Lexical Summary aitéma: Request, petition, demand Original Word: αἴτημα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance petition, request, required. From aiteo; a thing asked or (abstractly) an asking -- petition, request, required. see GREEK aiteo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aiteó Definition a request NASB Translation demand (1), requests (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 155: αἴτημααἴτημα, (τος, τό (αἰτέω) (from Plato down), what is or has been asked for: Luke 23:24; plural (A. V. requests), Philippians 4:6 (cf. Ellicott at the passage); things asked for, 1 John 5:15. (See the preceding word, and Trench, § li.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 155 designates the concrete outcome of asking—an expressed request or petition. While its cognate verb focuses on the act of asking, this noun highlights the content that is laid before a superior, whether a judge, a governor, or God Himself. It appears only three times in the Greek New Testament, yet each occurrence sheds distinctive light on the dynamic between petitioner and authority. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Luke 23:24 – “So Pilate decided to grant their demand.” Here the term describes the political pressure exerted by the crowd. The request is morally unjust, illustrating that a petition can be granted by human authority even when contrary to righteousness. Theological Emphases • Divine Accessibility: Philippians 4:6 portrays the Lord as welcoming every request, great or small. The verse intentionally links prayer and thanksgiving, guarding the heart from presumption while encouraging boldness. • Certainty Grounded in Union with Christ: In 1 John 5:15 the request is as good as granted because it has aligned with God’s will (5:14). The text does not promise carte-blanche satisfaction of fleshly desires but underscores covenant confidence. • Human Authority versus Divine Justice: Luke 23:24 records a tragic example of a petition granted at the expense of truth. The contrast between Pilate’s capitulation and God’s unwavering righteousness warns the church against substituting popular demand for moral fidelity. Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman society formal petitions were presented to magistrates, emperors, or local assemblies. Acceptance depended on political leverage or social status. Against that backdrop, Scripture reveals a distinctive privilege: through Christ, even the socially powerless may approach the King of kings directly. The early church’s practice of collective prayer (Acts 4:24-31) demonstrates how corporate petitions shaped both mission and community life. Pastoral and Devotional Significance • Anxiety’s Antidote: Counseling ministries continually return to Philippians 4:6-7. When believers verbalize specific requests and deliberately pair them with thanksgiving, the “peace of God” stands guard over heart and mind. • Intercessory Confidence: 1 John 5:15 emboldens prayer meetings, reminding intercessors that petitions offered according to divine purposes already lie within the gracious intent of God. • Discernment in Leadership: Luke 23:24 warns elders and civil authorities alike not to capitulate to unrighteous demands. Granting an unholy petition may appease a crowd temporarily but violates divine accountability. Relationship to Other Biblical Concepts • Supplication (δεήσις, Philippians 4:6) stresses heartfelt need; petition (αἴτημα) specifies the content of that need. Implications for Corporate Worship Historic liturgies often feature “prayers of the people,” modeling Philippians 4:6. When congregations articulate particular petitions—missions support, healing, repentance—they enact the theology of Strong’s 155, demonstrating shared reliance on the Lord’s provision. Missional Outlook Petitionary prayer fuels evangelism. Paul’s own missionary lifestyle grew out of continuous requests for boldness and open doors (Colossians 4:3). Recognizing every request as a sacred offering elevates even mundane needs into opportunities for God’s glory to be displayed. Conclusion Though rare in appearance, the word translated “request” or “petition” encapsulates a vital biblical pattern: humble, specific dependence on sovereign grace. Whether exposing human injustice, comforting anxious hearts, or assuring the faithful of answered prayer, Strong’s 155 invites believers of every era to bring their petitions before the throne with confidence and thanksgiving. Forms and Transliterations αιτημα αίτημα αίτημά αἴτημα αιτηματα αιτήματα αιτήματά αἰτήματα αιτήματί αίτησιν αίτησις aitema aitēma aítema aítēma aitemata aitēmata aitḗmataLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 23:24 N-NNSGRK: γενέσθαι τὸ αἴτημα αὐτῶν NAS: pronounced sentence that their demand be granted. KJV: that it should be as they required. INT: to be done the demand of them Philippians 4:6 N-ANP 1 John 5:15 N-ANP Strong's Greek 155 |
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