ἔγερσις

a waking up, resurrection

Definition

The Greek noun ἔγερσις (egersis) fundamentally means 'a waking up' or 'a rousing from sleep,' but in the New Testament, it is used exclusively in the specialized sense of 'resurrection'—the act of being raised from the dead. Its sole biblical occurrence is in Matthew 27:53, which describes the resurrection of saints following Jesus's own resurrection. This specific usage aligns the word with the broader New Testament vocabulary for resurrection, emphasizing the powerful, divine act of bringing the dead back to life.

Biblical Usage

ἔγερσις is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 27:53. It describes the event where 'the bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised' after Jesus's resurrection. This singular usage places it within the narrative of the unique, miraculous events surrounding Christ's death and resurrection, directly linking it to the power of his victory over death.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἐγείρω (egeirō, G1453), meaning 'to awaken, to raise up.' The noun form ἔγερσις literally denotes the act or process of waking or rousing. Its meaning developed from the literal sense of waking from sleep to the theological concept of resurrection from death, a common metaphorical shift in biblical language.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, ἔγερσις is theologically significant as it directly contributes to the vocabulary of resurrection. Its use in Matthew 27:53 underscores the reality and power of Jesus's resurrection, which had immediate, tangible effects—the raising of other saints. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by connecting this unique event to the broader biblical theme of God's power to give life, prefiguring the future resurrection of all believers.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of resurrection was largely foreign or viewed as impossible; most philosophical and religious thought envisioned only a shadowy afterlife. The Jewish context, however, held a developing belief in bodily resurrection, especially for the righteous. Matthew's use of ἔγερσις in this dramatic narrative would have challenged pagan assumptions and affirmed the Christian proclamation of a physical, victorious resurrection inaugurated by Christ.

ἀνάστασις (anastasis, G386) — The more common NT word for resurrection, focusing on the state of standing up again. ἀνάστασις is used for both Christ's resurrection and the general resurrection, while ἔγερσις in Matthew 27:53 describes the specific event of saints being raised.

Word Details

Scripture References