from ἐπί and potheo (to yearn); to dote upon, i.e. intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully):--(earnestly) desire (greatly), (greatly) long (after), lust.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epipothéō**, represented by `{{G1971}}`, is defined as to dote upon, to intensely crave possession, lawfully or wrongfully. It is a powerful term that conveys a great longing or earnest desire. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating a specific and potent application of the concept of yearning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1971}}` is frequently used to express deep relational affection and spiritual desire. The Apostle Paul uses it to convey his intense longing to see fellow believers, such as the church in Rome [[Romans 1:11]] and Timothy [[2 Timothy 1:4]]. This longing is not merely a casual wish but a deep-seated craving for fellowship, as when he states he longs after the Philippians "in the bowels of Jesus Christ" [[Philippians 1:8]]. The term also describes a spiritual craving, such as the desire of newborn babes for the "sincere milk of the word" [[1 Peter 2:2]] or the believer's groaning and "earnestly desiring" a heavenly dwelling [[2 Corinthians 5:2]]. In a negative context, it is used to describe how the spirit within can "lusteth to envy" [[James 4:5]], showing its capacity to represent wrongful craving.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the intense desire of `{{G1971}}`:
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (properly, to see): This word is often linked to the object of the longing. Paul's desire is frequently "to see" the believers, underscoring a personal and tangible connection ([[Romans 1:11]], [[1 Thessalonians 3:6]], [[2 Timothy 1:4]]).
* `{{G4137}}` **plēróō** (to make replete...satisfy...fulfil): This term describes the outcome of the fulfilled longing. Paul greatly desires to see Timothy so that he "may be filled with joy" [[2 Timothy 1:4]], connecting the craving to a state of completion and satisfaction.
* `{{G4727}}` **stenázō** (to...sigh, murmur, groan): This expresses the internal anguish that can accompany the deep desire. In [[2 Corinthians 5:2]], believers "groan, earnestly desiring" to be clothed with their heavenly home, showing that the longing is a profound, soul-level experience.
* `{{G85}}` **adēmonéō** (to be in distress (of mind)...be full of heaviness): This illustrates the emotional weight associated with the longing. In [[Philippians 2:26]], a believer who "longed after" the church was also "full of heaviness" because they were worried about him, linking the desire to a deep, empathetic concern.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1971}}` is significant, highlighting the nature of godly and ungodly desires.
* **Koinonia and Fellowship:** The word establishes a high standard for Christian fellowship. It is not a passive connection but an active, heartfelt "longing after" one another, rooted in mutual faith and love ([[Philippians 1:8]], [[2 Corinthians 9:14]]).
* **Spiritual Hunger:** `{{G1971}}` describes the proper orientation of the believer's heart toward God's provision. We are to "desire" the Word like a baby desires milk [[1 Peter 2:2]] and yearn for our ultimate redemption and heavenly dwelling [[2 Corinthians 5:2]].
* **The Nature of Sinful Desire:** The use of `{{G1971}}` in [[James 4:5]] serves as a critical warning. The same intensity of desire that can be directed toward God can be corrupted into a "lusteth to envy," showing that our powerful capacity for craving must be submitted to God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1971}}` is a term of profound intensity, capturing a spectrum of craving from the holy to the profane. It moves beyond simple wanting to describe an earnest, deep-seated yearning. Whether expressing the Apostle Paul's passionate desire for fellowship with the saints, the believer's hunger for spiritual truth, or the spirit's sinful lust toward envy, **epipothéō** illustrates the powerful nature of the heart's longing.
TRV