σχολάζω (scholazō)
scholazō
be devoted/empty
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb scholazō describes a state of being at leisure or free from labor. Its core meaning is not merely idleness, but having the time and opportunity to devote oneself to a specific task. In 1 Corinthians 7:5, Paul uses it to explain that spouses may temporarily cease sexual relations so they can scholazō—be devoted—to prayer. Here, the word signifies a purposeful withdrawal from ordinary duties to focus on spiritual matters.
The term also carries a concrete sense of physical vacancy. In Matthew 12:44 and Luke 11:25, Jesus describes an unclean spirit returning to a house that it finds scholazō, or empty and unoccupied. This usage highlights the condition of being void of inhabitants or purpose. The word’s root relates to leisure (scholē), which in ancient thought was often seen as the necessary space for serious engagement, whether in study or devotion.
Translators typically render scholazō as "devote oneself" or "be occupied," capturing its active potential rather than passive rest. It bridges the gap between having free time and using that time intentionally. The word reminds readers that freedom from labor is not an end in itself, but a condition that enables deeper focus on what matters most.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word scholazō points to a state of being free from ordinary duties so that you can focus on something important. It is not about idle laziness, but about creating space for what truly matters. In 1 Corinthians 7:5, Paul suggests that spouses might temporarily set aside physical intimacy to give themselves fully to prayer. This shows that having 'free time' is a gift meant for spiritual connection.
On the other hand, Matthew 12:44 and Luke 11:25 warn against leaving your heart empty after clearing away bad habits. Jesus describes an unclean spirit returning to find a house swept clean but vacant. If we remove sin without filling that space with God's presence, we leave ourselves open to greater trouble. True freedom requires intentional engagement.
When you feel pulled in many directions, remember that scholazō invites you to pause and prioritize. It is an invitation to step back from the noise of daily life to listen to God. By carving out moments for prayer and reflection, you allow your spirit to be filled rather than left empty. This simple act of devotion strengthens your faith and keeps your heart anchored in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you may be devoted1×
- being unoccupied,1×
- being unoccupied1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σχολάσητε1×
- σχολάζοντα,1×
- σχολάζοντα1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 7:5
Don’t deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn’t tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Paul uses this word to show that temporary abstinence from marriage is a purposeful strategy to devote oneself entirely to prayer.
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Matthew 12:44
Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came;’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.
Jesus describes the demon returning to find the house empty, highlighting the danger of clearing out sin without filling the space with God.
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Luke 11:25
When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order.
This parallel account emphasizes that a swept and ordered life is vulnerable if it remains unoccupied by divine presence.