Brief Overview of παύω (Strong’s G3973: pauō)

Strong’s G3973: Primary verb meaning to stop, cease, or restrain. Used both transitively (to make stop) and intransitively (to cease). In NT usage, often carries spiritual implications about ceasing from sin or negative behaviors. Middle voice emphasizes personal responsibility in stopping.

U- Unveiling the Word

Παύω conveys the act of stopping or causing to cease. In the NT, it often carries moral and spiritual significance, particularly regarding the cessation of sinful behavior or harmful practices. Early church writers employed it to discuss spiritual discipline and growth. Today, it reminds us of our need to actively cease from sin and rest in Christ’s finished work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παύω, pauō, [POW-oh]
• Detailed pronunciation: PAU-oh (au as in pause)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb
• Proto-Indo-European root *paw- (to stop, end)
• Related to Latin paucus (few, little)
• Base for English “pause”

D – Defining Meanings

• To stop, cease
• To restrain, hinder
• To come to an end
• To make rest

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• Stop – When emphasizing immediate cessation
• Cease – For gradual ending
• Restrain – When indicating control

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καταπαύω [katapauō, ka-ta-POW-oh] – to give rest
• ἀναπαύω [anapauō, a-na-POW-oh] – to refresh
• λήγω [lēgō, LAY-go] – to end, cease

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb features:

• Present Active: παύω
• Future: παύσω
• Aorist: ἔπαυσα
• Perfect: πέπαυκα
• Middle/Passive forms common

Shows:

• Regular -ω conjugation
• Common use in middle voice
• Complete aspect in perfect
• Cross-references: πάυσις (cessation), κατάπαυσις (rest)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both transitive and intransitive uses. Thayer’s notes its moral implications. LSJ traces development from physical to spiritual stopping. Vine’s highlights middle voice usage. Moulton and Milligan show common usage in contracts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“When He had stopped [παύω] speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.'” (Luke 5:4)

Additional References:
Acts 5:42, Acts 13:10, 1 Peter 3:10, 1 Peter 4:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Παύω reminds us that the gospel calls for active cessation of sin and rest in Christ. Just as Jesus commanded the storm to cease, He has authority to stop destructive patterns in our lives. This verb encourages believers to actively participate in spiritual transformation.

D – Did You Know?

1. Often used in medical texts for stopping symptoms
2. Common in peace treaties for ceasing hostilities
3. Developed special usage in Christian ascetic literature

Strong’s G3973: Primary verb meaning to stop, cease, or restrain. Used both transitively (to make stop) and intransitively (to cease). In NT usage, often carries spiritual implications about ceasing from sin or negative behaviors. Middle voice emphasizes personal responsibility in stopping.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Cessation #Rest #Stopping #SpiritualDiscipline #SelfControl #Transformation #BiblicalVerbs #ChristianLife #Sanctification #Restraint​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​