Lexical Summary anapsuchó: To refresh, to revive, to give relief Original Word: ἀναψύχω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance refresh. From ana and psucho; properly, to cool off, i.e. (figuratively) relieve -- refresh. see GREEK ana see GREEK psucho HELPS Word-studies 404 anapsýxō (from 303 /aná, "up/completing a process" which intensifies 5594 /psýxō, "cool by blowing") – properly, bring cooling (reviving, with fresh air); (figuratively) bring much-needed (much-welcomed) relief, "causing someone to recover a state of cheer or encouragement after a time of anxiety and trouble – 'to encourage, to cheer up' " (L & N, 1, 25.149). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and psuchó Definition to refresh NASB Translation refreshed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 404: ἀναψύχωἀναψύχω: 1 aorist ἀνεψυξα; to cool again, to cool off, recover from the effects of heat (Homer, Odyssey 4; 568; Iliad 5, 795; Plutarch, Aem. P. 25, etc.); tropically, to refresh: τινα, one's spirit, by fellowship, consolation, kindnesses, 2 Timothy 1:16. (intransitive, to recover breath, take the air, cool off revive, refresh oneself, in the Sept. (Psalm 38:14 Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The verb appears once in the New Testament: “He often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (2 Timothy 1:16). Paul recalls how Onesiphorus repeatedly brought him relief in prison, lifting his spirit and supplying material help. Though the word itself is rare, the action it describes is frequent in apostolic life. Cultural-Historical Context Roman imprisonment was degrading and often dangerous. Food, clothing, and medical care were not provided by the state; friends had to supply them. Visiting a condemned man exposed the visitor to ridicule and potential arrest (Acts 28:20; Philippians 1:13). Onesiphorus therefore risked social standing and personal safety to minister to Paul (2 Timothy 1:17). His courage models the early Church’s countercultural compassion toward the marginalized and persecuted. Theological Themes Refreshment is more than physical comfort; it is a tangible expression of Christ’s mercy. By invoking “the Lord grant mercy” on Onesiphorus, Paul links human kindness with divine recompense (Matthew 10:42; Hebrews 6:10). The ministry of refreshment reflects: Ministry Applications 1. Visiting the imprisoned, sick, and persecuted continues the pattern set by Onesiphorus (Matthew 25:36). Related Scripture Romans 15:32; 1 Corinthians 16:18; 2 Corinthians 7:13; Philemon 1:7, 20—all use cognate verbs for spiritual refreshment. Together they reveal an apostolic pattern: believers deliberately sought one another out to renew courage and joy. Old Testament antecedents include David’s music soothing Saul (1 Samuel 16:23) and the promise that “he restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3). Illustrations from Church History • The early Martyrdom of Polycarp records Christians bribing guards to visit fellow prisoners, echoing Onesiphorus’s boldness. Practical Reflection Every congregation should cultivate “Onesiphorus ministries” that: Such refreshment turns doctrine into visible grace, convincing a watching world that Christ’s love is alive among His people. Forms and Transliterations αναψύξη αναψύξω ανδραγαθίαν ανέψυξαν ανεψυξεν ἀνέψυξεν ανέψυχε anepsuxen anepsyxen anépsyxenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |