ἄνεσις (anesis)
anesis
rest
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anesis describes a state of relief or relaxation, literally meaning a loosening from pressure. It appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in Paul’s letters to Corinth and Thessalonica, as well as in Acts. The word captures the physical and emotional ease that comes when a heavy burden is lifted or confinement is relaxed.
Paul uses anesis specifically as the opposite of thlipsis, or distress. In 2 Corinthians 2:12 and 7:5, he speaks of the relief his heart found in Macedonia after hearing news from Corinth. Similarly, in 2 Thessalonians 1:7, it refers to the rest believers will experience when Jesus is revealed from heaven. This contrast highlights that true comfort arises not from ignoring trouble, but from divine intervention that ends it.
In Acts 24:23, the term describes the indulgence or leniency shown by the Roman tribune Felix toward Paul, allowing him freedom while awaiting trial. Here, the word conveys a practical loosening of strict confinement. Translators often render it as "rest" or "relief," emphasizing the shift from tension to peace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word anesis describes a deep sense of relief, like the moment a heavy weight is finally lifted from your shoulders. It appears in the New Testament to describe both physical ease and emotional peace. When Paul writes about this relief, he often contrasts it with distress, showing that comfort comes not from ignoring trouble, but from God’s intervention.
Imagine the weariness of carrying a burden alone for too long. Then, a message arrives that changes everything. In 2 Corinthians 7:5, Paul mentions that even in Macedonia, his flesh had no relief, yet his spirit found rest when he heard good news. This word reminds us that true peace is not just the absence of pain, but the presence of God’s care.
Whether you are facing a difficult trial or simply need a break from life’s pressures, this concept offers hope. It points to a future where every tear is wiped away and every burden is gone. For now, we can trust that God sees our struggles and will provide the rest our hearts long for.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rest2×
- ease2×
- repose1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄνεσιν4×
- ἄνεσις,1×
Key Verses
-
II Thessalonians 1:7
and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire,
This verse looks forward to the ultimate relief believers will experience when Jesus returns, contrasting present suffering with future glory.
-
II Corinthians 7:5
For even when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side. Fightings were outside. Fear was inside.
Paul uses this word to highlight the stark contrast between his physical affliction and the spiritual relief he felt upon hearing of the Corinthian church's repentance.
-
Acts 24:23
He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.
Here the term describes the practical leniency Felix showed Paul, allowing him freedom and visits rather than strict confinement.