← G1970 G1972 →

ἐπιποθέω

epipothéō

G1971 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ποθ- to yearn, to desire, to long for

Definition

To yearn for, to earnestly desire, to long deeply for someone or something. ἐπιποθέω denotes an intense desire or longing, often accompanied by emotional striving or an inward ache for what is absent. In Koine Greek, this verb carries the sense of earnest, heartfelt longing, ranging from affectionate yearning for persons to a strong wish for the presence, company, or benefit of something or someone.

Semantic Range

to long for, to deeply yearn for, to earnestly desire, to crave, to deeply miss, to passionately wish for, to intensely covet (context-dependent)

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἐπί (upon, toward, at) and ποθέω (to yearn, desire, long for). The prefix intensifies the root sense of longing or desire.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ποθέω refers to yearning for what is absent, and the compound ἐπιποθέω, though rare in classical sources, emerges more frequently in Hellenistic and Koine periods. In the New Testament, ἐπιποθέω is most often used with objects of strong positive feeling: longing for the company of fellow believers, yearning for restoration or reunion, or a deep desire for the presence of God or participation in spiritual benefits. It is distinguished from similar terms such as ἐπιθυμέω, which can have more neutral or even negative connotations, including unlawful or base desires. ἐπιποθέω usually portrays a nobler or affectionate longing, not a covetous or illicit craving. Septuagint usage is limited but parallels yearning in a positive or emotional context. English translations frequently use "long for" or "earnestly desire," but these may not fully convey the intensity or emotional nuance of the term.

Translation Consistency

primary "yearn" 5 occurrences

Ἐπιποθέω denotes intense, heartfelt longing or craving for someone or something. "Yearn" is a single, natural English verb that captures the sustained, emotional intensity ("deeply yearn/earnestly yearn") and can naturally express both personal affection and desire for an absent thing or person. It fits the typical Koine usage better than more formal or weak alternatives and will render naturally across contexts (e.g., "yearn for," "yearned for").

Alternatives (4 occurrences):
"longing for" (2x) "those longing" (1x) "earnestly long for" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and potheo (to yearn); to dote upon, i.e. intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully):--(earnestly) desire (greatly), (greatly) long (after), lust.

Root Family

ἐπιποθέω (epipotheō) — to yearn, to long for, to earnestly desire

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1971-05 ἐπιποθοῦντες epipothountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL longing earnestly longing ones earnestly yearning ones 2
G1971-03 ἐπιποθῶ epipotho V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I long I am longing for I am longing for 2
G1971-04 ἐπιποθῶν epipothon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG longing deeply yearning deeply yearning 2
G1971-01 ἐπιποθεῖ epipothei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG yearns deeply yearns deeply yearns 1
G1971-02 ἐπιποθήσατε epipothesate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL desire Earnestly long for earnestly long for 1
G1971-06 ἐπιποθούντων epipothounton V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M PL longing of those deeply yearning of those longing 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1971-03 Romans 1:11 ἐπιποθῶ epipotho V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I long I am longing for I am longing for
G1971-05 2 Corinthians 5:2 ἐπιποθοῦντες epipothountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL longing earnestly longing ones earnestly yearning ones
G1971-06 2 Corinthians 9:14 ἐπιποθούντων epipothounton V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M PL longing of those deeply yearning of those longing
G1971-03 Philippians 1:8 ἐπιποθῶ epipotho V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I long I am longing for I am longing for
G1971-04 Philippians 2:26 ἐπιποθῶν epipothon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG longing deeply yearning deeply yearning
G1971-05 1 Thessalonians 3:6 ἐπιποθοῦντες epipothountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL longing earnestly longing ones earnestly yearning ones
G1971-04 2 Timothy 1:4 ἐπιποθῶν epipothon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG longing deeply yearning deeply yearning
G1971-01 James 4:5 ἐπιποθεῖ epipothei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG yearns deeply yearns deeply yearns
G1971-02 1 Peter 2:2 ἐπιποθήσατε epipothesate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL desire Earnestly long for earnestly long for
← G1970 Greek Lexicon G1972 →