ἐπιπόθητος
epipóthētos
G1973 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Deeply desired or longed for; describes a person or thing for which one feels intense yearning or earnest desire. In specific contexts, can indicate being affectionately missed or earnestly sought, particularly in the context of personal relationships or spiritual longing.
Semantic Range
deeply desired, greatly longed for, earnestly missed, affectionately yearned for, ardently sought
Root / Etymology
From ἐπί ('upon' or 'toward') and the verbal adjective form related to ἐπιποθέω ('to long for, to yearn after'); thus, literally 'one who is longed for.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Hellenistic and Koine literature, the word often expresses a heightened degree of longing beyond that indicated by simple πόθος ('yearning') or ποθέω ('to long for'). In the New Testament, ἐπιπόθητος appears with reference to people who are intensely missed or affectionately desired, typically within contexts of separation, absence, or strong emotional bonds (e.g., Philippians 4:1, where Paul's affection for the Philippians is described). The term frequently carries both emotional and relational nuance, connoting not only desire for the object but also a close or affectionate connection. English translations such as 'dearly beloved' or 'longed for' only partly render this depth of meaning, often omitting the aspect of deep emotional yearning. In the Septuagint and in wider Koine usage, the term may have a broader reference but commonly retains this strong emotive connotation. Unlike related terms such as φίλητος ('beloved, dear'), ἐπιπόθητος emphasizes the aspect of earnest yearning, sometimes in the context of absence or hope for reunion.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and a derivative of the latter part of ἐπιποθέω; yearned upon, i.e. greatly loved:--longed for.
Root Family
ἐπιπόθητος (epipothētos) — to yearn, to long for, to desire
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1973-01 |
ἐπιπόθητοι | epipothetoi | ADJ.A VOC M PL |
longed for | O deeply longed-for ones | deeply longed-for ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1973-01 |
Philippians 4:1 | ἐπιπόθητοι | epipothetoi | ADJ.A VOC M PL |
longed for | O deeply longed-for ones | deeply longed-for ones |