403. anapsuxis
Lexical Summary
anapsuxis: Refreshing, relief, rest

Original Word: ἀνάψυξις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: anapsuxis
Pronunciation: an-APS-ook-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (an-aps'-ook-sis)
KJV: revival
NASB: refreshing
Word Origin: [from G404 (ἀναψύχω - refreshed)]

1. (properly) a recovery of breath
2. (figuratively) revival

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
revival.

From anapsucho; properly, a recovery of breath, i.e. (figuratively) revival -- revival.

see GREEK anapsucho

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 403 anápsyksis – properly, breathe easily (again); hence, refreshing; " 'cooling,' or 'reviving with fresh air' " (WS, 230), used only in Ac 3:20. See 404 (anapsyxō).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from anapsuchó
Definition
a recovery of breath, a refreshing
NASB Translation
refreshing (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 403: ἀνάψυξις

ἀνάψυξις, ἀναψύξεως, (ἀναψύχω, which see), a cooling, refreshing: Acts 3:20 (19), of the Messianic blessedness to be ushered in by the return of Christ from heaven; Vulg.refrigerium. (Exodus 8:15; Philo de Abr. § 29; Strabo 10, p. 459: and in ecclesiastical writings.)

Topical Lexicon
Definition and Conceptual Background

“Anapsuxis” conveys the idea of a cooling breeze after oppressive heat—a metaphor for spiritual revival, relief, and renewal granted by God. The Septuagint employs related forms (e.g., Exodus 8:15; 2 Samuel 16:14) for physical respite, laying a lexical foundation that the New Testament elevates to redemptive significance.

Biblical Usage

Acts 3:20 situates the word in Peter’s temple sermon: “that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord”. The phrase “times of refreshing” frames the entire post-Pentecost era—stretching from the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:17-21) to the consummation of all things (Acts 3:21)—as a divinely orchestrated season in which repentant sinners experience God-given renewal.

Eschatological Dimension

Peter links “refreshing” with the future “restoration of all things” (Acts 3:21). In prophetic perspective, the present experience of refreshment through the Spirit previews the ultimate renewal of creation (Isaiah 65:17-25; Romans 8:19-23). Thus the term embraces both “already” (spiritual revitalization now) and “not yet” (cosmic renewal at Christ’s return).

Christological Significance

The refreshment originates “from the presence of the Lord,” specifically grounded in the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ. By seating the risen Jesus at God’s right hand (Acts 2:33-36), God makes Him the mediator of continual spiritual restoration. Believers’ current refreshment therefore testifies to Christ’s ongoing priestly ministry (Hebrews 7:25) and foreshadows His kingly return.

Ministry Application

1. Evangelistic Appeal. Peter ties refreshment to repentance (Acts 3:19). Genuine turning to God produces immediate relief from guilt and alienation, demonstrating the gospel’s present power.
2. Pastoral Encouragement. Congregations weary from persecution or moral failure are invited to seek the Lord for renewed strength (Psalm 23:3; Matthew 11:28-30).
3. Worship Context. Corporate gatherings can be understood as foretastes of “times of refreshing,” emphasizing Spirit-driven renewal through Word, prayer, and fellowship (Ephesians 5:18-20).
4. Mission Motivation. Knowing that a climactic refreshment is coming energizes perseverance in witness and holiness (2 Peter 3:11-14).

Historical Interpretation

• Early Church Fathers (e.g., Justin Martyr, Dialogue 80) saw Acts 3:20 as a promise of messianic kingdom blessings following Jewish repentance.
• Reformers stressed the soteriological aspect: the Spirit “quickens” hearts, inaugurating individual and corporate revival (cf. John Calvin, Commentary on Acts 3).
• Modern evangelical revivals frequently cite Acts 3:19-20 as a paradigm: repentance precedes Spirit-wrought seasons of renewal.

Theological Connections

Refreshment intertwines with:
• Rest (Hebrews 4:1-11) – both point to cessation from works-based striving.
• Renewal (Titus 3:5) – the Spirit’s regenerating work.
• Consolation (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) – divine comfort amid affliction.
• Hope (1 Peter 1:3-5) – a living expectation anchored in the resurrection.

Practical Reflection

The rarity of ἀνάψυξις in the New Testament does not diminish its weight. In a single stroke, Scripture captures the breadth of God’s redemptive agenda: immediate pardon and invigoration for the penitent, sustained revitalization for the Church, and ultimate restoration for the cosmos. Until that final day, believers live and labor within these “times of refreshing,” confident that the same presence that revives today will renew all things tomorrow.

Forms and Transliterations
αναψυξεως αναψύξεως ἀναψύξεως ανάψυξις αναψυχήν anapsuxeos anapsuxeōs anapsyxeos anapsyxeōs anapsýxeos anapsýxeōs
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Englishman's Concordance
Acts 3:20 N-GFS
GRK: ἔλθωσιν καιροὶ ἀναψύξεως ἀπὸ προσώπου
INT: might come times of refreshing from [the] presence

Strong's Greek 403
1 Occurrence


ἀναψύξεως — 1 Occ.

402
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