"to nod; to nod in sleep; to sink into a sleep, Mt. 25:5; to slumber in inactivity, 2 Pet. 2:3*"
Definition and meaning
to nod; to nod in sleep; to sink into a sleep, Mt. 25:5; to slumber in inactivity, 2 Pet. 2:3*
In the original Greek the word is written: νυστάζω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of nystazo (G3573) across the King James Bible.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
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Common questions
Strong's G3573 (nystazo) is a Greek word that means: to nod; to nod in sleep; to sink into a sleep, Mt. 25:5; to slumber in inactivity, 2 Pet. 2:3* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word nystazo (G3573) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3573 is nystazo, a Greek word defined as: to nod; to nod in sleep; to sink into a sleep, Mt. 25:5; to slumber in inactivity, 2 Pet. 2:3*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
nystazo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.