Déēsis (pronounced DEH-ay-sis, δέησις) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1162. The word Déēsis is derived from the verb δέομαι (deomai), which means “to beseech” or “to entreat.” Déēsis specifically refers to a “petition,” “entreaty,” or “prayer.” It often carries the sense of an earnest or urgent request, typically directed toward God, but it can also be used in secular contexts to indicate a plea or supplication made to a person of authority.

In its primary usage, Déēsis refers to a form of prayer characterized by earnest supplication, where the person praying is deeply seeking something from God. This term emphasizes the personal and heartfelt nature of the request, often reflecting a sense of need or desperation. Déēsis is frequently found in the New Testament in contexts where individuals are expressing their deepest desires, concerns, or needs to God, highlighting the relational aspect of prayer as a means of communication with the Divine.

Scripture References

1. Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication (δεήσει, déēsei) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” In this verse, Déēsis is used to emphasize the importance of bringing one’s needs before God through earnest prayer.
2. 1 Timothy 2:1: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications (δεήσεις, déēseis), prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” Here, Déēsis is listed among various forms of prayer, underscoring its significance in the life of believers.
3. James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer (δέησις, déēsis) of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” This verse highlights the effectiveness of earnest prayer, particularly when offered by a righteous person.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Déēsis is defined as “petition” or “supplication,” with a focus on its use in contexts where someone is making an earnest request, often directed toward God. BDAG notes that Déēsis is a specific form of prayer that emphasizes the urgency and heartfelt nature of the request. The lexicon also highlights that Déēsis is often used alongside other words for prayer, indicating its importance in a comprehensive prayer life.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Déēsis as “a request” or “supplication,” particularly in the context of prayer. Thayer’s emphasizes that Déēsis is not just any kind of prayer, but one that is characterized by a deep sense of need and urgency. The lexicon points out that Déēsis is often used in situations where the individual praying is in a state of distress or facing significant challenges, thus making their supplication to God more intense and fervent.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for Déēsis, noting that the term was used in both religious and secular settings in classical Greek literature. Déēsis could refer to any earnest request, whether made to a deity, a ruler, or another person in a position of authority. LSJ highlights that the term was often associated with formal petitions or requests, reflecting its importance in both private and public communication.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Déēsis as “prayer,” “petition,” or “supplication,” emphasizing its role in expressing deep needs or desires, typically directed toward God. The concordance notes that Déēsis is a form of prayer that is particularly associated with earnestness and intensity, often used in the New Testament to describe the prayers of individuals who are seeking God’s intervention in their lives.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Déēsis appears in various classical Greek texts, often in the context of petitions or requests made to gods, rulers, or other authority figures.

1. Homer in “The Iliad” uses Déēsis to describe the entreaties made by characters to the gods, often in the context of seeking favor or intervention in human affairs. These supplications highlight the relationship between mortals and the divine, where earnest prayer is seen as a means of gaining divine assistance.
2. Sophocles in his tragedies often employs Déēsis in the dialogue of characters who are pleading with the gods or other characters for help or mercy. The use of Déēsis in these contexts emphasizes the intensity of the characters’ emotions and the seriousness of their requests.
3. Xenophon in his works, such as “Anabasis,” uses Déēsis to describe formal petitions made to leaders or deities, reflecting the importance of such requests in both military and political settings. The term underscores the gravity of the situation and the earnestness of those making the plea.

Summary

Déēsis (pronounced DEH-ay-sis, δέησις) is a Greek noun meaning “petition,” “entreaty,” or “supplication,” derived from the verb δέομαι (deomai), which means “to beseech” or “to entreat.” The term is commonly used in the New Testament to refer to a specific form of prayer characterized by earnestness and urgency, where individuals bring their deep needs or desires before God. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the importance of Déēsis in both religious and secular contexts, noting its use in situations that require heartfelt or intense requests. In classical Greek literature, Déēsis is frequently associated with formal petitions made to gods or rulers, reflecting its significance in both private and public life. The word Déēsis highlights the relational aspect of prayer, where individuals seek divine or authoritative intervention through sincere and fervent supplication.