### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **leípō**, represented by `{{G3007}}`, is a primary verb used to signify a failure or absence. Its base definition is to leave, or more passively, to be destitute, wanting, or to **lack**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, highlighting specific areas of need, both spiritual and material.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3007}}` identifies various kinds of deficiencies. It is used to describe a spiritual **lack** of wisdom, which believers are encouraged to ask God for [[James 1:5]]. It also points to material destitution, as when a brother or sister is **destitute** of daily food [[James 2:15]]. In an administrative sense, Paul uses the term when instructing Titus to "set in order the things that are **wanting**" in the churches in Crete [[Titus 1:5]]. Jesus uses it to confront the rich young ruler, telling him, "Yet **lackest** thou one thing" before instructing him to sell all he has [[Luke 18:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the concept of lacking and its remedy:
* `{{G2641}}` **kataleípō** (to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining): This related verb, sharing the `leípō` root, is used by Paul when he states he **left** Titus in Crete precisely to address the things that were wanting [[Titus 1:5]].
* `{{G154}}` **aitéō** (to ask): This word presents the direct solution for a spiritual lack. When one lacks wisdom, the instruction is to **ask** God, who gives liberally [[James 1:5]].
* `{{G3648}}` **holóklēros** (complete in every part, i.e. perfectly sound): This term describes the goal of spiritual maturity, a state where a believer is perfect and **entire**, wanting nothing [[James 1:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3007}}` is tied to the human condition and divine provision.
* **Identifies Need:** The word consistently points out a deficit, whether it is spiritual (lacking wisdom in [[James 1:5]]), organizational (lacking order in [[Titus 1:5]]), or physical (lacking food in [[James 2:15]]).
* **Prompts Divine Reliance:** The identification of a lack is not a cause for despair but a prompt to turn to God. In the case of lacking wisdom, the immediate context points to God who **giveth** to all men liberally [[James 1:5]].
* **The Goal of Completeness:** The concept of lacking is contrasted with the spiritual goal of being "perfect and **entire**, wanting nothing" [[James 1:4]], framing sanctification as a process of God filling what is absent in the believer.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3007}}` is a crucial term that defines a state of insufficiency. It moves beyond a simple definition of absence to diagnose specific spiritual, material, and organizational needs within the biblical narrative. In nearly every instance, the identification of something that is **wanting** serves as a direct call to action, pointing believers toward a reliance on God's provision and their responsibility to bring about completeness and order.
TRV