Spiritual Vigilance: σχολάζω (Strong’s G4980: scholazó) Warns Against Empty Lives

Strong’s G4980: From scholé (leisure), σχολάζω describes being unoccupied or empty. In Matthew, it warns of spiritual vacancy inviting evil, while in Corinthians it positively describes devotion to prayer and spiritual disciplines.

U- Unveiling the Word

σχολάζω carries dual significance in Scripture, representing both dangerous emptiness and devoted attention. In its negative sense, it describes an unoccupied state that invites spiritual danger, as seen in the Messiah’s parable of the empty house. However, Paul redeems the concept by using it to describe focused devotion to prayer. The early church recognized this duality, emphasizing the importance of filling one’s life with spiritual pursuits rather than remaining spiritually vacant. Today, it reminds us to actively fill our lives with godly pursuits.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σχολάζω, scholazó, /skho-lä’-zō/
• Pronunciation Guide: “skho-LAH-zoh” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From σχολή (scholé) – leisure, rest
• -άζω (-azó) – verbal suffix indicating state or condition
• Root of English “school” and “scholar”

D – Defining Meanings

• To be unoccupied
• To be empty
• To devote oneself to

Translation Options:

• “To be vacant” – Captures negative emptiness
• “To be devoted to” – Emphasizes positive dedication
• “To give oneself to” – Highlights intentional focus

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κενόω (kenoó) /ke-no’-ō/ – to empty – See G2758
• προσκαρτερέω (proskartereó) /pros-kär-te-re’-ō/ – to persist in – See G4342
• σπουδάζω (spoudazó) /spoo-dä’-zō/ – to be diligent – See G4704

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, σχολάζω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle, Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective, Stative

Examples:

• σχολάζω – Present active (I am empty/devoted)
• σχολάζοντα – Present active participle (being empty/devoted)
• ἐσχόλακα – Perfect active (have been empty/devoted)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes both negative and positive uses. Thayer’s emphasizes the development from leisure to emptiness. LSJ documents classical usage for scholarly pursuit. Vine’s connects it to spiritual devotion. Strong’s highlights the basic meaning of emptiness. Moulton and Milligan note its use in religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 12:44: “Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied [σχολάζω], swept clean and put in order.”

Additional References:

• 1 Corinthians 7:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σχολάζω warns against spiritual emptiness while encouraging devoted pursuit of God. This word proclaims that the good news of the Messiah fills our empty spaces with divine purpose, transforming dangerous vacancy into sacred devotion.

D – Did You Know?

• The word evolved from meaning “leisure for learning” to “emptiness”
• It provides the root for English words related to scholarship
• Early Christians used it to describe dedicated prayer time

Strong’s G4980: From scholé (leisure), σχολάζω describes being unoccupied or empty. In Matthew, it warns of spiritual vacancy inviting evil, while in Corinthians it positively describes devotion to prayer and spiritual disciplines.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: emptiness, devotion, spiritual vacancy, prayer focus, spiritual discipline, demonic return, Matthew’s Gospel, Paul’s teaching, spiritual warfare, holy dedication​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​