from δέομαι; a petition:--prayer, request, supplication.
Transliteration:déēsis
Pronunciation:deh'-ay-sis
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word δέησις (déēsis, `{{G1162}}`) stems from the verb δέομαι (déomai, `{{G1189}}`), which signifies "to want," "to lack," "to need," or "to beg." Consequently, δέησις primarily denotes a "petition" or "supplication," a specific request born out of a sense of need or dependence. Unlike the more general term προσευχή (proseuchē, `{{G4335}}`) which refers to prayer as an act of devotion or communication with God, δέησις emphasizes the *content* of the prayer as a concrete request. It carries the nuance of earnestness, often implying a humble plea from one who acknowledges their insufficiency and reliance upon a higher power. It is not merely asking, but pleading with a sense of urgency or profound desire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Δέησις appears frequently in the New Testament, often alongside other terms for prayer, highlighting its specific function. In Philippians 4:6, believers are exhorted to make their "requests" (τὰς δεήσεις) known to God "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving." Here, δέησις clearly specifies the petitions themselves, distinct from the broader act of προσευχή. Similarly, Ephesians 6:18 calls for "all prayer and supplication" (πάσης προσευχῆς καὶ δεήσεως), indicating that δέησις is a particular *kind* of prayer, characterized by its supplicatory nature.
In Luke 1:13, the angel Gabriel assures Zechariah that his "prayer" (ἡ δέησίς σου) has been heard, referring to his long-standing petition for a child. This illustrates δέησις as a deeply personal and fervent appeal. Paul frequently uses δέησις to describe his earnest prayers for others, such as his "heart's desire and prayer" (ἡ μὲν γὰρ εὐδοκία τῆς καρδίας καὶ ἡ δέησις) for Israel's salvation in Romans 10:1, or his constant "supplications" (δεήσεις) for the Philippian church in Philippians 1:4. These instances underscore the intercessory aspect of δέησις.
Perhaps one of the most profound occurrences is in Hebrews 5:7, describing Christ's earthly life: "In the days of His flesh, He offered up prayers and supplications (δεήσεις) with loud cries and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence." This verse portrays Jesus Himself engaging in δέησις, demonstrating profound earnestness, humility, and dependence upon the Father even in His divine nature. This elevates δέησις beyond mere human need to a model of perfect filial submission.
### Related Words & Concepts
Δέησις is often found in close association with other Greek words related to prayer:
* Προσευχή (proseuchē, `{{G4335}}`): The most common and general term for prayer, encompassing worship, praise, and communion. Δέησις is a specific *form* or *component* of προσευχή, focusing on the act of petitioning.
* Ἔντευξις (enteuxis, `{{G1783}}`): Signifies "intercession" or "petition," often implying an approach to a person in authority on behalf of another. In 1 Timothy 2:1, δεήσεις (supplications), προσευχάς (prayers), ἐντεύξεις (intercessions), and εὐχαριστίας (thanksgivings) are listed together, showing δέησις as distinct yet complementary to intercession. While δέησις can be intercessory, ἔντευξις specifically highlights the act of approaching on behalf of another.
* Αἴτημα (aitēma, `{{G155}}`): A "request" or "demand," the thing asked for. While δέησις is the *act* of petitioning, αἴτημα is the *object* of the request. Philippians 4:6 uses both concepts: "make your requests (τὰ αἰτήματα) known to God by prayer and supplication (δεήσεως)."
* Ἱκετηρία (hiketeria, `{{G2428}}`): A "supplication" or "entreaty," specifically referring to the olive branch carried by a suppliant seeking mercy. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 5:7, paired with δεήσεις to emphasize the earnest, desperate nature of Christ's prayers.
The concept of humility and dependence is inherent in δέησις. It is an acknowledgment of one's own limitations and a turning to God as the ultimate source of provision and help.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δέησις is profound.
1. **Divine Accessibility:** It underscores the truth that God is not distant but accessible and attentive to the specific needs and cries of His people. The very act of δέησις affirms God's willingness to hear and respond.
2. **Human Dependence:** Δέησις highlights the fundamental human condition of dependence on God. It is an expression of faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty, power, and benevolence, recognizing that true help comes from Him alone.
3. **Earnestness in Prayer:** The term encourages believers to engage in prayer with sincerity, earnestness, and specific intent, rather than vague or perfunctory requests. It is a call to bring one's deepest needs and concerns before God.
4. **Christ as Model:** Jesus' own δεήσεις (Hebrews 5:7) provide the ultimate example for believers. His fervent, tearful prayers demonstrate perfect reliance on the Father, even in the face of immense suffering, validating the importance and efficacy of such earnest supplication.
5. **Foundation for Intercession:** The frequent use of δέησις in Paul's letters for the church and for Israel demonstrates its vital role in intercessory prayer. It calls believers to bear one another's burdens and to petition God specifically on behalf of others.
6. **God's Providence:** The concept of δέησις implies God's active involvement in the world and in the lives of individuals. It is a means by which believers participate in God's providential care, trusting that He works through their petitions.
### Summary
Δέησις (déēsis, `{{G1162}}`) is a crucial term in the New Testament, signifying a specific, earnest petition or supplication born out of a sense of need and dependence. Distinct from general prayer (προσευχή, `{{G4335}}`) and often paired with it, δέησις focuses on the content of the request, emphasizing a humble and often urgent appeal to God. It highlights God's accessibility and attentiveness to the specific cries of His people, while simultaneously affirming the believer's reliance upon Him. Exemplified by Christ's own fervent prayers, δέησις is an indispensable aspect of Christian prayer, fostering deep communion, intercession, and trust in God's responsive providence.
TRV