The Greek verb anapauō means to give rest, refresh, or cause to cease from labor. Occurring 12 times in the NT, it combines ana (up/again) with pauō (to stop). It describes both physical rest and the deep spiritual rest that Christ gives to weary souls.
Anapauō is best known from Matthew 11:28–29, where Jesus says 'Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' This is not mere relief from toil but the eschatological Sabbath rest entering history — Jesus Himself is the fulfillment of every Sabbath. Paul uses anapauō of believers refreshing his spirit (1 Corinthians 16:18; Philemon 1:7). The word also appears in Revelation 6:11 — martyrs are told to 'rest a little longer.' God's rest is not passive but rich with peace, completion, and divine presence.