☀️
← Back to Lexicon
G372 · Greek · New Testament
ἀνάπαυσις
Anapausis
Noun, feminine
Rest; cessation; refreshment

Definition

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (anapausis)" (Matthew 11:28-29). This rest is not merely physical but the deep soul-rest that comes from yoke-sharing with Christ — the rest of trust, of surrender, of finding in him what no effort can achieve. Anapausis also appears in Revelation 14:11 as what the wicked do not have, and in 4:8 implicitly as what the living creatures never cease from — showing that true rest is not the absence of activity but the absence of striving apart from God.

Usage & Theological Significance

Anapausis means rest, a ceasing from labor, or refreshment. From ana (again) and pauo (stop/cease), it describes the restorative pause that brings renewal. This is the exact word Jesus uses in his great invitation: "I will give you rest."

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night.
Luke 11:24 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none."
Hebrews 4:9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.
1 Corinthians 16:18 For they refreshed my spirit as well as yours.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️