Gregoreo (γρηγορέω) means to be awake, alert, or watchfully on guard. It appears about 22 times in the New Testament and is one of the key eschatological words — the posture required of disciples in light of Christ's return. The name 'Gregory' comes from this root.
Gregoreo is the watchword of the Christian life in light of eternity. Jesus uses it repeatedly: 'Watch [gregoreo]! For you do not know what day your Lord will come' (Matthew 24:42); 'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation' (26:41). In Gethsemane, the disciples fail to gregoreo — they sleep when they should be alert. Paul picks up the theme: 'Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong' (1 Corinthians 16:13 — four imperatives including gregoreo). Revelation 3:2–3 calls the church in Sardis to 'wake up [gregoreo] and strengthen what remains.' The sleeping church is the vulnerable church. Watchfulness is not anxious vigilance but faith-filled readiness.