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αὐλίζομαι

aulízomai

G835 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To spend the night, especially to stay or lodge overnight in a specific location. The primary sense refers to remaining somewhere overnight, often in the context of travelers resting for a night, either in the open air or in an enclosure such as a courtyard or inn (less often in a household). In extended or metaphorical uses, it can denote continued presence or temporary residence.

Semantic Range

to spend the night, to lodge temporarily, to stay overnight, to rest (overnight) in an open or semi-sheltered location, to camp or be housed for a night

Root / Etymology

From the root αὐλ- (aul-, meaning 'enclosure, courtyard, fold'). The verb αὐλίζομαι is a denominative middle-passive from αὐλή ('courtyard', 'enclosure'), indicating to use or be in an enclosure overnight. Cognate with related compounds referring to lodging or staying in a specific space.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, αὐλίζομαι primarily referred to spending the night in a courtyard or an open space (αὐλή) as temporary shelter, especially for travelers or shepherds. The term carries little sense of formal hospitality; it often implies a transient or makeshift overnight stay. In the Koine period, including the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 21:17), it retains this nuance of overnighting outside formal living quarters, commonly nearby urban or built settings, or outdoors. Standard English translations ('abide', 'lodge', 'spend the night') sometimes obscure the original implication of temporary, often exposed, lodging, which may lack the protection of a house. In the Septuagint, the sense can occasionally extend to flocks or groups spending the night in an enclosure. The term contrasts with more general verbs for 'dwelling' like οἰκέω or μένω; αὐλίζομαι specifically relates to overnight presence, not permanent residence.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

middle voice from αὐλή; to pass the night (properly, in the open air):--abide, lodge.

Root Family

αὐλ- (épaulis) — enclosure, courtyard, dwelling

Root αὐλ- to stay, to spend the night, to lodge
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1886 ἔπαυλις rural homestead
G4259 προαύλιον forecourt
G832 αὐλέω being played on the aulos
G833 αὐλή in a courtyard
G834 αὐλητής flute-players

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G835-01 ηὐλίσθη eulisthe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG He lodged was lodged overnight was lodged overnight 1
G835-02 ηὐλίζετο eulizeto V IMPF MID IND 3P SG lodged was lodging himself overnight was lodging himself overnight 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G835-01 Matthew 21:17 ηὐλίσθη eulisthe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG He lodged was lodged overnight was lodged overnight
G835-02 Luke 21:37 ηὐλίζετο eulizeto V IMPF MID IND 3P SG lodged was lodging himself overnight was lodging himself overnight
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