κατάπαυσις (katapausis)
katapausis
rest
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katapausis denotes a state of rest or cessation, often implying a place where one finds relief after effort. In the New Testament, it appears eight times, primarily in the book of Hebrews and once in Acts. The word captures more than physical relaxation; it suggests a settled peace, echoing the Old Testament concept of a resting place prepared for God’s people.
Its usage carries significant theological weight in Hebrews, where it refers to the spiritual rest promised by God. This is not merely a break from labor but an entry into the divine presence and blessing. The text contrasts this with the failure of the Israelites in the wilderness, urging believers to strive for this same enduring rest through faith.
The term originates from a verb meaning to cause to cease or settle down. It connects the idea of stopping work with the joy of inheritance. Translators often render it as "rest" or "place of rest," highlighting both the action of ceasing toil and the destination of safety found in Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katapausis invites us to look beyond simple relaxation. It describes a settled peace and a place of safety prepared by God for His people. In Hebrews, this concept is not just about stopping work but entering into the divine presence and blessing. It echoes the Old Testament promise of a resting place where believers find relief after their efforts.
Christians have understood this passage to mean that true rest comes through faith in Christ. Unlike the Israelites who failed to enter God's rest due to disobedience, believers are invited to trust in God's finished work. This rest is an enduring state of spiritual peace, reminding us that our salvation is secure when we rely on God rather than our own strength.
As you navigate life's challenges, remember that this rest is available to all who believe. It offers a profound sense of belonging and safety in God's care. May you find comfort in knowing that your efforts are met with His grace, leading you into a lasting peace that surpasses understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rest8×
- rest,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατάπαυσιν4×
- κατάπαυσίν3×
- κατάπαυσιν,1×
- καταπαύσεώς1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 4:3
For we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest;” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
This verse clarifies that those who believe actually enter the rest God promised, contrasting with the disobedient generation.
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Hebrews 4:10
For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his.
Here the word describes the state of one who has entered rest by ceasing from their own works, just as God did.
-
Hebrews 3:11
As I swore in my wrath, ‘They will not enter into my rest.’”
This occurrence highlights the solemn warning that disobedience prevents entry into the divine rest God swore to provide.