ἀναψύχω (anapsuchō)
anapsuchō
to refresh
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anapsuchō carries the vivid sense of cooling down or recovering breath after exertion. Its root components suggest a return to a state of relief, much like stepping into shade after laboring in the heat. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 2 Timothy 1:16, where Paul prays for mercy on Onesiphorus.
Here, the word describes refreshing one’s spirit or person. It is not merely a casual break but a deep restoration of energy and comfort. The context implies that Onesiphorus had provided tangible relief to Paul during his imprisonment, offering a respite from isolation and fear. This usage highlights how human kindness can serve as a physical and spiritual balm.
Translators often render this term as "refresh" or "revive," capturing the idea of renewed strength. The word emphasizes the restorative power of care, showing that compassion can literally cool the weary soul. It stands as a reminder that mutual support is essential for enduring hardship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anapsuchō paints a vivid picture of relief after exhaustion. It describes the deep cooling of a weary spirit, much like stepping into shade after laboring in the heat. In 2 Timothy 1:16, Paul uses this term to thank Onesiphorus for bringing him comfort during imprisonment. This rare verb shows that human kindness can act as a physical and spiritual balm, restoring energy when we feel isolated or afraid.
Seeing refreshment as a divine gift encourages us to offer it freely. When you extend patience or practical help to someone struggling, you may be providing the very rest their soul needs. This mutual support is not just social nicety; it is essential for enduring hardship together. May we find strength in knowing that God often uses our care for others to cool and revive His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he refreshed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνέψυξεν1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 1:16
May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
This sole New Testament occurrence highlights Onesiphorus's tangible relief of Paul's isolation, using the term to denote deep restoration rather than casual rest.