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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies offers profound insights into both the linguistic nuances and cultural contexts of the New Testament. The Greek word κοιμάω (koimaō), which appears first in Matthew 27:52, is particularly significant due to its varied meanings that range from “to sleep” to “to die.” Its use in the New Testament reflects both literal and metaphorical applications, offering a rich exploration of themes related to rest, death, and resurrection. Recognizing its depth helps interpret key theological concepts, particularly concerning the state of the dead and eschatological hope.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κοιμάω, transliterated as koimaō [koy-MAH-oh].

Etymology: The word κοιμάω is derived from the Greek root keimai, which means “to lie down” or “to rest.” This root word carries the idea of being in a state of rest, which extends to both sleep and death in various contexts.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, κοιμάω can be found in different forms depending on tense, voice, and mood. It is a common word in the Greek New Testament, with both literal and figurative applications.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Sleep: The primary meaning of κοιμάω is “to sleep.” It is used to describe the natural act of falling asleep, often reflecting a literal, everyday context.
2. To Die or Be Dead: κοιμάω is also employed metaphorically to mean “to die” or “to be dead.” This figurative usage likens death to sleep, suggesting a temporary state that is interrupted by resurrection.
3. To Rest or Lie Down: A less common, but still significant, meaning is “to rest” or “to lie down,” capturing a broader sense of relaxation or repose beyond just sleep.

Exploring Similar Words

1. καθεύδω (katheudō) [ka-THEV-do]: This word also means “to sleep,” but it is more frequently used in the literal sense and lacks the metaphorical association with death that κοιμάω carries.
2. νεκρός (nekros) [ne-KROS]: While this word translates directly as “dead,” it does not have the gentle connotation of “sleep” that κοιμάω has when referring to death.
3. ἀναπαύω (anapauō) [an-a-POW-oh]: This term means “to rest” or “to refresh,” focusing more on relaxation or cessation of labor rather than sleep or death.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: κοιμάω is a verb that appears in various tenses, voices, and moods depending on the context. Here is a breakdown:

• Present Indicative Active: κοιμάω (I sleep)
• Aorist Indicative Passive: ἐκοιμήθην (I was put to sleep)
• Future Indicative Middle: κοιμήσομαι (I will sleep)

Person and Number:

Aspect: κοιμάω, like many Greek verbs, has imperfective and perfective aspects. The imperfective aspect (present tense) shows continuous or repeated action, while the perfective aspect (aorist tense) indicates a completed action.

Conjugation Table:

For further study on Greek verb conjugations, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The Greek word κοιμάω is commonly understood in the New Testament as a euphemism for death, particularly in the context of Christian hope in the resurrection. The word’s figurative use underscores the transient nature of death for believers, aligning with the concept that death is not an end but a temporary “sleep” before awakening to eternal life. This understanding is pivotal in early Christian theology, offering comfort and assurance of life beyond death. κοιμάω is often contrasted with more stark terms for death, emphasizing its gentler connotation. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 27:52: “And the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep [ἐκοιμήθησαν] were raised.”
   Here, κοιμάω is used to describe the death of the saints, with an implication of their future resurrection.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:6: “After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep [ἐκοιμήθησαν].”
   κοιμάω is used metaphorically for death, emphasizing the temporary nature of this state.
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:14: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep [κοιμηθέντας] in Jesus.”
   This verse reflects the theological significance of κοιμάω, underscoring the hope of resurrection.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κοιμάω holds a profound place in both the New Testament and classical literature. Whether describing literal sleep or the metaphorical sleep of death, it carries deep theological significance in early Christian writings. By understanding κοιμάω in its various contexts, readers can appreciate the richness of the New Testament’s language concerning death, resurrection, and eternal life.

Did You Know?

1. κοιμάω was often used in epitaphs in ancient Greek to refer to the deceased, suggesting they were “sleeping” until the afterlife.
2. The word is the root of the English word “cemetery,” which comes from the Greek “koimeterion,” meaning “a place to sleep.”
3. κοιμάω appears nearly 20 times in the New Testament, emphasizing its theological importance regarding death and resurrection.