Lexical Summary epipothétos: Longed for, greatly desired Original Word: ἐπιποθητός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Greatly loved, desiredFrom epi and a derivative of the latter part of epipotheo; yearned upon, i.e. Greatly loved -- longed foreign see GREEK epi see GREEK epipotheo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1973 epipóthētos – to desire (yearn after) with deep affection. See 1971 (epipotheō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epipotheó Definition greatly desired NASB Translation whom I long (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1973: ἐπιπόθητοςἐπιπόθητος, ἐπιποθητον, longed for: Philippians 4:1. ((Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 65, 1 [ET]; the Epistle of Barnabas 1, 3 [ET]); Appendix Hisp. 43; Eustathius; (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 34, 3).) Topical Lexicon Overview of UsageThe word appears a single time in the Greek New Testament—Philippians 4:1—yet it radiates a theme that runs through Scripture: an intense yearning for fellowship birthed by the gospel. Paul addresses the congregation as “my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown” (Philippians 4:1). This rare adjective therefore functions as a lens through which to view the heartbeat of apostolic ministry, the glue of Christian community, and the believer’s expectation of ultimate reunion, both earthly and heavenly. Paul’s Pastoral Heart Within the letter, the vocabulary of strong desire frames Paul’s relationship with the Philippians (see also Philippians 1:8). He is not a distant theologian; he is an under-shepherd whose affections imitate the Good Shepherd. The language communicates: • Personal investment—They are “my joy and crown,” an expression that anticipates the eschatological reward for faithful labor (1 Thessalonians 2:19). • Spiritual family—Paul’s “brothers” are more than acquaintances; they share the same Father (Ephesians 3:14-15). • Sacrificial love—The longing is two-directional; Paul earlier recognized their concern for him (Philippians 4:10). Through this single term Scripture testifies that doctrine never exists in a vacuum. Truth married to affection becomes the hallmark of authentic gospel ministry. Longing and the Communion of Saints The adjective echoes the Old Testament vocabulary of deep yearning for the courts of the Lord (Psalm 84:2) and anticipates the apostolic commands to “love one another earnestly” (1 Peter 1:22). By employing a word that suggests homesickness, Paul underscores three realities: 1. Shared citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20) makes earthly separation feel unnatural. Theological Significance Yearning for believers arises from union with Christ. The Spirit who unites each Christian to the Savior also knits hearts together (1 Corinthians 12:13). Thus the term illuminates several doctrines: • Ecclesiology—The Church is not a voluntary club but a supernatural body. Desire for one another validates genuine conversion (1 John 3:14). • Sanctification—Longing to see fellow believers fuels prayer (Philippians 1:3-4) and prompts tangible generosity (Philippians 4:18). • Eschatology—Anticipation of Christ’s return intensifies love within the body (Hebrews 10:24-25). Historical Reception Early Christian writers drew on Philippians 4:1 to model pastoral correspondence. Ignatius of Antioch, writing to the Ephesians, mirrored Paul’s language, calling them “my most deservedly blessed and ever-beloved.” Medieval commentators such as Thomas Aquinas highlighted the phrase to demonstrate the virtue of charity surpassing mere duty. The Reformers, notably John Calvin, cited the verse to rebuke clerical aloofness, urging shepherds to cherish their flocks. Throughout the centuries the term became a touchstone for measuring authentic spiritual leadership. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Shepherding: Leaders cultivate genuine affection, visiting and communicating with believers not as tasks but joyful privileges. Devotional Reflection To read Philippians 4:1 is to confront one’s own heart. Do I so cherish the people of God that separation feels wrong? Does my desire translate into intercession, encouragement, and presence? The verse invites believers to mirror Paul’s longing, which ultimately reflects Christ’s longing “to gather” His people (Matthew 23:37). Eschatological Horizon Earthly affection is a trailer of heaven’s premiere. The same Spirit who implants longing will satisfy it when saints meet the Lord and one another face to face (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Until then, “let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1), nourishing a holy homesickness that propels faithfulness. Summary Though used only once, the word encapsulates the pulse of Christian fellowship: heartfelt yearning grounded in shared salvation, expressed in tangible ministry, and consummated in eternal reunion. Forms and Transliterations επιποθητοι επιπόθητοι ἐπιπόθητοι epipothetoi epipothētoi epipóthetoi epipóthētoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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