εὔχομαι (euchomai)
euchomai
to pray/wish for
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb euchomai describes the act of praying or making a solemn wish, often with a sense of earnest desire. In the New Testament, it appears in seven verses, primarily within Paul’s letters and the book of Acts. The word carries a weight of sincere longing, whether directed toward God or expressed as a hope for others.
Its usage varies depending on grammatical structure. Sometimes it takes an accusative object, focusing on the thing desired, as when Paul expresses a wish in 2 Corinthians 13:9. Other times, it uses a dative to indicate the person prayed to, such as in Acts 26:29 where Paul prays to God. Notably, in Romans 9:3, Paul uses an imperfect tense form to convey his deep, ongoing desire that he himself might be accursed for the sake of his fellow Israelites.
This term highlights the personal and emotional dimension of prayer. It is not merely a ritualistic request but a heartfelt expression of what one values most. The sources note its connection to wishes or vows, suggesting a commitment behind the words spoken. Translators often render it as "pray" or "wish," capturing both the divine address and the human longing inherent in the act.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euchomai invites us to see prayer not as a formal duty, but as an honest expression of our deepest longings. In Acts 26:29, Paul prays that others might share in his faith, showing how this term bridges personal desire and intercession for others. It captures the raw emotion behind our requests, whether we are asking for strength or simply hoping for someone else’s good.
When we use this word in our hearts, we acknowledge what truly matters to us. Romans 9:3 reveals Paul’s intense wish for his people, demonstrating that prayer can carry significant emotional weight. This is not about perfect words, but about sincere desire directed toward God or expressed for the benefit of others.
Whether you are praying for health as in III John 1:2 or seeking peace for your community, euchomai reminds us that God hears our earnest wishes. It encourages us to bring our genuine hopes before Him, trusting that He values our heartfelt attention more than elaborate rituals.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was wishing1×
- they were praying for1×
- do pray1×
- We pray for1×
- We pray1×
- I would wish1×
- I pray1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ηὔχοντο1×
- ηὐχόμην1×
- εὔχομαί1×
- εὔχεσθε1×
- εὐχόμεθα,1×
- εὐχόμεθα1×
- εὐξαίμην1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 26:29
Paul said, “I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these bonds.”
Paul uses this verb to express a specific desire for others to share in his faith, highlighting the intercessory nature of the term.
-
Romans 9:3
For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers’ sake, my relatives according to the flesh
The imperfect tense conveys Paul’s ongoing, intense emotional longing for the salvation of his fellow Israelites.
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II Corinthians 13:7
Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we may seem to have failed.
Paul directs this prayer toward God, asking that the believers do no evil rather than seeking personal approval.