διεγείρω (diegeirō)
diegeirō
to arouse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diegeirō means to rouse someone or something completely from a state of rest or inactivity. It carries a sense of thoroughness, suggesting that the subject is not just gently stirred but fully awakened. In the Gospels, this word appears when Jesus calms the stormy sea, implying He aroused it back to stillness (Mark 4:39; Luke 8:24). The same action is described in John 6:18 regarding a rough sea, showing its use for physical elements as well as people.
Beyond literal waking, the term applies metaphorically to stimulating the mind or spirit. In 2 Peter, it describes stirring up the reader’s pure thoughts (2 Peter 1:13; 3:1). The prefix di- intensifies the base verb egeirō (to wake), indicating a comprehensive action. Translators often render it "stir up" or "awaken," capturing both the physical and mental activation implied by the Greek text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diegeirō suggests a thorough awakening, not just a gentle nudge. When Jesus calmed the storm, He did not merely soothe the waves but fully aroused them to stillness. This shows that God’s power is complete and effective, bringing peace where there was chaos.
In your own life, this word invites you to trust in His ability to restore order. Just as the sea responded to His voice, your heart can find calm when you remember who holds authority over every storm. It is a reminder that no situation is beyond His reach.
Similarly, Peter used this term to encourage believers to stir up their minds and stay alert in faith. This active engagement helps us remain grounded in truth, even when circumstances feel uncertain. May you find strength in knowing that God awakens both the physical world and your spirit for good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was agitated.1×
- to stir up1×
- they awoke1×
- having been awoken1×
- having arisen up1×
- I am stirring up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διεγερθεὶς2×
- διήγειραν1×
- διεγείρω1×
- διεγείρετο.1×
- διεγείρειν1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 4:39
He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
This verse demonstrates Jesus' absolute authority over nature, as He fully arouses the sea from its raging state to complete calm.
-
Luke 8:24
They came to him and awoke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are dying!” He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water; then they ceased, and it was calm.
Here the word highlights the disciples' desperate need for help and Jesus' immediate, comprehensive response to their fear.
-
II Peter 1:13
I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,
Peter uses this term metaphorically to describe his effort to thoroughly awaken the believers' memories and spiritual alertness.