Pronunciation Guide: ah-ee’-tay-mah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G155: αἴτημα (aitēma) refers to a specific request, petition, or thing asked for. It emphasizes the concrete nature of what is being requested rather than the act of asking itself. This noun form captures both the formal and personal aspects of making requests, whether to God or to human authorities.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)
• Root Word: αἰτέω (aiteō, “to ask, request”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative and epistolary literature
• Literary Context: Often appears in contexts of prayer and formal petitions

αἴτημα Morphology:

• αἴτημα (nominative singular) – a request
• αἰτήματος (genitive singular) – of a request
• αἰτήματι (dative singular) – to/with a request
• αἰτήματα (nominative/accusative plural) – requests

Origin & History

The word αἴτημα emerged from classical Greek administrative and legal contexts, where it denoted formal petitions to authorities. Plato uses it in “Republic” when discussing citizens’ requests to their rulers, emphasizing the formal nature of such appeals.

In Hellenistic Greek, the word evolved to encompass both official requests and personal petitions, as evidenced in numerous papyri discoveries from Egypt where citizens made αἰτήματα to government officials for various needs and rights.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A formal request or petition made to an authority
• The specific thing being asked for or requested
• A prayer request directed to God
• An official appeal or formal application

αἴτημα Translation Options:

• “Request” – Best captures both formal and informal contexts
• “Petition” – Emphasizes the official or legal aspect
• “Appeal” – Highlights the earnest nature of the request
• “Thing asked for” – Stresses the concrete nature of what is requested

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, αἴτημα appears primarily in contexts of prayer and supplication to God, though it also describes requests made to human authorities. Its first appearance in Luke 23:24 is particularly significant, where Pilate grants the request of the crowd, showcasing the word’s usage in both political and spiritual spheres.

The word carries special weight in the epistles, where it often relates to believers’ prayers and petitions to God. This usage emphasizes both the privilege and responsibility of bringing specific requests before the throne of grace.

• “Luke 23:24 – And Pilate gave sentence that their request [αἴτημα] should be granted.”
• “Philippians 4:6 – But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests [αἰτήματα] be made known unto God.”
• “1 John 5:15 – And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests [αἰτήματα] which we have asked from Him.”

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, the process of making requests (αἰτήματα) to authorities followed strict protocols. Petitioners would often approach rulers or officials with written documents stating their requests, accompanied by proper forms of address and respect. This cultural practice illuminates the New Testament’s use of αἴτημα in both prayer contexts and human interactions.

The formal nature of αἴτημα in ancient culture also carried implications of accountability – once a request was formally made, it became a matter of public record. This helps us understand why the New Testament authors chose this specific term when discussing prayer, suggesting our requests to God are serious, documented appeals that He faithfully considers.

Theological Significance

The use of αἴτημα in Scripture reveals profound truths about prayer and our relationship with God. Unlike casual or vague wishes, αἴτημα implies specific, thoughtful requests brought before the throne of grace. This specificity encourages believers to approach God with clear, faithful petitions, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty.

The word’s appearance in contexts of both divine and human authority highlights the unique position of believers who can bring their requests directly to the King of kings. While maintaining proper reverence, we have the privilege of approaching God with our αἰτήματα through the Messiah Jesus, our great High Priest.

This term also emphasizes God’s personal attention to our specific needs. When we make our αἰτήματα known to Him, we’re not merely speaking into the void but presenting concrete requests to a loving Father who hears and responds according to His perfect will.

Personal Application

Understanding αἴτημα should transform our prayer life. Rather than approaching prayer with vague generalities, we’re encouraged to bring specific, thoughtful requests to God. This doesn’t mean demanding our will be done, but rather presenting our needs and desires while trusting in His sovereign wisdom.

This word also challenges us to maintain a proper balance of reverence and confidence in prayer. Like citizens approaching a king with formal petitions, we come before God with respect and humility, yet with the boldness granted to us as His children through the Messiah Jesus.

Related Words

• δέησις (deēsis) – supplication, prayer arising from need – differs from αἴτημα by focusing on the act of entreating rather than the request itself See G1162
• προσευχή (proseuchē) – prayer, specifically addressed to God – broader term for general prayer compared to specific requests See G4335
• ἱκετηρία (hiketēria) – supplication, earnest prayer – emphasizes the intensity of pleading See G2428
• ἐντευξις (enteuxis) – intercession, conference – focuses on intimate conversation with God See G1783

Did you Know?

• The development of αἴτημα in ancient Greek society paralleled the development of democratic institutions, where citizens had the right to make formal requests to their governing authorities.
• In modern Greek, αἴτημα is still used in formal contexts, particularly in legal and administrative documents, maintaining its ancient connection to official requests and petitions.
• The word’s usage in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) often translated Hebrew words related to “asking” in prayer contexts, showing its early adoption into Jewish religious vocabulary.

Remember This

αἴτημα reminds us that every specific request we bring before God is a sacred privilege, combining reverent petition with confident trust in His sovereign response.