Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of "wake" or "awakening" carries significant spiritual and metaphorical meanings. It often symbolizes a call to spiritual alertness, moral vigilance, and readiness for divine intervention or judgment. The term is used both literally and figuratively throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared.Old Testament References The idea of waking is present in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with physical awakening from sleep but also carries deeper spiritual implications. In Isaiah 52:1, the prophet calls out, "Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion; put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, the holy city." Here, the call to awaken is a metaphor for spiritual revival and preparation for God's deliverance. Similarly, in the Psalms, waking is linked to divine intervention and protection. Psalm 57:8 states, "Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn." This verse reflects a personal call to worship and praise, signifying a readiness to engage with God at the start of a new day. New Testament References In the New Testament, the theme of waking is often connected to spiritual readiness and the anticipation of Christ's return. Romans 13:11-12 exhorts believers, "And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day has almost dawned. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of waking to encourage believers to live in a state of spiritual alertness and moral integrity. In Ephesians 5:14, he writes, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." This call to wakefulness is an invitation to live in the light of Christ, leaving behind the darkness of sin. Parables and Teachings of Jesus Jesus Himself uses the imagery of waking in His teachings, particularly in the context of readiness for the Kingdom of God. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the wise virgins are those who remain awake and prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, symbolizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness for the coming of the Lord. Eschatological Significance The concept of waking also holds eschatological significance, pointing to the final awakening at the resurrection. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes the moment when "the dead in Christ will rise first," an ultimate awakening to eternal life with Christ. This future event underscores the hope and assurance believers have in the promise of resurrection and eternal life. Practical Application For Christians, the call to wakefulness is a continual reminder to live in a state of spiritual readiness, moral purity, and active faith. It encourages believers to be vigilant against spiritual complacency and to remain steadfast in their walk with God, anticipating His return and the fulfillment of His promises. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The track left by a vessel in the water; by extension, any track; as, the wake of an army.2. (v. i.) To be or to continue awake; to watch; not to sleep. 3. (v. i.) To sit up late festive purposes; to hold a night revel. 4. (v. i.) To be excited or roused from sleep; to awake; to be awakened; to cease to sleep; -- often with up. 5. (v. i.) To be exited or roused up; to be stirred up from a dormant, torpid, or inactive state; to be active. 6. (v. t.) To rouse from sleep; to awake. 7. (v. t.) To put in motion or action; to arouse; to excite. 8. (v. t.) To bring to life again, as if from the sleep of death; to reanimate; to revive. 9. (v. t.) To watch, or sit up with, at night, as a dead body. 10. (n.) The act of waking, or being awaked; also, the state of being awake. 11. (n.) The state of forbearing sleep, especially for solemn or festive purposes; a vigil. 12. (n.) An annual parish festival formerly held in commemoration of the dedication of a church. Originally, prayers were said on the evening preceding, and hymns were sung during the night, in the church; subsequently, these vigils were discontinued, and the day itself, often with succeeding days, was occupied in rural pastimes and exercises, attended by eating and drinking, often to excess. 13. (n.) The sitting up of persons with a dead body, often attended with a degree of festivity, chiefly among the Irish. Greek 1127. gregoreo -- to be awake, to watch ... to watch NASB Word Usage alert (10), awake (1), keep (1), keep watch (4), keep watching (1), keeping alert (1), stay on the alert (1), stays awake (1), wake (2 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1127.htm - 7k 1326. diegeiro -- to arouse completely 1453. egeiro -- to waken, to raise up 1852. exupnizo -- to awaken out of sleep Strong's Hebrew 8245. shaqad -- to watch, wake... 8244, 8245. shaqad. 8246 . to watch, wake. Transliteration: shaqad Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-kad') Short Definition: watching. ... hasten, remain, wake, watch for ... /hebrew/8245.htm - 6k 5782. ur -- to rouse oneself, awake 6974. quts -- arise, be awake, watch 5410a. nathib -- path, pathway 3364. yaqats -- to awake Library Ere the Morn in Beauty Wake, Wake to the Songs that Lips Unsullied Sing, Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying Our Glad Jubilee. PM The Ten Commandments in Chinook. Enthusiasm. A Wise Minister Will be Successful. Diamond Managed with Many Blunders to Read this Rhyme to his ... Watchers, Let Your Lights be Burning, Morning Hymn Thesaurus Wake (34 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The track left by a vessel in the water; by extension, any track; as, the wake of an army. ...Wake (34 Occurrences). ... /w/wake.htm - 17k Lyre (32 Occurrences) Psaltery (17 Occurrences) Adjured (11 Occurrences) Dawn (70 Occurrences) Lute (13 Occurrences) Waked (13 Occurrences) Drunken (38 Occurrences) Command (442 Occurrences) Waits (21 Occurrences) Resources Is sleep paralysis the result of spiritual attack? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Deborah and Barak? | GotQuestions.org What is the witching hour, and is it in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Wake: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wake (34 Occurrences)Mark 4:38 Mark 5:41 Luke 7:14 John 11:11 Romans 13:11 1 Corinthians 15:34 Ephesians 5:14 1 Thessalonians 5:10 Revelation 3:2 Revelation 3:3 Judges 5:12 1 Samuel 26:12 Job 3:8 Job 41:32 Psalms 3:5 Psalms 35:23 Psalms 44:23 Psalms 57:8 Psalms 80:2 Psalms 108:2 Psalms 139:18 Proverbs 23:35 Song of Songs 2:7 Song of Songs 3:5 Song of Songs 8:4 Isaiah 15:5 Isaiah 26:19 Jeremiah 51:39 Jeremiah 51:57 Joel 1:5 Joel 3:9 Joel 3:12 Habakkuk 2:7 Habakkuk 2:19 Subtopics Related Terms |