σχολάζω
scholázō
G4980 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To have leisure, be at rest, or not to be engaged in work or occupation; in extended usage, to be free from duty, to be available for something, or to devote oneself to a task or pursuit due to having time. In reference to a place (such as a house), to be unoccupied or vacant; not currently inhabited or in use.
Semantic Range
to have leisure, to be at rest, to be unoccupied (oneself), to be free or available, to devote oneself wholly (with leisure/time), to be vacant (of a place), to be empty (of a dwelling), to have time for learning or pursuits
Root / Etymology
Derived from σχολή (scholē), meaning 'leisure, spare time, unoccupied time devoted to learning or discussion.' The verb form σχολάζω develops from the idea of having leisure or time free from ordinary labor.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, σχολάζω usually means 'to have leisure' or 'to be at leisure,' often implying opportunity to engage in intellectual or personal pursuits, such as study or contemplation. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term can carry the sense of being available or devoted to a task, with an emphasis on readiness due to the absence of other commitments. The figurative use for houses (i.e., being unoccupied or 'empty') is attested in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 12:44), extending the sense of 'not engaged/busy' to spaces. English translations often render this as 'to be idle,' 'to be vacant,' or 'to be free,' but typical English usage does not always convey the specific cultural value placed on leisure as time for study or self-improvement in Greek contexts. The underlying sense of leisure as the basis for devotion (especially intellectual or religious) is more pronounced in Hellenistic usage than in modern translations. Contrast with ἀργέω (argeō, to be idle or inactive), which emphasizes lack of activity without the positive connotation of available leisure for higher pursuits.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σχολή; to take a holiday, i.e. be at leisure for (by implication, devote oneself wholly to); figuratively, to be vacant (of a house):--empty, give self.
Root Family
σχολάζω (scholazō) — leisure, have time, be unoccupied, be available
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4980-02 |
σχολάζοντα | scholazonta | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M SG |
unoccupied | having leisure | unoccupied | 1 |
G4980-01 |
σχολάσητε | scholasete | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL |
you may devote yourselves | you may be at leisure | you may devote yourselves | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4980-02 |
Matthew 12:44 | σχολάζοντα | scholazonta | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M SG |
unoccupied | having leisure | unoccupied |
G4980-01 |
1 Corinthians 7:5 | σχολάσητε | scholasete | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL |
you may devote yourselves | you may be at leisure | you may devote yourselves |