Lexical Summary exupnizó: To awaken, to rouse from sleep Original Word: ἐξυπνίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance awake out of sleep. From exupnos; to waken -- awake out of sleep. see GREEK exupnos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom exupnos Definition to awaken out of sleep NASB Translation awaken...out of sleep (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1852: ἐξυπνίζωἐξυπνίζω: 1 aorist subjunctive ἐξυπνίσω; (ὕπνος); to wake up, awaken out of sleep: (transitive, αὐτόν), John 11:11. ((Judges 16:14); 1 Kings 3:15; Job 14:12; Antoninus 6, 31; Plutarch (de solert. anim. 29, 4); Test xii. Patr. (Levi § 8; Jud. § 25, etc.); the better Greeks said ἀφυπνίζω, see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 224; (Winer's Grammar, § 2, 1 d.).) Topical Lexicon Biblical Context The verb translated “to awaken” appears only once in the Greek New Testament, in the narrative of Lazarus (John 11). It expresses decisive action by which sleep is broken and life re-engaged—an image that Scripture frequently links with both physical revival and spiritual renewal. Unique Occurrence in John 11:11 Jesus announces to His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him” (John 11:11). In the immediate setting, the Lord uses the gentle metaphor of sleep to describe death, then promises personal intervention to reverse it. The word choice underscores two truths: 1. Death is no more final to Jesus than ordinary sleep. Theological Emphasis: Christ the Awakener John’s Gospel consistently presents Jesus as the Life-Giver (John 1:4; 5:21; 14:6). By declaring His intention to “wake” Lazarus, He claims absolute authority over life and death, anticipating His own resurrection (John 10:18). The miracle that follows validates His claim, leading many to faith (John 11:45) and hardening opponents who see that His power is incontestable (John 11:53). Foreshadowing of the Resurrection The raising of Lazarus, occurring just before Passion Week, functions as a signpost. It reveals that the grave cannot withstand Christ’s command, preparing the disciples to understand His empty tomb. Early Christian writers pointed to this event to defend bodily resurrection (e.g., Irenaeus, Tertullian), noting that if Jesus could rouse Lazarus after four days, He could certainly rise Himself on the third day and one day summon all the dead (John 5:28-29). From Physical Sleep to Spiritual Awakening Though the verb itself is rare, the motif of awakening permeates Scripture. Prophets call God’s people to “awake” from complacency (Isaiah 52:1), Paul urges believers, “Wake up from your slumber” (Romans 13:11), and a baptismal hymn echoes, “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead” (Ephesians 5:14). John 11 therefore supplies concrete demonstration: the One who literally wakes the dead also spiritually awakens hearts, replacing unbelief with living faith (John 11:25-27). Pastoral Comfort in Bereavement Because Jesus treats death as reversible sleep, Christians grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Ministers often draw from John 11 when consoling the bereaved, reminding them that Christ’s promise to wake Lazarus previews the general resurrection. The narrative also legitimizes tears—Jesus wept (John 11:35)—while directing sorrow toward confident expectation. Historical and Liturgical Reception • Catacomb frescoes in Rome depict Lazarus emerging from the tomb, reinforcing hope of bodily renewal. Implications for Discipleship and Mission 1. Evangelism: The same voice that called Lazarus now calls sinners through the gospel (John 5:24-25). Summary Strong’s Greek 1852, though used just once, powerfully declares Jesus’ sovereign ability to rouse the sleeping—whether physically deceased or spiritually inert. The single occurrence in John 11 radiates through the entire canon, shaping Christian hope, worship, and mission until the final trumpet when “the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Forms and Transliterations εξυπνίσθη εξυπνισω εξυπνίσω ἐξυπνίσω exupniso exupnisō exypniso exypnisō exypníso exypnísōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |