Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-POW-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G373: ἀναπαύω (anapauō) conveys the profound concept of causing to rest, refresh, or recover strength. It combines the intensifying prefix ἀνα- (up, again, renew) with παύω (to pause, cease, rest). This compound word expresses complete cessation from labor or burden, leading to renewal and reinvigoration of one’s whole being.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (transitive and intransitive)
• Compound word: ἀνα (up, again) + παύω (to cease, rest)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in pastoral and epistolary literature
• Frequent usage in contexts of spiritual rest and divine comfort

ἀναπαύω Morphology:

• ἀναπαύω (present active indicative) – I give rest/refresh
• ἀναπαύσω (future active indicative) – I will give rest
• ἀνάπαυσον (aorist active imperative) – give rest!
• ἀναπαύεσθαι (present middle/passive infinitive) – to rest oneself
• ἀναπαυόμενοι (present middle/passive participle) – resting
• ἀνεπαύσατο (aorist middle indicative) – he/she rested

Origin & History

The concept of rest embedded in ἀναπαύω has deep roots in classical Greek literature. Xenophon used it in his “Anabasis” to describe armies resting from battle, while Aristotle employed it in “Nicomachean Ethics” to discuss the refreshment necessary for sustained virtuous activity.

In the Septuagint, ἀναπαύω translates several Hebrew words, most notably נוּחַ (nuach) and שָׁבַת (shavat). Its usage in Exodus 23:12 reflects the divine pattern of Sabbath rest, where both humans and animals are commanded to cease from labor and find refreshment.

The early Church Fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” expanded the word’s meaning to encompass spiritual rest in God’s presence, viewing it as a foretaste of eternal sabbath rest.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete cessation from labor or burden
• Recovery of strength through rest
• Refreshment of spirit and body
• Divine rest in God’s presence

ἀναπαύω Translation Options:

• “Give rest” – emphasizes the transitive aspect of providing relief to others
• “Refresh” – captures the renewal aspect beyond mere physical rest
• “Recover strength” – highlights the restorative nature of the rest
• “Find repose” – suggests a deeper spiritual settling of one’s being
• “Cease from labor” – emphasizes the complete stopping of activity

Biblical Usage

The first occurrence of ἀναπαύω in Matthew 11:28 presents one of its most profound usages, where Yeshua invites the weary to find rest in Him. This rest isn’t merely physical but encompasses spiritual, emotional, and psychological restoration.

In the New Testament, ἀναπαύω often appears in contexts where spiritual refreshment comes through fellowship with other believers or through divine intervention. This usage emphasizes the communal aspect of rest and its role in building up the Body of the Messiah.

Key verses include:

• “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest [ἀναπαύσω].” Matthew 11:28
• “For they refreshed [ἀνέπαυσαν] my spirit and yours.” 1 Corinthians 16:18
• “The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; for they refresh [ἀναπαύσονται] themselves.” 1 Corinthians 14:32
• “Refresh [ἀνάπαυσον] the hearts of the saints.” Philemon 1:20
• “They have no rest [ἀνάπαυσιν] day and night.” Revelation 14:11

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of rest was deeply connected to the Sabbath (שַׁבָּת, Shabbat). The rest described by ἀναπαύω parallels the Jewish understanding of מְנוּחָה (menucha) – not merely cessation from work, but positive rest that restores and reinvigorates. This rest was seen as a taste of the World to Come (עולם הבא, Olam HaBa).

The Greek world viewed rest primarily as recovery for further labor, but the biblical usage of ἀναπαύω transcends this utilitarian perspective. It represents entering into God’s own rest, reflecting the perfect rest described in Genesis when יהוה (Yahweh) rested from His creative work.

Theological Significance

The theological richness of ἀναπαύω points to the Messiah as the ultimate source of rest. This rest isn’t merely cessation from activity but represents entering into God’s perfect shalom – His peace, completeness, and restoration. It’s a foretaste of the eternal rest promised to God’s people.

This word reveals God’s heart as both the source and provider of true rest. The compound nature of ἀναπαύω (ἀνα + παύω) suggests not just stopping but being lifted up into rest, reflecting how divine rest elevates us above our earthly struggles into heavenly peace.

In Messianic theology, this rest connects to Yeshua’s fulfillment of the Sabbath, offering not just weekly physical rest but continuous spiritual rest in His finished work. This rest becomes both a present reality and a future hope for believers.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀναπαύω challenges us to examine our view of rest. Are we seeking mere physical relaxation, or are we entering into the divine rest that Yeshua offers? This word invites us to cease striving in our own strength and find true refreshment in God’s presence.

When we grasp the full meaning of ἀναπαύω, we realize that genuine rest isn’t found in escape or inactivity but in active trust and submission to God’s perfect will. It’s an invitation to experience His refreshing presence daily, not just during designated rest periods.

Related Words

• κατάπαυσις (katapausis) – complete rest, particularly referring to the promised rest of God. Pronounced: kah-TAH-pow-sis See G2663
• ἡσυχάζω (hēsychazō) – to be still, remain quiet. Emphasizes the cessation of movement or noise. Pronounced: hay-soo-KHAD-zoh See G2270
• σαββατισμός (sabbatismos) – Sabbath-rest, perfect rest. Specifically refers to the eternal rest God promises His people. Pronounced: sab-bat-is-MOSS See G4520
• παύω (pauō) – to stop, cease. The root word of ἀναπαύω, lacking the intensifying prefix. Pronounced: POW-oh See G3973

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἀναπαύω has evolved to primarily mean “to rest in peace,” often used in funeral contexts, showing how the word’s association with complete rest has persisted through the centuries.
• The concept of rest in ἀναπαύω was so significant that early Christian hermits and monastics built their entire spiritual practice around creating spaces of holy rest (ἀνάπαυσις) where believers could retreat for spiritual renewal.
• The intensifying prefix ἀνα- in ἀναπαύω suggests not just horizontal rest but an upward motion, implying that true rest elevates us spiritually – a concept that early Church Fathers like Origen frequently explored in their writings.

Remember This

ἀναπαύω represents not just the cessation of activity, but an active entering into God’s divine rest where our souls find complete renewal, refreshment, and restoration in His presence.