δέησις (deēsis)
deēsis
petition
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun deēsis refers to a petition or request born out of a felt need. Its root verb describes feeling a want or lacking something essential, which gives the word a tone of earnest dependence rather than casual asking. In the New Testament, it almost always appears in the context of prayer directed toward God, highlighting the petitioner’s reliance on divine help.
While often translated simply as "prayer," deēsis carries a specific nuance of entreaty arising from necessity. It is frequently paired with other terms for prayer to emphasize this aspect of supplication, such as in Paul’s instructions to believers (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6). This distinction separates it from the broader term for general prayer, focusing instead on the specific act of asking for what is needed.
Scripture uses this word to describe sincere appeals, whether for personal deliverance or the needs of others. Luke records Zechariah’s prayer as a deēsis (Luke 1:13), and Paul mentions offering them for the Philippian church (Philippians 1:4). The term underscores that genuine prayer often begins with an honest acknowledgment of human limitation and the need for God’s intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word deēsis reminds us that prayer often begins with a simple, honest admission: we need help. It is not a casual request but an earnest appeal born from a felt lack. When you bring your specific needs to God, you are engaging in this deep dependence. Scripture shows us that acknowledging our limitation is not weakness; it is the starting point for divine intervention.
This concept invites us to be transparent in our communication with the Father. Whether you are facing personal anxiety or interceding for a community, deēsis encourages you to lay out your specific requests with thanksgiving. It transforms vague hopes into concrete conversations, grounding your faith in the reality that God hears and responds to sincere appeals.
As you navigate seasons of uncertainty, remember that bringing your petitions to God is an act of trust. You do not need to have all the answers or hide your struggles. Instead, you can approach Him with the confidence that He listens to the cries of those who seek His help in faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- supplication5×
- prayers4×
- prayer3×
- with supplication1×
- in supplications1×
- in supplication1×
- entreaties,1×
- by supplication,1×
- by supplication1×
- [the] prayer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δεήσει5×
- δέησις2×
- δέησιν2×
- δεήσεως2×
- δεήσεσιν2×
- δεήσεις2×
- δέησίς1×
- δεήσεσίν1×
- δεήσεις,1×
- δεήσει,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
This verse directly links deēsis (petition) with the command to replace anxiety, showing that specific requests are the antidote to worry.
-
Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
The angel confirms that Zechariah's deēsis has been heard, validating that God attends to earnest petitions even when they seem delayed.
-
Hebrews 5:7
He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
This passage describes Jesus’ own deēsis as involving strong crying and tears, highlighting the intensity and vulnerability inherent in true supplication.
-
Acts 1:14
All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
The early believers continued steadfastly in deēsis together, demonstrating that communal petition is a foundational practice for the church.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does deēsis mean in the New Testament?
How is deēsis different from other words for prayer?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Why is deēsis important for Christian life?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 11 books)
Luke 3 verses
But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will…
Luke 2:37and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and…
Luke 5:33They said to him, “Why do John’s disciples often fast and pray, likewise also the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours…