### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δίψος (dipsos, `{{G1373}}`) denotes "thirst," referring primarily to the physical sensation and physiological need for water. Its base definition notes an "uncertain affinity," meaning its etymological roots are not clearly linked to other common word families. Despite this, its semantic range is straightforwardly tied to the literal experience of dehydration. While the noun itself is consistently literal in its biblical usage, the broader concept of "thirst" in Scripture often extends metaphorically to spiritual longing, intense desire, or a deep need for divine satisfaction. The literal sense of δίψος thus grounds these more profound theological applications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun δίψος (dipsos, `{{G1373}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians:
* [[2 Corinthians 11:27]]: "in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and δίψος (dipsos), in frequent fastings, in cold and exposure."
In this solitary occurrence, δίψος is embedded within a comprehensive list of physical deprivations and sufferings endured by the Apostle Paul in the course of his ministry. The context is unequivocally literal, describing the severe physical hardships—lack of food and water—that characterized his apostolic life. It serves to underscore the authentic and demanding nature of his service to Christ, contrasting sharply with the ease and comfort sought by false apostles. This verse portrays δίψος as a tangible manifestation of the cost of discipleship and faithful proclamation of the gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to δίψος (dipsos, `{{G1373}}`) is its verbal counterpart, διψάω (dipsao, `{{G1372}}`), "to thirst." While δίψος is rare and literal, διψάω is much more frequent and carries significant metaphorical weight in the New Testament. For instance, Jesus speaks of those who "thirst" for righteousness ([[Matthew 5:6]]) or invites those who "thirst" to come to Him for living water ([[John 7:37]]). Other related concepts include ὕδωρ (hydor, `{{G5204}}`), "water," which is the object of thirst, and πίνω (pino, `{{G4095}}`), "to drink," the act that satisfies thirst. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent for "thirst" is צָמָא (tsama, `{{H6772}}`), which similarly denotes both physical thirst (e.g., [[Psalm 107:5]]) and spiritual longing for God ([[Psalm 42:2]]). The concept of thirst is often linked to the wilderness experience of Israel, where God provided water in their δίψος ([[Exodus 17:3]]).
### Theological Significance
Although δίψος (dipsos, `{{G1373}}`) itself is used literally in [[2 Corinthians 11:27]], its presence in Paul's catalog of suffering contributes to a broader theological understanding of apostolic endurance and identification with Christ. Paul's experience of δίψος highlights the very real physical cost of ministry and serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment despite extreme hardship. Theologically, the concept of thirst in Scripture is profoundly rich. It points to:
1. **Human Vulnerability and Need:** δίψος underscores humanity's fundamental dependence on external provision, both physical and spiritual.
2. **Suffering and Identification with Christ:** Jesus Himself experienced δίψος on the cross ([[John 19:28]]), fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His full humanity and identification with human suffering. Paul's δίψος aligns him with his suffering Lord.
3. **Spiritual Longing and Divine Provision:** More broadly, the biblical motif of thirst (often through διψάω) symbolizes a deep spiritual yearning for God, righteousness, and truth, which only Christ, the "living water," can satisfy ([[John 4:14]]).
4. **Eschatological Fulfillment:** The ultimate theological significance of thirst is its promised eradication in the new heavens and new earth, where the redeemed "shall hunger no more, neither δίψος (dipsos) anymore" ([[Revelation 7:16]]), and God will give "to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life without payment" ([[Revelation 21:6]]). This signifies the complete and eternal satisfaction of all human needs in God's presence.
### Summary
The Greek noun δίψος (dipsos, `{{G1373}}`) refers to physical "thirst." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[2 Corinthians 11:27]] describes one of the literal, severe physical deprivations endured by the Apostle Paul for the sake of the gospel. While δίψος itself is literal, it is intrinsically linked to the more frequently used verb διψάω (dipsao, `{{G1372}}`), which often carries profound metaphorical meaning, symbolizing spiritual longing and the human need for divine satisfaction. The concept of thirst in Scripture thus encompasses both the harsh realities of physical suffering and the deep spiritual yearning that finds its ultimate fulfillment and cessation in God's eternal provision and presence.
TRV