ἐξυπνίζω (exupnizō)
exupnizō
to awake
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exupnizō means to wake someone from sleep, describing the active act of rousing another person rather than simply opening one’s own eyes. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in John 11:11, where Jesus uses this specific word to describe Lazarus’s state before his resurrection.
This usage highlights a key distinction in Greek: while other words might mean to wake up oneself, exupnizō implies an external agent causing the awakening. Jesus speaks of Lazarus as one who is asleep, indicating that death is a temporary rest from which He has the power to restore life. The term underscores Jesus’ authority over the boundary between sleep and waking, framing resurrection as a divine act of rousing.
Etymologically, the word combines the prefix ex- (out) with upnizō (to wake), literally meaning "to wake out." This reinforces the idea of being brought from a state of unconsciousness into full awareness. By using this term, the Gospel writer emphasizes that Jesus does not merely visit the dead but actively initiates their return to life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exupnizō carries a gentle but powerful image: someone is roused from rest by another’s voice. In John 11, Jesus uses it for Lazarus, showing that death is not the end but a deep sleep from which He can call us back. This reminds us that our Lord does not merely observe our struggles; He steps in and wakes us to new life.
When we feel stuck or overwhelmed, this truth offers comfort. Jesus’ authority over sleep and waking means He holds power over every situation that seems final. We can trust that His call brings hope, even when circumstances look dark. This word invites us to rest in His care, knowing He is always ready to restore what feels lost.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I may awaken1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξυπνίσω1×
Key Verses
-
John 11:11
He said these things, and after that, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake him out of sleep.”
Jesus uses exupnizō here to show He actively rouses Lazarus from death, proving His power over life and sleep.