Original Word: κατάνυξις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: katanuxis
Pronunciation: ka-tan'-üx-is
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-an'-oox-is)
Definition: Stupor, deep sleep, insensibility
Meaning: deep sleep, torpor, insensibility, stupor.

slumber.

From katanusso; a prickling (sensation, as of the limbs asleep), i.e. (by implication, (perhaps by some confusion with neuo or even with nux)) stupor (lethargy) -- slumber.

see GREEK katanusso

see GREEK neuo

see GREEK nux

Cognate: 2659 katányksis – properly, a violent strike (prick); (figuratively) the bewilderment which comes after being struck, like falling into a mental stupor (used only in Ro 11:8).

Word Origin
from katanussó
Definition
stupefaction
NASB Translation
stupor (1).

STRONGS NT 2659: κατάνυξις

κατάνυξις, κατανύξεως, ἡ (κατανύσσω, which see);

1. a pricking, piercing (Vulg.compunctio).

2. severe sorrow, extreme grief.

3. insensibility or torpor of mind, such as extreme grief easily produces; hence, πνεῦμα κατανύξεως, a spirit of stupor, which renders their souls torpid, i. e. so insensible that they are not affected at all by the offer made them of salvation through the Messiah, Romans 11:8 from Isaiah 29:10 the Sept. (where the Hebrew תַּרְדֵּמָה רוּחַ, a spirit of deep sleep, is somewhat loosely so rendered; οἶνος κατανύξεως for תַּרְעֵלָה יַיִן, wine which produces dizziness, reeling, German Taumelwein, Psalm 59:5 ()). Not found in secular authors. Cf. Fritzsche's full discussion of the word in his Commentary on Romans, vol. ii., p. 558ff; (cf. Winers Grammar, 94 (90); Lightfoot 'Fresh Revision' etc., p. 139 note).

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb καταναύω (katanaúō), meaning "to prick" or "to stun."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of spiritual stupor or hardening in the Old Testament is often associated with the Hebrew word תַּרְדֵּמָה (tardemah, Strong's H8639), which refers to a deep sleep or trance-like state. Another related term is קָשָׁה (qashah, Strong's H7185), meaning "to harden" or "to make stiff," often used in the context of hardening one's heart against God. These terms collectively convey the idea of spiritual insensitivity as a result of divine judgment or human obstinacy.

Usage: The term κατάνυξις is used in the New Testament to describe a condition of spiritual insensitivity or stupor, often as a result of divine judgment or as a consequence of persistent unbelief.

Context: The Greek term κατάνυξις appears in the New Testament in the context of spiritual insensitivity or stupor. It is notably used in Romans 11:8, where the Apostle Paul refers to a "spirit of stupor" given to Israel, quoting from the Old Testament to illustrate the spiritual hardening that has come upon them. This condition is depicted as a judicial act of God, allowing those who have persistently rejected His message to remain in a state of spiritual blindness and deafness.

In Romans 11:8 (BSB), Paul writes: "As it is written: 'God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.'" This passage highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where the hardening of hearts is both a consequence of human unbelief and a part of God's redemptive plan, ultimately serving to extend salvation to the Gentiles and provoke Israel to jealousy.

The concept of κατάνυξις underscores the seriousness of rejecting divine truth and serves as a warning to remain receptive to God's revelation. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s patience and the eventual consequences of persistent disobedience.

κατανυξεως κατανύξεως katanuxeos katanuxeōs katanyxeos katanyxeōs katanýxeos katanýxeōsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts