Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament more accurately and appreciating its cultural context. The Greek word ἱκετηρία (hiketēría) is particularly significant as it is related to the concept of supplication or entreaty. This term reflects the posture of pleading or earnest request, often directed toward a deity or someone in authority. It provides insights into how early Christians and ancient Greeks viewed the act of humble petitioning, making it a valuable word to explore for both Biblical interpretation and understanding ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱκετηρία, transliterated as hiketēría [hee-keh-te-REE-ah].
• Etymology: Derived from ἱκέτης (hikétēs), meaning “a suppliant” or “one who entreats.” The root of this word carries the idea of an appeal for help, often accompanied by an olive branch as a symbol of supplication in ancient Greek culture.
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine).
• Grammatical Details: First declension; forms include nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Supplication: An earnest or humble request, especially to a deity or someone in authority.
• Entreaty: A fervent plea or petition, typically made with a sense of urgency and dependence.

Similar Words: προσευχή (proseuché) [pros-eh-OO-khay], meaning “prayer.” While ἱκετηρία emphasizes the aspect of pleading or entreaty, προσευχή broadly refers to prayer in general, encompassing praise, thanksgiving, and requests. ἱκετηρία is more focused on the specific act of supplication, often implying a degree of desperation or earnestness.

Further Insights: ἱκετηρία follows the first declension pattern in Greek. Below is the full declension chart for ἱκετηρία:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἱκετηρία as “a supplication” or “entreaty,” often used in the context of a plea for mercy or help, especially directed toward God or a figure of authority. It emphasizes the earnest and humble nature of the appeal.

Thayers: Highlights ἱκετηρία as “a prayer or supplication,” specifically pointing out its use in petitioning for favor or assistance. The lexicon notes the cultural context of this word being associated with the act of holding an olive branch, a symbol of peace and supplication.

Vines: Describes ἱκετηρία as a “pleading prayer,” suggesting that it is not merely a request but a heartfelt and urgent petition. It notes the theological significance of this term in the New Testament context where supplication is made to God.

LSJ: Lists ἱκετηρία as “an entreaty” or “a supplication,” particularly highlighting its classical usage in Greek literature to describe appeals for mercy or help from gods or kings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἱκετηρία (G2428) as “a supplication,” linking it to its appearances in the New Testament and emphasizing its function in describing a plea or urgent request, especially in a religious context.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 5:7: “In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications [ἱκετηρίας] with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱκετηρία (G2428)

The Greek noun ἱκετηρία (hiketēría) conveys the concept of “supplication” or “entreaty,” often associated with an earnest plea for help, especially in a religious or authoritative context. In the New Testament, it is used to describe fervent prayers directed to God, reflecting a deep sense of humility and dependency. Its classical usage in Greek literature further emphasizes its role in depicting appeals for mercy or assistance, often accompanied by symbols like an olive branch. Understanding ἱκετηρία provides deeper insights into the spiritual posture of petitioning in early Christian and ancient Greek contexts.

Did You Know?

• ἱκετηρία is associated with the ancient Greek custom of holding an olive branch when making a supplication or entreaty, symbolizing peace and a sincere plea for mercy.
• The word appears in the New Testament to describe the intense and emotional prayers of Jesus, particularly during moments of distress.
• In classical Greek tragedies, ἱκετηρία often signifies a turning point where a character seeks divine or royal intervention.

The exploration of ἱκετηρία reveals its importance not only in the context of New Testament studies but also in understanding broader themes of supplication and entreaty in ancient literature and culture.