δέομαι
déomai
G1189
SILEX Entry
Definition
To ask urgently for something, especially as a supplicant; to implore or request earnestly from someone in authority or power. The primary sense involves expressing strong desire or entreaty, often marked by earnestness, need, or dependence on the goodwill of the one addressed. Extended senses include making a formal or humble request, appealing for aid or intervention, or praying to a deity or superior being.
Semantic Range
to beg, to beseech, to implore, to pray for, to entreat, to make urgent request, to ask for help, to appeal earnestly, to express need or dependence
Root / Etymology
From the root δέ- as in δέω, 'to bind', with the middle/passive deponent form indicating the action returns upon or affects oneself. The root idea involves neediness or dependence (literally to lack or want something), reflected in how δέομαι carries the sense of appeal or supplication. The verbal ending marks it as a present, deponent (middle-only) form.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, δέομαι carries the sense of lacking, needing, or wanting, and from this base develops into earnest entreaty (to entreat, beg, supplicate). By the Hellenistic and Koine periods (including the New Testament and Septuagint), δέομαι is used primarily for supplicatory requests—expressing urgent petitions to humans or to God. It is more intensive and personal than general terms for asking, such as αἰτέω, and often signals a posture of dependence or humility. In contexts involving prayer, δέομαι commonly expresses the idea of petitionary prayer, highlighting the speaker’s sense of need or deficiency. English translations as 'beseech,' 'entreat,' or 'implore' reflect this intensity, but sometimes fail to capture the root dimension of need or lack. It differs from πυνθάνομαι ('to inquire') by emphasizing urgency and dependence rather than neutral questioning. Occurs frequently in the New Testament in both interpersonal and prayer contexts, as well as in supplications to authorities. Related nouns: δέησις (prayer, supplication).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice of δέω; to beg (as binding oneself), i.e. petition:--beseech, pray (to), make request. Compare πυνθάνομαι.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.