ἀγρυπνέω (agrupneō)
agrupneō
be watchful
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb agrypneō describes a state of being wakeful or sleepless, often implying a deliberate vigilance rather than mere insomnia. Its root combines a negative prefix with the word for sleep, literally meaning "not sleeping." In the New Testament, this physical alertness is frequently applied to spiritual readiness, urging believers to remain mentally and morally awake in anticipation of significant events.
This term appears in key passages where Jesus warns his followers about the uncertainty of the end times. In Mark 13:33 and Luke 21:36, he commands disciples to watch and pray so they may not fall into temptation. The author of Hebrews also uses it when instructing leaders to be attentive to their flock, highlighting a responsibility that requires sustained focus and care.
While agrypneō emphasizes the state of being awake, it is distinct from nephō, which focuses on self-controlled sobriety. Together, these words paint a picture of Christian life as one requiring both physical alertness and disciplined character. Translators often render it simply as "watch," but the Greek carries the weight of sustained, unbroken attention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agrypneō literally means to stay awake, but in Scripture it points to a spiritual alertness. It is not about insomnia, but about keeping your heart and mind ready for God’s work. When Jesus uses this term, He invites us into a posture of attentive waiting, trusting that He is present even when we feel uncertain.
In Ephesians 6:18, Paul links being watchful with prayer for all the saints. This suggests that our vigilance is not solitary; it connects us to the wider body of believers. By staying awake in spirit, we support one another through perseverance and love, sharing in each other’s struggles and joys.
Hebrews 13:17 reminds us that leaders also watch over souls. This mutual care creates a community where everyone is encouraged to remain steady. As you navigate daily life, remember that God calls you to be present and attentive, not anxious. His grace sustains your watchfulness, helping you stand firm in faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do watch2×
- watching1×
- watch1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγρυπνεῖτε2×
- ἀγρυπνοῦσιν1×
- ἀγρυπνοῦντες1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 13:33
Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don’t know when the time is.
Jesus pairs this command with prayer, showing that spiritual wakefulness requires active dependence on God rather than passive waiting.
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Luke 21:36
Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The phrase 'be watchful all the time' emphasizes a continuous state of readiness to escape coming trials and stand before Christ.
-
Ephesians 6:18
with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.
Paul connects being watchful with perseverance for all saints, highlighting that vigilance is a communal effort sustained by prayer.
-
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Leaders are described as watching over souls, indicating that this term also applies to the responsible care and accountability within church leadership.