from ἐπί and potheo (to yearn); to dote upon, i.e. intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully):--(earnestly) desire (greatly), (greatly) long (after), lust.
Transliteration:epipothéō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-poth-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1971 (epipothéō) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and the verb ποθέω (potheo, `{{G4308}}`), which signifies "to long for" or "to yearn." The prefix ἐπί serves as an intensifier, elevating the base meaning of longing to an earnest, intense, or even passionate desire. The core meaning thus conveys a deep, heartfelt craving or an ardent aspiration. While the base definition provided suggests the possibility of "lawfully or wrongfully" craving, the overwhelming majority of its occurrences in the New Testament depict a positive, righteous, or at least neutral and understandable longing. It describes a fervent yearning that can be directed towards spiritual realities, persons, or experiences, often characterized by a strong emotional component. Unlike some other terms for desire, G1971 typically carries a connotation of wholesome or divinely inspired longing, rather than illicit craving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1971 appears seven times in the New Testament, consistently conveying an intense and earnest desire:
* **Romans 1:11**: Paul expresses his strong desire (ἐπιποθῶ) to see the believers in Rome, so that he might impart some spiritual gift to them. This highlights a pastoral longing for fellowship and mutual edification.
* **2 Corinthians 5:2**: Here, believers are depicted as groaning, earnestly longing (ἐπιποθοῦντες) to be clothed with their heavenly dwelling. This signifies a profound eschatological yearning for their glorified state and liberation from the limitations of the earthly body.
* **2 Corinthians 9:14**: Paul speaks of the Corinthians' earnest longing (ἐπιποθοῦντες) for the believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating a reciprocal affection and spiritual bond within the wider Christian community. This longing is rooted in God's grace bestowed upon the Corinthians.
* **Philippians 1:8**: Paul declares his intense longing (ἐπιποθῶ) for all the Philippian believers, expressing it "in the bowels of Jesus Christ." This vivid imagery conveys a deep, compassionate, and Christ-like affection, emphasizing the depth of his pastoral love for them.
* **2 Timothy 1:4**: Paul recalls his longing (ἐπιποθῶν) to see Timothy again, having remembered his tears. This is a personal, affectionate longing for a beloved spiritual son and co-worker.
* **James 4:5**: A profound and often debated verse, it states that "the Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously" (ἐπιποθεῖ). This portrays the Holy Spirit's intense, zealous desire for the exclusive devotion of believers, rejecting spiritual adultery and worldliness. It speaks to a divine, righteous jealousy for His people.
* **1 Peter 2:2**: New believers are exhorted to long for (ἐπιποθήσατε) the pure spiritual milk, like newborn infants. This illustrates a necessary and healthy spiritual appetite for God's word, essential for growth in salvation.
Across these contexts, G1971 consistently denotes a deep, sincere, and often spiritual longing, whether for fellowship, divine realities, or spiritual nourishment. It is an active, not passive, desire.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ποθέω (potheo, `{{G4308}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to long for" or "to yearn." G1971 intensifies this basic longing.
* **ἐπιθυμία (epithymia, `{{G1939}}`)**: This word also means "desire," but its semantic range is broader and often carries a negative connotation of "lust" or "craving" when referring to sinful desires (e.g., [[Matthew 5:28]], [[Romans 7:7]]). While it can be used positively (e.g., [[Luke 22:15]]), G1971 more consistently describes a righteous or beneficial longing. The distinction often lies in the *nature* of the object desired and the *moral quality* of the desire itself. G1971 emphasizes the *intensity* of the longing, usually in a positive sense.
* **ζηλόω (zēloō, `{{G2206}}`)**: "To be zealous," "to envy." This is particularly relevant to [[James 4:5]], where the Spirit's ἐπιποθεῖ is linked to a divine jealousy. While human jealousy can be sinful, divine jealousy is a righteous attribute, reflecting God's exclusive claim on His people's devotion.
* **Spiritual Hunger/Thirst**: The concept of G1971 in [[1 Peter 2:2]] aligns with the broader biblical theme of spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness and God's word (e.g., [[Matthew 5:6]]).
* **Affections/Love**: In Paul's letters, G1971 is closely tied to his deep affection and love for the churches and individuals he served, demonstrating a genuine pastoral heart.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of G1971 in the New Testament unveils several significant theological insights:
1. **The Nature of Righteous Desire**: It reveals that not all desire is sinful. There is a profound, God-given capacity for intense, righteous longing. This includes longing for spiritual growth, for fellowship with other believers, for the return of Christ, and for the full realization of God's kingdom. Such desires are marks of spiritual vitality and maturity.
2. **Divine Yearning**: [[James 4:5]] is a powerful testament to the Holy Spirit's own passionate and jealous yearning for His people. This underscores God's deep commitment to His covenant relationship with believers, desiring their undivided devotion and rejecting any spiritual compromise. It is a holy jealousy born of love.
3. **Pastoral Heart**: Paul's repeated use of G1971 showcases the ideal pastoral heart – one filled with earnest longing for the spiritual well-being, growth, and fellowship of those under his care. This models a Christ-like compassion and commitment to the church.
4. **Spiritual Growth**: The exhortation in [[1 Peter 2:2]] highlights that an earnest longing for God's Word is foundational for spiritual development. Just as physical infants instinctively crave milk, spiritual infants should instinctively crave the nourishment that leads to salvation and maturity.
5. **Eschatological Hope**: The longing for a heavenly dwelling in [[2 Corinthians 5:2]] points to the believer's profound hope in future glory and resurrection. This desire is not an escapist wish but a Spirit-inspired anticipation of the full redemption of body and soul.
### Summary
G1971 (epipothéō) denotes an intense, earnest, and often righteous longing or craving. It is a compound word that amplifies the basic meaning of "to yearn," emphasizing the depth and sincerity of the desire. In its New Testament occurrences, it consistently describes positive spiritual appetites: Paul's fervent pastoral desire for fellowship and spiritual impartation, the believer's deep yearning for their heavenly state, the Holy Spirit's jealous longing for His people's exclusive devotion, and the new believer's essential craving for spiritual nourishment from God's Word. This word illuminates the nature of godly affections, the Holy Spirit's passionate love for His own, and the vital components of a vibrant spiritual life rooted in earnest desire for divine realities and genuine fellowship.
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