σχολάζω
Be devoted/empty
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does σχολάζω (scholázō) mean in the Bible?
σχολάζω (scholázō) is a Greek word meaning "be devoted/empty". σχολάζω (σχολή), [in LXX: Exo. Highlights the danger of spiritual vacancy without Christ. This term runs through the canonical themes of Messiah.
Full entry for σχολάζω (G4980) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
To have leisure or opportunity for something; to be unoccupied and available for devotion.
(σχολή), [in LXX: Exo.5:8, 17, Psa.46:10 (רָפָה ni., hi.) * ;] to be at leisure, hence, to have time or opportunity for, to devote oneself to, be occupied in: 1Co.7:5; of things, to be unoccupied, empty (Plut., Eur., al.): οἶκος, Mat.12:44, Luk.11:25 (T [WH], R, om.).
Why This Word Matters
Highlights the danger of spiritual vacancy without Christ. Matthew 12:43–45
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 1×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 1×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 2 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain