ἐπιπόθησις (epipothēsis)
epipothēsis
longing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epipothēsis describes an intense, eager longing or deep affection for someone. It goes beyond simple desire to capture a heartfelt yearning that seeks close connection. This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times within Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church.
In 2 Corinthians 7:7 and 7:11, Paul uses this term to describe the joy he felt upon hearing how much the believers missed him and wanted to see him again. The context shows that this longing was not merely emotional but was tied to their sincere repentance and renewed commitment to one another. It reflects a bond of mutual care that strengthens community bonds.
The word is built from a prefix meaning "upon" or "intensely" and the root for "desire." This structure emphasizes the depth and urgency of the feeling. Translators often render it as "longing" or "eager desire," capturing the active nature of this affection rather than passive wishful thinking.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we feel separated from those we love, it is natural to want them near. Paul uses this rare word to describe that deep ache. It was not just a casual wish for company. It was an intense desire for connection that came with genuine care.
This kind of longing strengthens relationships. In Corinth, the believers’ eagerness to see Paul showed their repentance and renewed commitment. Their yearning proved they valued the bond they shared. It reminds us that true affection seeks unity and restoration.
May your own heart be filled with such sincere love for others. Let your desires draw people closer to God and to one another, building bridges of grace wherever you go.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- longing,1×
- earnest desire,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιπόθησιν,2×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 7:7
and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
Paul highlights this longing alongside mourning and zeal as evidence that his visit brought deep joy to the believers.
-
II Corinthians 7:11
For behold, this same thing, that you were grieved in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vindication! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.
The word appears in a list of virtues demonstrating how godly grief produced pure and earnest action among the church.