ἀφυπνόω (G879) — Greek Lexicon

ἀφυπνόω

aphypnóō

G879 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To fall into sleep; to become drowsy and slip into a state of sleep. The term primarily denotes the physical act of falling asleep, often highlighting the process of becoming overcome by sleepiness (to begin to sleep, to succumb to slumber). In context, it may stress the onset or transition from wakefulness to sleep rather than merely being asleep.

Semantic Range

to begin to sleep, to fall into slumber, to become drowsy, to succumb to sleep

Root / Etymology

From ἀπό (away from, off) and ὕπνος (sleep), formed as a compound verb. The prefix ἀπό here intensifies or points to the act of slipping into (away into) sleep. Used in its Koine form; no direct parallel in Classical Greek literature. Cognate with other Greek verbs built from ὕπνος (sleep), such as καθεύδω (to sleep).

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in the New Testament only at Acts 20:9, describing Eutychus becoming drowsy and finally falling into a deep sleep. The term is rare in extant Greek literature and not common in Classical usage; its formation is distinctly Koine, perhaps paralleling techniques for compounding verbs in this era to denote transitions of state. Unlike καθεύδω, which means to be in the state of sleep, ἀφυπνόω emphasizes the process—the onset of sleep. English translations may render it as 'fell into a deep sleep' or 'became overcome by drowsiness,' but these may mask the focus on the transition. No technical or figurative usages are attested in extant Second Temple Jewish, early Christian, or later Hellenistic sources. The word does not carry the figurative sense of 'to die' found in some sleep-related verbs.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of ἀπό and ὕπνος; properly, to become awake, i.e. (by implication) to drop (off) in slumber:--fall asleep.

Root Family

ἀφυπνόω (aphypnoō) — to fall asleep, to become drowsy, to slip into sleep

Root ὑπν- to sleep, to fall asleep, to become drowsy

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G879-01`	ἀφύπνωσεν	aphupnosen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	he fell asleep	he fell into sleep	he fell asleep	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G879-01`	Luke 8:23	ἀφύπνωσεν	aphupnosen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	he fell asleep	he fell into sleep	he fell asleep

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