### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **déomai**, represented by `{{G1189}}`, signifies a deep and personal petition. It is defined as to beg, beseech, or make request, as if binding oneself to the appeal. It appears **22 times** across **22 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently conveying a sense of urgent and earnest supplication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1189}}` is used to express petitions directed toward both God and man. It describes the prayer of the disciples to the "Lord of the harvest" to send more laborers [[Luke 10:2]]. It characterizes the personal, desperate pleas for mercy and healing made to Jesus, as when a man full of leprosy **besought** him to be made clean [[Luke 5:12]] or when a demon-possessed man **beseech** him not to be tormented [[Luke 8:28]]. The word also depicts fervent appeals between people, such as Paul beseeching a Roman official for permission to speak [[Acts 21:39]] or the believers **praying** the apostles to accept a gift [[2 Corinthians 8:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the posture and nature of petition:
* `{{G3870}}` **parakaléō** (to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)): This term, also translated as "beseech," is used for earnest appeals and exhortations, such as Paul's plea to the believers in Rome to present their bodies as a living sacrifice [[Romans 12:1]].
* `{{G3874}}` **paráklēsis** (imploration, hortation, solace): Often used alongside `{{G1189}}`, this word denotes the "intreaty" or the appeal itself, as seen when the Corinthians urged the apostles with much **intreaty** to receive their gift [[2 Corinthians 8:4]].
* `{{G4363}}` **prospíptō** (to fall towards, i.e. (gently) prostrate oneself (in supplication or homage)): This describes the physical act of falling down before someone, a posture that often accompanies an urgent request made with `{{G1189}}`, as when the man with demons **fell down before** Jesus and besought Him [[Luke 8:28]].
* `{{G5399}}` **phobéō** (to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere): The act of prayer is directed at a revered authority. Cornelius, a man who **prayed** to God always, is also described as one that **feared** God [[Acts 10:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1189}}` is demonstrated in its application to core spiritual disciplines and truths.
* **Urgent Supplication in Need:** `{{G1189}}` is frequently used in moments of desperation, highlighting a complete dependence on divine power for what one cannot do themselves. This is seen when a father **besought** Jesus for his only son after the disciples failed to help [[Luke 9:40]].
* **Intercessory Prayer:** The term underscores the importance of praying for others. Jesus himself **prayed** for Peter that his faith would not fail [[Luke 22:32]], and Paul speaks of "night and day **praying** exceedingly" for the believers in Thessalonica [[1 Thessalonians 3:10]].
* **Foundation for Kingdom Work:** This specific kind of prayer is presented as a prerequisite for advancing God's mission. Both Matthew and Luke record the command to **pray** to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers [[Matthew 9:38]]. It is also linked with repentance as a required response to wickedness [[Acts 8:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1189}}` is not a word for casual requests. It captures the essence of a heartfelt and often desperate petition. From the cry for deliverance to the strategic prayer for the advancement of the church, **déomai** illustrates a posture of humble dependence. It shows individuals and communities turning to a higher authority—whether God, Christ, or a human leader—to beg for intervention, mercy, and provision that is beyond their own capacity to achieve.
TRV