καταπαύω

I rest, cause to rest

Definition

The verb καταπαύω means 'to rest' or 'to cause to rest.' In its transitive sense, it describes bringing something to a state of cessation or rest, as when the apostles in Acts 14:18 'scarcely restrained' (caused to cease) the crowds from offering sacrifice. In its intransitive sense, it means to cease from activity and enter a state of rest. This is its primary meaning in Hebrews, where it is used to discuss God's own rest after creation (Hebrews 4:4, citing Genesis 2:2) and the promised rest for God's people (Hebrews 4:8, 10).

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times in the New Testament, with three of its four occurrences in Hebrews 4. In Acts 14:18, it is used transitively to mean 'to restrain' or 'cause to cease.' In Hebrews, it is used intransitively in a theological discussion about divine and eschatological rest. The author of Hebrews contrasts the failed rest of the Israelites with the true, ultimate rest found in Christ, using the Greek translation of Psalm 95:11 as a key text.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'against,' and the root of παύω (pauō), meaning 'to cease' or 'to stop.' The compound thus carries the sense of bringing something down to a stop or causing a complete cessation. It is related to the noun κατάπαυσις (katapausis, G2663), meaning 'resting place' or 'cessation.'

Semantic Range

This word is central to the argument in Hebrews 4 about God's Sabbath rest and the believer's entry into it. It moves beyond physical cessation to describe a spiritual state of completion, peace, and fulfillment in God's promises, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Hebrews by highlighting the contrast between mere physical rest and the profound, salvific rest offered through faith.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish world, the concept of 'rest' (κατάπαυσις) was deeply tied to the Sabbath, the completion of creation, and the promised land as a place of rest from wandering. The author of Hebrews taps into this rich Jewish background, reinterpreting the promised 'rest' not as a geographical location but as a spiritual reality in Christ.

ἀναπαύω (anapauō, G373) — to give rest, refresh, often implying intermission or refreshment during labor. σαββατίζω (sabbatizō, G4520) — to keep Sabbath, emphasizing observance of the seventh day. ἡσυχάζω (hēsychazō, G2270) — to be quiet, be at peace, often implying stillness or silence.

Word Details

Scripture References