διψάω (dipsaō)
dipsaō
to thirst
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dipsaō describes the physical sensation of thirst, appearing sixteen times in the New Testament with a strong presence in the Gospels and Revelation. It captures the urgent need for water, as seen when Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7) or when He expresses thirst on the cross (John 19:28). The word grounds spiritual truths in the body’s most basic survival instinct.
Beyond the literal sense, the sources highlight a figurative usage where thirst represents an eager longing for something that refreshes the soul. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus blesses those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness," using the word to depict a deep, consuming desire for moral rightness. This metaphorical application suggests that spiritual pursuit should feel as necessary and urgent as drinking water when parched.
Its root connects to the state of being dry or thirsty, emphasizing lack and the consequent drive to satisfy it. Translators consistently render it as "thirst," preserving the vivid imagery of need. The word bridges physical experience and spiritual aspiration, showing how bodily sensations can illustrate the soul’s quest for divine fulfillment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dipsaō captures more than just a dry throat; it describes an urgent, survival-level need for water. When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, He used this physical reality to point toward a spiritual truth. Physical thirst is impossible to ignore, and in the same way, our souls have a deep, consuming desire that only God can satisfy. This word invites us to recognize that longing not as a weakness, but as a signal directing us toward Him.
In our daily lives, we often try to quench this deep inner thirst with temporary things that leave us wanting more. Yet the Gospel offers something lasting. When we come to Christ in our moments of need, whether in joy or in suffering, He meets us with living water. This promise reminds us that we do not have to struggle alone to find peace; His presence is the source that truly refreshes the soul.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- thirsting4×
- will thirst3×
- I thirsted2×
- will they thirst1×
- thirsting for1×
- thirst1×
- shall thirst,1×
- he shall thirst,1×
- I thirst.1×
- I may thirst1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διψήσει3×
- ἐδίψησα2×
- διψῶντα2×
- διψᾷ,2×
- διψῶντι1×
- διψῶντες1×
- διψῶν1×
- διψῶμεν1×
- διψῶ.1×
- διψῶ1×
- διψήσουσιν1×
Key Verses
-
John 4:14
but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
Jesus contrasts temporary physical relief with eternal spiritual satisfaction, promising that those who receive Him will never experience this specific kind of thirst again.
-
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
This beatitude uses the word to describe an intense, active desire for moral rightness, equating spiritual pursuit with the urgency of basic survival needs.
-
John 7:37
Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!
Jesus issues a public invitation during the feast, using the physical sensation of thirst as a metaphor for anyone who desires to come to Him and receive living water.
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Revelation of John 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.
The final invitation of Scripture extends this offer freely to all who are thirsty, emphasizing that the water of life is available without cost to those who hear and respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word dipsaō mean?
How is dipsaō different from other words for need?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
What is the spiritual significance of thirsting for righteousness?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Matthew 25:35for I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in.
Matthew 25:37“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a…
Matthew 25:42for I was hungry, and you didn’t give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink;
Matthew 25:44“Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick,…