Original Word: νυστάζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: nustazó
Pronunciation: noos-TAH-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (noos-tad'-zo)
Definition: To nod off, to be drowsy, to slumber
Meaning: I nod in sleep, am drowsy, slumber.

slumber.

From a presumed derivative of neuo; to nod, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep; figuratively, to delay -- slumber.

see GREEK neuo

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
to nod in sleep, to fall asleep
NASB Translation
asleep (1), got drowsy (1).

STRONGS NT 3573: νυστάζω

νυστάζω; 1 aorist ἐνύσταξα; (ΝΥΩ, cf. νεύω, νευστάζω); the Sept. for נוּם;

1. properly, "to nod in sleep, to sleep (Hippocrates, Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, others); to be overcome or oppressed with sleep; to fall asleep, drop off to sleep," ((cf. Wycliffe) to nap it"): Matthew 25:5; the Sept. for נִרְדַּם, Psalm 75:7 ().

2. like the Latindormito (cf. our to be napping), tropical equivalent to: to be negligent, careless (Plato, Plutarch, others): of a thing equivalent to to linger, delay, 2 Peter 2:3.

Word Origin: Derived from a primary word νύσσω (nysso), meaning "to nod" or "to slumber."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 5123: נוּם (num) – to slumber, to be drowsy.
• Strong's Hebrew 3462: יָשֵׁן (yashen) – to sleep, to be asleep.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the idea of physical sleep or spiritual lethargy, often used in the Old Testament to describe a lack of spiritual vigilance or awareness. The call to awaken from slumber is a recurring theme, urging the faithful to remain attentive to God's presence and action in the world.

Usage: The term νυστάζω is used in the New Testament to describe a state of drowsiness or sleepiness, often in a metaphorical sense to indicate spiritual lethargy or lack of vigilance.

Context: The Greek verb νυστάζω appears in the New Testament to convey the idea of physical or spiritual drowsiness. It is used in contexts that emphasize the importance of alertness and readiness, particularly in relation to spiritual matters. The term is found in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:5, where it describes the state of the virgins who became drowsy and fell asleep while waiting for the bridegroom: "When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep" (BSB). This parable highlights the necessity of spiritual preparedness and vigilance, as the virgins' drowsiness led to a lack of readiness for the bridegroom's arrival.

The concept of νυστάζω is also relevant in the broader biblical theme of watchfulness. Believers are often exhorted to remain spiritually awake and alert, avoiding the complacency that can lead to missing critical moments of divine intervention or judgment. The metaphorical use of sleep and wakefulness serves as a powerful reminder of the need for constant spiritual awareness and readiness.

ενυσταξαν ενύσταξαν ἐνύσταξαν ενύσταξε ενύσταξεν νυσταζει νυστάζει νυστάζεις νυστάζοντας νυστάζω νυστάξαι νυστάξει νυστάξη νυστάξουσιν enustaxan enystaxan enýstaxan nustazei nystazei nystázeiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts