ἀνάπαυσις
anapausis
rest
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredBased on the provided lexicon data, the Greek word ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis) is defined as "rest." Its semantic domain falls under "Movement & Travel," which at first glance may seem counterintuitive given its meaning of rest. However, upon closer examination, rest can be seen as the opposite end of a movement or travel spectrum, serving as a point of repose from physical or emotional exertion. The usage of ἀνάπαυσις is limited to five occurrences in the Bible, indicating its importance in specific contexts rather than a general or widespread concept. This scarcity of usage also suggests that the concept of "rest" in this context might be more nuanced and distinct from other forms of rest, possibly carrying connotations related to movement or journey. Given its defined meaning of rest and its specific range of usage, ἀνάπαυσις may hold significance in biblical contexts where the need for respite from movement or travel becomes a critical aspect of the narrative. Its limited occurrences imply that its use is calculated and deliberate, underscoring the importance of this concept in specific passages where it appears.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 12:43When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and doesn’t find it.
Luke 11:24The unclean spirit, when he has gone out of the man, passes through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, he says, ‘I will turn back to my house from which I came out.’
Revelation 4:8The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”
Revelation 14:11The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.