λείπω (leipō)
leipō
to lack
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb leipō primarily means to leave something behind or to be lacking in some respect. In the New Testament, it often describes a state of deficiency, such as needing resources or falling short of a standard. This sense of absence is clear in James 1:5, where believers are encouraged not to lack wisdom, and in Luke 18:22, when Jesus tells the rich young ruler that he still lacks one thing.
Its root idea involves remaining behind or being left out. The sources note its use with the dative case to indicate who is lacking something, as seen in Titus 3:13 where Paul asks for supplies for those in need. It can also mean to forsake or abandon, though this usage is less common in these specific verses. Translators typically render it as "lack" or "want," capturing the simple reality of absence rather than complex theological concepts.
The word appears frequently in practical contexts, highlighting human limitations and needs. In James 1:4, it describes lacking steadfastness, urging maturity through trials. This concrete usage reminds readers that spiritual growth often begins with acknowledging what is missing. The term grounds faith in everyday realities, showing how divine provision meets human deficiency.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life often feels like a series of shortages. We look at our bank accounts, our patience, or our understanding of difficult circumstances and feel a sense of absence. This Greek word captures that honest reality of being without something essential. It does not shame us for our needs but simply names them. Acknowledging what is missing is the first step toward seeking help.
Scripture invites us to bring these deficiencies directly to God. In James, we are told that if wisdom is lacking, we can ask God, who gives generously without finding fault. This promise removes the pressure to have it all figured out on our own. It shifts the focus from our inability to God's abundance.
There is comfort in knowing that spiritual maturity involves recognizing these gaps. James notes that endurance works to make us complete, lacking nothing. This completeness does not mean we never struggle, but that God’s provision meets us in our weakness. We are invited to rest in the truth that our needs are known and met.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lacking2×
- may be lacking.1×
- lacks1×
- lacking.1×
- is lacking:1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λείπῃ.1×
- λείποντα1×
- λείπεται1×
- λείπει·1×
- λειπόμενοι.1×
- λειπόμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
This verse offers a direct invitation to ask God for wisdom when understanding is lacking, highlighting divine generosity.
-
Luke 18:22
When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
Jesus uses this word to identify the specific area where the rich young ruler’s heart was holding back full commitment.
-
James 1:4
Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Here the term describes the goal of endurance, aiming for a character that is complete and lacking in nothing essential.