Brief Overview of δέομαι (G1189: déomai)

Déomai (pronounced DEH-o-my) is a Greek verb that means “to beg,” “to beseech,” or “to pray earnestly.” The word is often used in contexts where someone is making an urgent or fervent request, whether directed toward another person or toward God. Déomai is derived from the root word δέω (déō), which means “to bind” or “to tie,” and by extension, it conveys the idea of being bound or tied by a need, leading to the action of imploring or beseeching.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: δέω (déō), meaning “to bind” or “to tie.”
• Part of Speech: Verb.

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Primary Meanings:

• To Beseech: The primary meaning of δέομαι is “to beseech” or “to beg earnestly,” often implying a strong sense of urgency or desperation.
• To Pray Earnestly: In a religious context, it is used to describe the act of praying earnestly or fervently, especially when making a request of God.
• To Make a Supplication: It also carries the connotation of making a supplication or entreaty, particularly in situations where the speaker feels a strong need or dependence.

Scripture References

1. Luke 5:12: “And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought (δέομαι, déomai) him, saying, ‘Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.'”

• Transliteration: déomai

1. Acts 8:24: “Then answered Simon, and said, ‘Pray (δέομαι, déomai) ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.'”

• Transliteration: déomai

1. 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech (δέομαι, déomai) you by us: we pray (δέομαι, déomai) you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

• Transliteration: déomai

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) defines δέομαι as “to ask, request, beg, or pray.” BDAG highlights that the word is used primarily in contexts where the speaker is making an earnest request, often with a sense of urgency or deep emotional involvement. In religious contexts, δέομαι is often used in prayers or supplications to God, reflecting a posture of humility and dependency.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes δέομαι as “to want, to need, to make supplication, or to ask earnestly.” Thayer’s emphasizes that the verb is often used in situations where the requester is in a position of need or desperation, leading them to seek help or intervention, whether from another person or from God.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary supports this understanding, noting that δέομαι is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the act of beseeching or praying. Vine’s underscores the intensity of the request, indicating that it is not merely a casual asking, but a heartfelt, urgent plea.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a concise definition of δέομαι as “to beg” or “to ask,” focusing on its application in making urgent requests or prayers.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer’s “Iliad”: In this epic, the concept of beseeching or pleading is common, especially in the context of warriors asking for favors from gods or fellow warriors. Although δέομαι is not explicitly mentioned, similar terms reflect the same intense pleading or supplication.
2. Plato’s “Republic”: In his dialogues, Plato explores themes of justice and moral behavior, where characters often make supplications or requests to others. The idea of earnest pleading, as captured by δέομαι, aligns with these philosophical discussions.
3. Sophocles’ “Antigone”: The theme of supplication appears in this tragedy, where characters often plead for mercy or justice. The concept of δέομαι is reflected in the intense emotional appeals made by the characters, even though the exact term is not used.

Summary

Déomai (G1189) is a Greek verb meaning “to beseech,” “to beg,” or “to pray earnestly.” Derived from δέω (déō), meaning “to bind” or “to tie,” δέομαι conveys a deep sense of need or urgency, leading to the action of making an earnest request or supplication. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe fervent prayers or pleas, reflecting a posture of humility and dependency. While the term also appears in classical Greek literature in similar contexts of pleading or supplication, δέομαι is particularly significant in its use in religious contexts, where it underscores the intensity and earnestness of the supplicant’s request.