Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words of the New Testament is crucial for interpreting scripture with greater depth and accuracy. One such word is καταπαύω (katapauō), which plays a significant role in both theological discussions and ancient Greek culture. This verb, often translated as “to put to rest” or “to cause to cease,” is central to comprehending themes of divine rest, cessation from labor, and peace in the New Testament. Moreover, its usage in classical Greek literature provides additional context that enhances its interpretation in Biblical texts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καταπαύω (katapauō) [ka-ta-PAH-oo]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and the verb παύω (pauō), meaning “to stop” or “to rest.”
• Part of Speech: Verb. It appears primarily in the active and middle voices, with various forms depending on tense, voice, and mood.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To cause to cease or stop an activity.
• To bring to rest, calm, or quiet.
• To settle or pacify, particularly in contexts involving conflict or agitation.

Similar Words

• παύω (pauō) [PAH-oo]: Means “to stop” or “to cease.” It is more general in its meaning compared to καταπαύω, which implies causing something or someone else to rest.
• ἀναπαύω (anapauō) [a-na-PAH-oo]: Means “to refresh” or “to give rest.” This word emphasizes the restorative aspect of rest, unlike καταπαύω, which focuses more on cessation.
• ἡσυχάζω (hēsychazō) [hay-soo-KHAH-zo]: Means “to be quiet” or “to be still.” This word focuses on quietness rather than the act of causing rest or cessation.

Morphological Features

• Tense, Voice, Mood: καταπαύω appears in multiple tenses (present, future, aorist, and perfect) and voices (active and middle). It is used in various moods, including indicative, subjunctive, and imperative.

Examples of Morphological Usage

• Present Indicative Active: Describes a continuous or habitual action.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπαύω (I cause to cease)
• 3rd Person Plural: καταπαύουσι(ν) (they cause to cease)
• Aorist Indicative Active: Indicates a simple, completed action in the past.
• 1st Person Singular: κατέπαυσα (I caused to cease)
• 3rd Person Plural: κατέπαυσαν (they caused to cease)
• Perfect Indicative Middle: Shows a completed action with a resulting state, emphasizing the subject’s involvement.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπέπαυμαι (I have caused to cease)
• 3rd Person Singular: καταπέπαυται (he/she/it has caused to cease)
• Aorist Subjunctive Active: Used to express purpose or potential action.
• 1st Person Singular: καταπαύσω (that I might cause to cease)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταπαύσητε (that you might cause to cease)
• Aorist Imperative Active: A command to perform an action.
• 2nd Person Singular: κατάπαυσον (cause to cease!)
• 2nd Person Plural: καταπαύσατε (cause to cease, you all!)

Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form of καταπαύω:

Aspect: The verb καταπαύω conveys different aspects depending on its tense. The imperfective aspect (present tense) emphasizes ongoing action or a process. The perfective aspect (aorist tense) denotes a single, completed action, while the stative aspect (perfect tense) implies a state resulting from a completed action.

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Lexicon Insights

The Greek word καταπαύω (katapauō) is frequently used in the New Testament to signify the cessation of an activity or the granting of rest. This verb appears in contexts where a decisive action is taken to stop an ongoing process, such as bringing peace in a time of conflict or calming a storm. It is especially prominent in passages dealing with God’s rest, as found in Hebrews 4:10, where it reflects the idea of entering into a divine rest after ceasing from one’s works, just as God did after creation.

In classical Greek literature, καταπαύω is used to denote stopping a physical activity, such as a battle or a journey, or calming emotions like anger or fear. It carries the connotation of a powerful force being brought to rest or an action being decisively concluded. The theological implications in the New Testament expand on this concept to include spiritual rest and peace, echoing the deeper meanings of cessation from labor or conflict found in Greek culture.

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

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 4:10: “For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested (κατέπαυσεν) from his works, as God did from His.”
• Acts 14:18: “Even saying these things, they scarcely restrained (κατέπαυσαν) the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.”
• Exodus 33:14 (Septuagint): “And He said, ‘My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest (καταπαύσω).'”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταπαύω (G2664)

The Greek word καταπαύω (katapauō) is integral to understanding the concept of rest and cessation in both Biblical and classical contexts. In the New Testament, it conveys the theological notion of divine rest and the ceasing of works, echoing God’s rest after creation. In classical Greek literature, it is associated with bringing peace, ending conflicts, or calming forces. The word provides valuable insights into how rest, peace, and cessation were understood in ancient Greek thought and in early Christian theology.

Did You Know?

1. καταπαύω is the root of the noun κατάπαυσις, which appears in the New Testament to describe the “rest” God promises to believers.
2. The word καταπαύω was often used in military contexts in classical Greek to signify a ceasefire or a pause in conflict.
3. In the Septuagint, καταπαύω is frequently used to describe God’s promise of rest to His people, highlighting its strong theological implications.