Lexical Summary himeiromai: To long for, to yearn Original Word: ἱμείρομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be affectionately desirous. Middle voice from himeros (a yearning; of uncertain affinity); to long for -- be affectionately desirous. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for homeiromai, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2442: ἱμείρωἱμείρω: middle ἱμείρομαι; (ἵμερος desire, longing, (allied with ἵλεως; Vanicek, p. 88); cf. οἰκτείρω); to desire, long for, especially of the longing of love: ὑμῶν (Winer's Grammar, § 30, 10 b.), i. e. your souls, to win them to Christ, 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Rec.; see ὁμείρομαι. (the Sept. Job 3:21; in Greek writings from Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Essence of the WordThe lone New Testament appearance of the verb behind Strong’s Greek 2442 in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 paints a picture of intense, almost parental yearning. It is stronger than mere fondness and reaches beyond simple friendship; it speaks of an affection so deep that separation is painful and presence is delight. Classical and Hellenistic writings employ the term for the emotion parents feel when they ache for children who are far away, or lovers for the beloved they have not seen. When Paul applies the verb to his relationship with the Thessalonian believers, he unveils the tender heart of true gospel ministry. Setting within 1 Thessalonians Paul has just likened himself to a nursing mother (1 Thessalonians 2:7) and will soon invoke the imagery of an encouraging father (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). Nestled between these metaphors, the word translated “cared so deeply” or “affectionately desirous” (other versions) provides the emotional glue that binds the family imagery together. The apostle, Silvanus, and Timothy are not distant instructors dispensing doctrine; they are spiritual parents whose very lives are intertwined with their converts. Their longing is so strong that they “were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Paul’s Model of Affectionate Ministry 1. Sacrificial sharing. The longing expressed by Paul moves him to give “our own lives.” Ministry that springs from this word is never content with sermon-only relationships; it opens homes, hearts, and schedules. 2. Covenant loyalty. The emotion mirrors the Hebrew idea of ḥesed—steadfast love that binds covenant partners. While the vocabulary differs, the theological resonance is unmistakable: genuine gospel workers are covenantally devoted to their flocks. 3. Incarnational presence. Paul does not simply miss the Thessalonians from afar. In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 he sends Timothy to them, embodying the longing in concrete action. The verb therefore calls leaders to bridge distance with presence whenever possible. Resonance with Old and New Testament Themes • Old Testament parallels. Jacob’s soul “longed” for his son Benjamin (Genesis 43:30 LXX uses a cognate verb). The shepherd heart that yearns for absent children runs through the biblical narrative. • Psalms of yearning. “My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD” (Psalm 84:2). Though the Hebrew verb differs, the emotional landscape is comparable: a holy ache for fellowship. • Christ’s compassion. Jesus exclaims, “How often I have longed to gather your children together” (Matthew 23:37). Again a different Greek verb, yet the same intensity. Paul’s use of 2442 aligns apostolic ministry with the heart of the Savior. Historical Reception Early church commentators saw in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 a charter for pastoral tenderness. Chrysostom remarks that Paul “yearned after his disciples as after his own entrails.” Medieval monastic writers appealed to the verse when urging abbots to treat monks as sons. Reformation pastors cited the passage to defend close catechesis and personal visitation. Throughout history the text has served to correct cold professionalism and rekindle familial care within the church. Practical Applications for Today • Shepherds and elders. The verb demands that oversight be relational, not merely administrative. Leaders should regularly ask whether they could honestly say, “We were delighted to share … our own lives as well.” • Missionaries. Cross-cultural workers learn the language, eat the food, and adopt the customs of the people they serve because affectionate yearning propels them beyond comfort zones. • Congregations. Members are called to Christlike affection for one another (Philippians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 6:11-13). The Thessalonian example invites believers to pray for deepening bonds that make separation grievous and fellowship sweet. • Evangelism. The gospel travels best along bridges of genuine love. Apologetics may answer questions, but 2442-style affection melts defenses. Theological Significance Love of this caliber reflects the Trinity. The Father’s longing to gather a people, the Son’s willingness to lay down His life, and the Spirit’s indwelling presence all echo through Paul’s expression. In that sense, the verb provides a glimpse into divine affection poured into human hearts (Romans 5:5). Summary Strong’s Greek 2442 captures a rare yet radiant facet of Christian love: a profound yearning that compels self-giving service. Appearing only once, it nevertheless leaves an enduring mark, challenging every generation of believers to minister with the warmth of a nursing mother and the resolve of a devoted father. When such longing shapes the church, the gospel is not merely spoken—it is embodied. Forms and Transliterations ιμειρόμενοι ιμείρονται ομειρομενοι ὀμειρόμενοι ὁμειρόμενοι omeiromenoi omeirómenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Thessalonians 2:8 V-PPM/P-NMPGRK: οὕτως ὀμειρόμενοι ὑμῶν εὐδοκοῦμεν KJV: So being affectionately desirous of you, INT: Thus yearning over you we were pleased |
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