This verb describes being at rest, unemployed, or inactive—ceasing from work or remaining idle. Classical usage includes land lying fallow, workers being unemployed, or senses being at rest (eyes closed in sleep). It can suggest both neutral inactivity and culpable idleness. The Septuagint uses it for keeping Sabbath rest. Peter employs it in his second letter to assure believers that certain spiritual qualities will keep them from being 'ineffective or unfruitful' in their knowledge of Christ—active virtues prevent spiritual idleness.