νυστάζω (nustazō)
nustazō
to doze
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb nustazō describes the physical act of nodding off or dozing, capturing that moment when sleepiness overcomes a person’s alertness. In Matthew 25:5, it depicts the foolish virgins who grew drowsy and fell asleep while waiting for the bridegroom, highlighting a lapse in vigilance during a critical wait.
Its meaning extends beyond mere fatigue to include negligence or delay. Second Peter 2:3 uses the word metaphorically to say that divine judgment does not "doze" or linger; it is immediate and awake. This contrast emphasizes that while human attention may waver, God’s justice remains fully alert.
The term appears only twice in the New Testament, making its usage distinct. It conveys a sense of being overcome by sleep rather than a peaceful rest, often implying a failure to stay watchful when one should be.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word νυστάζω captures that heavy-lidded moment when alertness fades into dozing. In Matthew 25:5, the foolish virgins let this physical weariness turn into spiritual negligence while waiting for the bridegroom. Their delay in preparing oil shows how easily comfort can dull our readiness for Christ’s return.
Yet 2 Peter 2:3 offers a comforting contrast. It tells us that God’s judgment does not νυστάζω; He never dozes or grows tired of watching over justice. While we may struggle to stay awake in prayer or faithful living, His attention remains sharp and constant.
This word invites us to examine our own watchfulness. It reminds us that waiting on God requires more than just showing up; it demands a heart that stays alert. We can rest in the truth that even when our vigilance fails, His faithfulness never sleeps.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they became drowsy1×
- slumbers.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνύσταξαν1×
- νυστάζει.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 25:5
Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
This verse uses the word to describe the foolish virgins' physical dozing, which led to their spiritual unpreparedness when the bridegroom arrived.
-
II Peter 2:3
In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn’t linger, and their destruction will not slumber.
Here the word is used metaphorically to affirm that God's judgment does not linger or fall asleep, ensuring justice is timely and certain.