texts, providing clarity to complex theological concepts. One such word is κατάπαυσις (katapausis), which holds a significant place in both New Testament interpretation and ancient Greek culture. The term, often translated as “rest” or “cessation,” is particularly important for understanding themes of divine rest and spiritual peace in the New Testament. Additionally, the word’s usage in classical Greek literature reveals broader cultural and philosophical implications of rest, both physical and spiritual.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατάπαυσις (katapausis) [ka-TAH-pow-sis]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb καταπαύω (katapauō), meaning “to cause to cease” or “to bring to rest,” with the prefix κατά (kata) meaning “down” or “against,” and παύω (pauō), meaning “to stop” or “to rest.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine. It belongs to the third declension in Greek grammar.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• A state of rest or cessation from work, activity, or conflict.
• Spiritual rest or peace, especially in a theological context, such as divine rest or the rest promised by God.
• A cessation of striving or labor, often linked with the concept of Sabbath or eternal rest.

Similar Words

• ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis) [a-na-PAW-sis]: Means “refreshment” or “relief.” Unlike κατάπαυσις, it emphasizes relief from toil rather than cessation.
• παύσις (pausis) [PAW-sis]: Means “pause” or “cessation.” It is more general and does not specifically carry the connotations of divine rest or spiritual peace that κατάπαυσις often implies.
• ἡσυχία (hēsychia) [hee-soo-KHEE-ah]: Refers to “quietness” or “tranquility.” It focuses on calmness and peace rather than cessation from activity or labor.

Morphological Features

• Case, Number, Gender: κατάπαυσις is a feminine noun of the third declension. It can be found in different cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and numbers (singular, plural), depending on its syntactic role in a sentence.
• Declension: The declension pattern for κατάπαυσις follows the third declension. Below is a declension table:

Understanding how κατάπαυσις is used in different cases and contexts helps in accurately interpreting scriptural passages that discuss divine rest or peace.

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Lexicon Insights

The Greek word κατάπαυσις (katapausis) is often used to describe rest in a spiritual or divine sense, particularly in the New Testament. It appears notably in Hebrews 3:11 and Hebrews 4:1, where it refers to God’s rest—a divine peace and cessation from labor or conflict that believers are invited to enter. This “rest” is not merely physical relaxation but a deeper spiritual state of being aligned with God’s will and purpose, similar to the concept of Sabbath rest.

In classical Greek literature, κατάπαυσις is used to describe various forms of rest or cessation, including physical rest from labor, military ceasefires, and philosophical ideas of inner peace. The word conveys a comprehensive concept of rest that transcends mere inactivity, extending into a realm of ultimate peace or cessation from strife. This dual use—both in the New Testament and classical texts—adds depth to its theological implications, underscoring the promise of divine rest and peace for the faithful.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 3:11: “As I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest (κατάπαυσιν).’”
• Hebrews 4:1: “Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest (κατάπαυσιν), any one of you may seem to have come short of it.”
• Acts 7:49: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is the footstool of My feet; what kind of house will you build for Me?’ says the Lord, ‘Or what place is there for My repose (κατάπαυσις)?'”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατάπαυσις (G2663)

The Greek word κατάπαυσις (katapausis) is rich in meaning, often used to signify divine rest, spiritual peace, and cessation from labor or conflict. In the New Testament, it is predominantly associated with the rest promised by God, a state of peace and spiritual fulfillment. In classical Greek literature, it retains a similar meaning but also extends to more general forms of rest and cessation. Understanding κατάπαυσις is essential for interpreting Biblical passages that promise divine peace and for exploring ancient Greek philosophical and cultural views on rest.

Did You Know?

1. κατάπαυσις is closely associated with the Sabbath rest, emphasizing a complete cessation from work to focus on spiritual renewal.
2. In Hebrews, κατάπαυσις is used to describe the ultimate rest for believers—a theme central to Christian eschatology.
3. In classical Greek texts, κατάπαυσις could refer to both literal and metaphorical forms of rest, including political or social ceasefires.