Meaning of the word "κοίμησις" (dormition) in church tradition

This article is aimed at analyzing the different meanings of the Greek word κοίμησις found in dictionaries, the Bible and in Patristic literature. Particular attention is given to the words which the Savior addressed to Lazarus, where Jesus Christ says: “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep (κεκοίμηται)” (John 11:11). The Apostles thought that their Holy Teacher talks about an ordinary sleep and therefore they answered to him: “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover (εἰ κεκοίμηται σωθήσεται)” (John 11:12). Apparently, the term κοίμησις, used by the Savior to mark the death of Lazarus, was perceived as a mere sleep and not as a death. Therefore, when Christ points to the death of Lazarus for the second time He uses the word ἀπέθανεν (from the verb ἀποθνῄσκω - to die, to perish), more familiar to the Apostles: “Lazarus has died (ἀπέθανεν)” (John 11:14). Jesus Christ knew that Lazarus’ state would change form death to life. Notably, he would experience resurrection and return to his former earthly life. In the given context κεκοίμηται contains a mystical prophecy about the soon to come awakening and resurrection of Lazarus.