Brief Overview of διψάω (G1372: dipsaō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διψάω (dipsaō) (pronounced: dip-SAH-oh)
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root “δίψα” (dipsa), meaning “thirst” or “a need for drink.” The verb form διψάω directly reflects the action of feeling or experiencing thirst.
• Part of Speech: Verb
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Primary Meanings

• To Be Thirsty: The most direct meaning of διψάω is “to be thirsty,” referring to the physical sensation of needing water. It is a basic human experience, representing a natural bodily function.
• To Long For or Crave: Beyond its literal meaning, διψάω is also used metaphorically to describe a deep longing or craving, especially for spiritual fulfillment or righteousness. This figurative use is prominent in biblical texts, where thirst often symbolizes a profound desire for God’s presence or spiritual sustenance.
• Spiritual Thirst: In the context of the New Testament, διψάω is frequently employed to convey the idea of spiritual thirst, where the soul yearns for divine intervention or communion with God. This use elevates the physical experience of thirst to a higher, more existential plane.

Further Insights

• Morphology: As a verb, διψάω is an active form, indicating an ongoing or continuous action, such as the state of being thirsty or the act of craving something. The verb is typically used in the present, future, and aorist tenses, depending on the context of the sentence.
• Figurative vs. Literal Use: While διψάω can refer to the simple, physical need for water, its figurative usage is more profound, representing the human soul’s search for meaning, fulfillment, or connection with the divine. This duality in meaning allows the word to convey both basic and complex ideas within different textual contexts.
• Cultural and Religious Significance: In ancient Greek culture, as well as in biblical literature, thirst is not just a physical condition but a symbol of spiritual need. The use of διψάω in religious texts often suggests a deep, intrinsic yearning for divine grace, wisdom, or enlightenment.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• BDAG defines διψάω primarily as “to suffer thirst,” but also expands the meaning to include “to long for” or “to crave,” especially in a spiritual context. The lexicon notes its usage in both literal and figurative senses, emphasizing the versatility of the word in various textual settings.
• Scripture Reference: John 4:14 – “But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon provides a detailed explanation of διψάω, highlighting its dual use in classical and biblical literature. Thayer emphasizes the figurative use in the New Testament, where it often signifies a desire for spiritual nourishment or salvation.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

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• Strong’s Concordance lists διψάω as “to thirst,” with an emphasis on both the physical need for water and the metaphorical use denoting a strong desire for something more profound, such as spiritual fulfillment or righteousness.
• Scripture Reference: Revelation 21:6 – “To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s Dictionary discusses the symbolic use of διψάω in biblical contexts, particularly in the Beatitudes and the Book of Revelation, where it reflects a longing for divine justice and eternal life.
• Scripture Reference: John 7:37 – “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.'”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Homer’s Iliad: While διψάω appears less frequently in classical texts compared to biblical ones, the concept of thirst and longing is pervasive in Greek literature. In Homer’s works, the physical state of thirst is often used to describe the suffering of warriors or the desperate situations faced by characters in the midst of battle.
• Plato’s Dialogues: In a more philosophical context, the idea of thirst can be found in Plato’s dialogues, where it symbolizes the human soul’s quest for truth and wisdom, albeit not always using the exact verb διψάω.
• Sophocles’ Tragedies: In Greek tragedies, the theme of thirst, whether literal or metaphorical, is often linked to human suffering and the insatiable desires that drive characters toward their fate.

Summary

The Greek verb διψάω (G1372) encapsulates both the literal and metaphorical experiences of thirst. While it straightforwardly means “to be thirsty” in a physical sense, its deeper, more profound application lies in the spiritual realm, where it signifies an intense longing or craving for something greater, often divine fulfillment. The word’s use in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus, elevates it from a simple bodily need to a symbol of spiritual yearning. Through its various lexical and literary uses, διψάω illustrates the human condition’s intrinsic desires, whether for water, wisdom, or salvation.