διψάω
To thirst for (literally or figuratively)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does διψάω (dipsáō) mean in the Bible?
διψάω (dipsáō) is a Greek word meaning "to thirst for (literally or figuratively)". διψάω,-ῶ (δίψα, thirst), [in LXX chiefly for צָמֵא ;] to thirst: absol. Symbolizes spiritual need and longing.
Meaning
Spiritual hunger for righteousness or God's presence, not merely physical thirst
(δίψα, thirst), [in LXX chiefly for צָמֵא ;] to thirst: absol., Mat.25:35, 37 25:42, 44, Jhn.4:13, 15 19:28, Rom.12:20" (LXX), 1Co.4:11; figuratively, Jhn.4:14 6:35 7:37, Rev.7:16 21:6 22:17; with accusative (= cl. with genitive), τ. δικαιοσύνην, Mat.5:6.
Why This Word Matters
Symbolizes spiritual need and longing.
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Indicative states a fact or reality 8×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 5×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 3×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 14 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Witnesses
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain