Introduction
Understanding Greek words used in the New Testament is vital for Biblical studies as it allows readers to grasp the original context and deeper meanings of scripture. The Greek verb ἐπαιτέω (epaiteō) is particularly significant as it conveys the act of “begging” or “asking for something.” This word appears in contexts related to poverty, humility, and dependence, making it relevant not only for interpreting specific biblical passages but also for understanding the social and cultural dynamics of ancient Greek and early Christian societies.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπαιτέω, transliterated as epaiteō [eh-pah-EE-teh-oh].
- Etymology: Derived from ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon” or “on”) and αἰτέω (aiteō, meaning “to ask” or “to beg”).
- Part of Speech: Verb; used in both active and middle voices.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
Join the coffee club to enjoy an ad-free experience and add your voice to this discussion.
- To beg or request earnestly.
- To ask for something urgently, often as a supplicant.
- To request or petition, typically in a humble or dependent manner.
Similar Words: αἰτέω (aiteō) [eh-EE-teh-oh] means “to ask” or “to request” and is used more broadly, including polite requests and prayers. δέομαι (deomai) [DEH-oh-my] means “to beg” or “to plead” and often carries a sense of deep emotional appeal or supplication.
Further Insights: ἐπαιτέω is a regular verb in Greek, primarily used in contexts involving a lower social or economic status or a state of need. Below is a simplified declension chart showing the present and aorist forms:
| Tense/Voice | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Present Active | ἐπαιτῶ (epaitō) | ἐπαιτῶμεν (epaitōmen) |
| Aorist Active | ἐπήτησα (epētēsa) | ἐπητήσαμεν (epētēsamen) |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek to learn more about Greek grammar, including verb conjugations.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Describes ἐπαιτέω as “to ask or beg for something” and highlights its use in contexts where the person asking is in a lower social position or in need.
Thayers: Defines ἐπαιτέω as “to beg” or “to request earnestly,” with an emphasis on the urgency or dependency of the petitioner.
Vines: Discusses ἐπαιτέω in relation to its root word αἰτέω (aiteō), pointing out that while αἰτέω covers a broader spectrum of asking, ἐπαιτέω focuses on begging or making earnest requests, usually in a state of need.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon lists ἐπαιτέω as “to beg” and provides examples from classical literature where it is used to describe individuals asking for alms or charity.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies ἐπαιτέω as a verb meaning “to beg,” derived from the combination of “upon” and “to ask,” and emphasizes its use in situations where someone is appealing for help or support.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 16:3: “The steward said within himself, What shall I do? For my lord takes away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg (ἐπαιτεῖν) I am ashamed.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word in Parentheses |
|---|---|---|
| Aristophanes | Plutus | “He would beg (ἐπαιτεῖν) from door to door.” |
| Plato | Laws | “No man should beg (ἐπαιτεῖν) without a good reason.” |
| Xenophon | Memorabilia | “He taught that one should not be ashamed to beg (ἐπαιτεῖν) if in need.” |
| Septuagint Example | Proverbs | “Give not to those who beg (ἐπαιτοῦντας) for their wantonness.” |
| Septuagint Example | Psalms | “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging (ἐπαιτοῦντα) bread.” |
| Septuagint Example | Sirach | “Do not despise a poor man who begs (ἐπαιτεῖν), nor look down on a man in his distress.” |
Summary of ἐπαιτέω (G1871: Epaiteō)
The Greek verb ἐπαιτέω (epaiteō) carries the sense of begging or making earnest requests and is often associated with a state of humility or need. It is particularly significant in both New Testament passages and classical literature, highlighting the social dynamics of the ancient world. Understanding this word helps us grasp the dependence, humility, and societal expectations surrounding those who beg or ask earnestly.
Did You Know?
Did you know that in the ancient Greek world, begging was often seen not just as a sign of poverty but as a social role with its own set of expectations and norms? To beg, or ἐπαιτέω, could involve a range of social interactions, from requesting alms to petitioning patrons or even gods, reflecting the interconnectedness of social and economic life in ancient times.
This page is made possible by the generosity of coffee club members. Your support keeps spiritual truth free and ad-free for all seekers of wisdom. Thank you and I would like to pray this blessing on you.
