λείπω
leípō
G3007 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To leave, leave behind, abandon, or lack something. In its core sense, λείπω means to leave or forsake something or someone, either physically (depart, leave behind) or metaphorically (fail, be found lacking). The term can also refer to being destitute or in want, especially in moral or material terms, depending on context. As an intransitive or passive verb, it connotes the state of lacking, failing, or being absent.
Semantic Range
to leave, to abandon, to forsake, to leave behind, to be absent, to fail, to be wanting, to lack, to be in want or destitute
Root / Etymology
Greek root λείπ-; no known external etymology beyond Indo-European root *leikʷ- (to leave, remain).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, λείπω typically means to leave or abandon, used in both literal (leaving a place or person) and figurative senses (abandoning a cause or obligation). By the time of the Septuagint and New Testament, its meaning broadens to include 'to be lacking' or 'to be destitute,' especially in contexts concerning resources, righteousness, or essential qualities. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew roots such as חָסֵר (to lack) and עָזַב (to forsake). In the New Testament, this term frequently appears in moral, spiritual, or material contexts where something is missing or insufficient (e.g., Matthew 19:20, Hebrews 4:1). Standard English translations—'leave,' 'lack,' 'be destitute'—capture major senses, but may conceal nuanced differences: 'leave' implies an agent's action, while 'lack' is often passive, describing a state. Related terms: ὑστερέω (to lack, fall short), καταλείπω (to leave behind), ἀφίημι (to send away, forgive).
Translation Consistency
The predominant, primary sense of λείπω in the New Testament is to abandon or leave/leave behind — a concrete, physical departure that also extends to metaphorical abandonment. 'Leave' is natural English, widely used across contexts (physical departure, forsaking, and in passive uses implying being left without), and therefore best supports consistent, readable renderings of all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primary verb; to leave, i.e. (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent:--be destitute (wanting), lack.
Root Family
λείπ- (kataleípō) — to leave, to abandon, to allow to remain
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G2641 | καταλείπω | leaves behind |
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3007-04 |
λειπόμενοι | leipomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
destitute | those lacking | lacking | 2 |
G3007-01 |
λείπῃ | leipe | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
lack | may leave | may lack | 1 |
G3007-02 |
λείπει | leipei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
lacks | he/she/it lacks | is lacking | 1 |
G3007-03 |
λείπεται | leipetai | V PRS MID IND 3P SG |
wisdom | is lacking | is lacking | 1 |
G3007-05 |
λείποντα | leiponta | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC N PL |
lacking | things lacking | things lacking | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3007-02 |
Luke 18:22 | λείπει | leipei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
lacks | he/she/it lacks | is lacking |
G3007-05 |
Titus 1:5 | λείποντα | leiponta | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC N PL |
lacking | things lacking | things lacking |
G3007-01 |
Titus 3:13 | λείπῃ | leipe | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
lack | may leave | may lack |
G3007-04 |
James 1:4 | λειπόμενοι | leipomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
lacking | those lacking | lacking |
G3007-03 |
James 1:5 | λείπεται | leipetai | V PRS MID IND 3P SG |
wisdom | is lacking | is lacking |
G3007-04 |
James 2:15 | λειπόμενοι | leipomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
destitute | those lacking | lacking |