αὐλίζομαι (aulizomai)
aulizomai
to spend the night
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aulizomai means to spend the night outdoors or in an open courtyard. It is not used for staying in a house, but rather for lodging in the open air, often with animals like sheep and shepherds. This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
In Matthew 21:17 and Luke 21:37, it describes Jesus spending the night on the Mount of Olives after teaching in the temple. The sources note that this usage highlights his humble, itinerant lifestyle, away from comfortable indoor accommodations. The word’s root relates to a courtyard or open space, emphasizing the exposure and simplicity of his resting place.
Translators typically render it as "spent the night" or "lodged," capturing the sense of temporary, outdoor rest. This rare verb underscores the physical reality of Jesus’ ministry — close to the ground, under the sky, and in fellowship with those who also lived in the open.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that Jesus spent the night outdoors on the Mount of Olives, it reminds us that his ministry was not reserved for palaces or comfortable homes. Instead, he chose a simple life, resting under the open sky after teaching in the temple. This detail shows that God is present in the quiet moments of rest, even when those moments are humble or uncertain.
For you, this word offers comfort. You do not need perfect conditions to find peace with God. Whether your night is spent in a warm bed or in a place of uncertainty, Jesus walked this path too. His presence turns any resting place into a sanctuary. We can trust that he understands the value of quiet time away from the noise of daily life.
This simple act of lodging highlights his humanity and his dedication. He did not seek comfort for its own sake but remained close to his mission and his people. In your own life, you might find that stepping away from distractions allows you to hear God’s voice more clearly. There is grace in the simplicity of just being with him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- He was lodging1×
- He passed the night1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ηὐλίσθη1×
- ηὐλίζετο1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 21:17
He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and camped there.
This verse marks a transition where Jesus withdraws from the city to rest, showing his need for physical recovery after intense teaching.
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Luke 21:37
Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every night he would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet.
Here the word emphasizes the daily rhythm of Jesus' ministry, highlighting his consistent commitment to return to the mountain each night.