ἀναπαύω (anapauō)
anapauō
to give rest
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anapauō describes the act of giving rest or providing relief from labor and movement. It carries the sense of ceasing activity in order to recover strength, a meaning reflected in its components: ana (again) and pauō (to cease). In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from Jesus’ invitation to the weary in Matthew 11:28 to Paul’s request for refreshment in Philemon 20.
This word functions as both a transitive verb, where one party gives rest to another, and a middle voice form, indicating that the subject takes rest for themselves. The sources note its use as a technical agricultural term in papyri, suggesting a concrete image of stopping work to allow the land or worker to recover. This practical origin grounds its spiritual usage, whether describing the quiet expectation of believers in Revelation 6:11 or the physical need for rest highlighted by Jesus in Mark 6:31.
Translators typically render anapauō as "give rest," "refresh," or "take rest," depending on the voice. The distinction lies in whether the action is bestowed upon someone else or received personally. Its presence in diverse books, from the Gospels to Revelation, underscores a consistent biblical theme: rest is not merely inactivity but a necessary restoration of strength for those engaged in labor or waiting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anapauō points to a deep, necessary relief from labor and burden. It is not simply stopping work, but receiving the strength to continue. Jesus offers this rest to those who are heavy-laden, inviting them into a space of peace rather than exhaustion. This invitation acknowledges that human effort has limits and that true restoration comes from leaning on divine grace.
In daily life, this concept reminds us that rest is a gift, not just a pause between tasks. Whether it is the physical respite Jesus offered his disciples or the spiritual comfort found in community, anapauō highlights the importance of renewal. It encourages believers to seek refreshment in Christ and to extend that same kindness to others who are weary.
Even in times of waiting, as seen in Revelation, rest becomes a promise of future completion. It is a time of preparation rather than idleness. By embracing this biblical view of rest, we acknowledge our need for God’s sustaining power and find hope in the assurance that our labor is never in vain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will rest2×
- will give rest1×
- taking your rest,1×
- take your rest;1×
- rests1×
- have been refreshed1×
- has been refreshed1×
- do rest yourself1×
- do rest1×
- do refresh1×
- They refreshed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναπέπαυται2×
- ἀνέπαυσαν1×
- ἀνάπαυσόν1×
- ἀναπαύσω1×
- ἀναπαύσονται1×
- ἀναπαύσασθε1×
- ἀναπαύου,1×
- ἀναπαύεται1×
- ἀναπαύεσθε·1×
- ἀναπαύεσθε,1×
- ἀναπαήσονται1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
This verse captures the core invitation of Jesus to provide spiritual relief for those weighed down by life's burdens.
-
Mark 6:31
He said to them, “Come away into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
Here Jesus instructs his disciples to physically withdraw and rest, highlighting the practical need for renewal amidst busy ministry.
-
Revelation of John 6:11
A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.
The command to rest 'yet a while' shows how this word applies to patient waiting during times of suffering and persecution.