Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential for deepening one’s study of the Bible. The Greek word ὁμείρομαι (homeíromai) carries with it layers of meaning that are important for interpreting New Testament texts and comprehending the nuances of ancient Greek culture. As a term that is often associated with a deep longing or yearning, ὁμείρομαι opens up a world of emotional and spiritual insights, reflecting the language’s capacity to capture complex human experiences and desires.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ὁμείρομαι, transliterated as homeíromai [ho-MAY-roh-my].
- Etymology: Derived from the root ὁμέρομαι (homéromai), which means “to long for” or “yearn for,” often used in contexts of deep emotional desire.
- Part of Speech: Verb (middle/passive voice in form).
- Grammatical Details: It is primarily found in the present middle/passive voice, reflecting an ongoing or continuous action of yearning or desiring.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To long for or yearn after.
- To have a deep desire or craving for something or someone.
- To be moved by an intense feeling of affection or desire.
Similar Words: ποθεῖν (potheîn) [po-THAY-in], which also means “to long for” or “to desire.” While ὁμείρομαι emphasizes a continuous or abiding state of yearning, ποθεῖν can refer to a more immediate or specific desire or wish.
Further Insights: ὁμείρομαι is a verb that occurs in the middle/passive form, reflecting the subject’s involvement in the action, often implying a personal or emotional state. Below is a partial conjugation table for ὁμείρομαι in the present indicative:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | ὁμείρομαι (I long) | ὁμειρόμεθα (we long) |
| 2nd | ὁμείρῃ (you long) | ὁμείρεσθε (you all long) |
| 3rd | ὁμείρεται (he/she longs) | ὁμείρονται (they long) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ὁμείρομαι as “to long for” or “to yearn for,” especially in contexts where emotional intensity is involved. It often connotes a sense of deep affection or desire that persists over time.
Thayers: Describes ὁμείρομαι as “to desire strongly,” indicating a continuous state of yearning that impacts one’s thoughts and feelings. Thayers highlights its use in literary and poetic contexts, where it often conveys a deep emotional attachment or longing.
Vines: Discusses ὁμείρομαι in relation to other Greek words for desire and longing, noting its particular emphasis on a sustained, heartfelt yearning. It is often contrasted with more immediate or fleeting desires.
LSJ: The Liddell, Scott, Jones Lexicon notes ὁμείρομαι as “to yearn for” or “to be desirous of,” frequently appearing in Greek poetry and literature. LSJ emphasizes its evocative nature, describing states of mind that are deeply emotional and reflective.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ὁμείρομαι (G2442) as “to yearn,” noting its middle/passive voice and its application in contexts involving deep affection or emotional longing.
Related Scripture References
- 2 Timothy 1:4: “Greatly desiring [ὁμείρομαι] to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He longed (ὁμείρετο) for his homeland and family after the long war.” |
| Euripides | Medea | “Medea yearned (ὁμείρετο) for her lost children, filled with regret and sorrow.” |
| Septuagint | Psalms 84:2 | “My soul longs (ὁμείρεται) for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.” |
Summary of ὁμείρομαι (G2442)
The Greek word ὁμείρομαι (homeíromai) is a verb that captures the essence of longing and yearning. It is found in the middle/passive voice, often indicating a continuous state of emotional desire. This word provides a window into the depth of human emotion expressed in the New Testament and classical Greek literature. Understanding ὁμείρομαι is crucial for grasping the rich emotional landscape of biblical texts and appreciating the nuanced language of ancient Greek.
Did You Know?
- The word ὁμείρομαι is often associated with poetic expressions of longing, reflecting both personal and communal desires.
- It can be used to describe not just human emotions but also a deep spiritual yearning, as seen in Psalms 84:2 in the Septuagint.
- The middle voice of ὁμείρομαι adds a reflexive dimension to the verb, suggesting that the subject is both the source and the recipient of the longing.
Understanding ὁμείρομαι deepens our appreciation for the emotional and spiritual expressions found in ancient Greek and biblical texts, offering a rich vocabulary for discussing the complexities of human and divine relationships.
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