Got a Minute extra for God?
Has anyone ever told you: יהוה (Yahweh) God loves you and has a great plan for your life?
Has anyone ever told you: יהוה (Yahweh) God loves you and has a great plan for your life?
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.
Every word in the Bible has depths of meaning & beauty for you to explore. Welcome to Phase 1 of the F.O.G Bible project: Building an expanded Strong’s Concordance. What is the F.O.G?
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) |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
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.
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.” |
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.
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.
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
Add your first comment to this post