STRONGS G69:
ἀγρυπνέω,
-ῶ; (
ἄγρυπνος equiv. to
ἄϋπνος);
to be sleepless, keep awake, watch (equivalent to
γρηγορέω [see below]); [from Theognis down]; tropically,
to be circumspect, attentive, ready:
Mark 13:33;
Luke 21:36;
εἴς τι, to be intent upon a thing,
Ephesians 6:18;
ὑπέρ τινος, to exercise constant vigilance over something (an image drawn from shepherds),
Hebrews 13:17. [Synonyms:
ἀγρυπνεῖν,
γρηγορεῖν,
νήφειν: "
ἀγρυπνεῖν may be taken to express simply... absence of sleep, and, pointedly, the absence of it when due to nature, and thence a wakeful frame of mind as opposed to listlessness; while
γρηγορεῖν (the offspring of
ἐγρήγορα) represents a waking state as the effect of some arousing effort...
i. e. a more stirring image than the former. The group of synonyms is completed by
νήφειν, which signifies a state untouched by any slumberous or beclouding influences, and thence, one that is guarded against advances of drowsiness or bewilderment. Thus it becomes a term for wariness (cf.
νᾶφε καὶ μέμνασ’ ἀπιστειν) against spiritual dangers and beguilements,
1 Peter 5:8, etc."
Green, Critical Notes on the
N. T. (note on
Mark 13:33f).]
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON, Electronic Database.
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BLB Scripture Index of Thayer's