ἐπιποθέω (epipotheō)
epipotheō
to long for
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epipotheō describes an intense longing or deep desire, often carrying a sense of earnest affection. It is formed from the prefix epi ("upon") and potheo ("to yearn"), suggesting a craving that sits heavily on the heart. In the New Testament, it appears nine times, primarily in Paul’s letters, where it captures the emotional weight behind his relationships with the churches he founded.
This word distinguishes itself by its versatility in object. It can describe longing for people, as when Paul expresses how much he misses Timothy (2 Timothy 1:4) or feels for the Philippians (Philippians 1:8). It also applies to abstract needs, such as newborn infants craving pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2) or believers desiring the resurrection body (2 Corinthians 5:2). The intensity of this desire is not passive; it implies a strong pull toward what is missing.
Translators often render epipotheō simply as "long for" or "desire," but the Greek root adds a layer of passionate pursuit. Unlike simple want, this term reflects a heartfelt ache for connection or fulfillment. Its usage in Romans 1:11 and Philippians 2:26 highlights how Paul viewed his ministry not just as duty, but as a profound emotional investment in the spiritual growth and well-being of others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epipotheō captures a longing that goes beyond casual preference. It describes an earnest, heartfelt desire for connection or fulfillment. When Paul writes to the churches he founded, this term reveals that his ministry was not merely a duty but a deep emotional investment in their well-being. He did not just teach them; he missed them with a genuine ache.
This intensity of feeling invites us to examine our own spiritual priorities. Just as newborn infants crave milk for growth, we are encouraged to seek the pure spiritual nourishment that strengthens our faith. Such longing is not passive; it implies a strong pull toward what is missing in our lives. It reminds us that God values deep, authentic relationships and that our desires can reflect His own heart.
Whether you are yearning for the presence of friends or the fullness of Christ’s return, this word validates those feelings as part of the Christian experience. It points to a hope that anchors us, knowing that every sincere longing is seen and understood by God. May your heart find rest in the One who satisfies our deepest needs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- longing2×
- yearns1×
- longing;1×
- longing after1×
- do crave1×
- a longing1×
- I long after1×
- I long1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιποθῶν2×
- ἐπιποθῶ2×
- ἐπιποθήσατε1×
- ἐπιποθοῦντες·1×
- ἐπιποθοῦντες1×
- ἐπιποθούντων1×
- ἐπιποθεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 1:8
For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
Paul uses this word to show that his love for the Philippians is witnessed by God and rooted in Christ's tender mercies, elevating personal affection to a spiritual reality.
-
I Peter 2:2
as newborn babies, long for the pure spiritual milk, that with it you may grow,
Peter compares believers to newborns, using this term to describe an instinctive, essential craving for spiritual milk that leads to growth in salvation.
-
II Corinthians 5:2
For most certainly in this we groan, longing to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,
Here the word describes a groaning longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, highlighting the tension between our current earthly state and future hope.
-
I Thessalonians 3:6
But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you.
This verse illustrates mutual yearning, showing that the bond between Paul and the Thessalonian church was characterized by a reciprocal desire to see one another.