κοίμησις

repose, taking rest

Definition

κοίμησις (koimēsis) primarily means 'repose,' 'taking rest,' or 'sleep.' In its literal sense, it refers to physical sleep, as seen in John 11:13 where Jesus' disciples initially misunderstand His statement about Lazarus, thinking He meant Lazarus was merely resting in sleep. However, in the New Testament, this word takes on a significant figurative meaning, being used as a euphemism for the sleep of death. This usage reflects a common biblical perspective that views the death of believers as a temporary rest, anticipating resurrection.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in John 11:13. It appears in the context of Jesus discussing the death of His friend Lazarus. The disciples misunderstand Jesus, taking His statement literally that Lazarus has found 'repose' (κοίμησις), when Jesus was actually speaking of his death. This singular usage highlights the word's role in a pivotal narrative about resurrection and life.

Etymology

κοίμησις is derived from the verb κοιμάω (koimaō, G2837), which means 'to put to sleep,' 'to fall asleep,' or 'to die.' The noun form κοίμησις specifically denotes the state or act of sleeping. This root is also the source of the English word 'cemetery' (a 'sleeping place'), illustrating the long-standing connection between sleep and death in language and thought.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it introduces the concept of death as 'sleep' for believers, a metaphor that underscores the temporary nature of death and the hope of resurrection. In John 11, this misunderstanding sets the stage for Jesus' profound declaration, 'I am the resurrection and the life' (John 11:25). Understanding κοίμησις enriches reading by highlighting the early Christian view of death not as a final end, but as a restful state from which one will be awakened by Christ.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds, using 'sleep' as a metaphor for death was a common and gentle euphemism. It softened the harsh reality of death and, in a Jewish and Christian context, pointed toward hope beyond the grave. This cultural understanding is essential for correctly interpreting passages like John 11:13, where the disciples' literal interpretation contrasts with Jesus' metaphorical meaning.

ὕπνος (hypnos, G5258) — The common, literal word for physical sleep. | κοιμάω (koimaō, G2837) — The verb meaning 'to sleep' or 'to fall asleep,' often used euphemistically for dying, as in Matthew 27:52.

Word Details

Scripture References