ἱκετηρία (hiketēria)
hiketēria
supplication
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hiketēria refers to earnest supplication or entreaty, a term rooted in the ancient custom of approaching a person of authority with an olive branch entwined with white wool as a sign of peaceful appeal. This physical object gave rise to the abstract meaning of humble prayer, capturing the posture of someone seeking mercy from a higher power.
In Scripture, this word appears only once, in Hebrews 5:7, where it describes Jesus offering up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears during his earthly life. The usage highlights the profound humility of Christ, who approached the Father not as an equal demanding rights, but as a suppliant seeking willful alignment through intense, emotional prayer.
The term distinguishes itself by emphasizing the vulnerability inherent in asking for help. While other Greek words for prayer might focus on thanksgiving or general communication, hiketēria specifically conveys the desperate, heartfelt cry of one who acknowledges their dependence on another’s grace and power to intervene.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances that seem beyond your control, remember that Jesus Himself modeled how to bring those heavy burdens before God. In Hebrews, we see Him offering earnest supplication with loud cries and tears, showing that deep emotion and vulnerability are not signs of weak faith but honest communication with the Father.
This word invites you to approach God without pretense. You do not need to hide your fears or mask your pain with polished words. The example of Christ assures us that He understands the weight of human suffering and welcomes our raw, heartfelt appeals for help and guidance in times of trouble.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- supplications1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱκετηρίας1×
Key Verses
-
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 verse uniquely applies the term to Jesus, highlighting His genuine human vulnerability and emotional intensity as He sought the Father's will during His earthly life.