Refiner Word Study deesis (G1162)
G1162  ·  Greek  ·  Strong's Concordance
δέησις
deesis
17 occurrences in Scripture Greek

"entreaty; prayer, supplication, Lk. 1:13; 2:37; 5:33"

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Definition and meaning

What does deesis mean in Greek?

17
Occurrences in Scripture
G1162
Strong's number
Greek
Original language

entreaty; prayer, supplication, Lk. 1:13; 2:37; 5:33

In the original Greek the word is written: δέησις

Historical context

What was happening when this word was written?

Roman-Occupied Judea (c. 4 BC-AD 30)

Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.

The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.

Scripture references

Top 10 Bible verses with deesis

These are the most notable occurrences of deesis (G1162) across the King James Bible.

Luke 1:13

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Luke 2:37

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Luke 5:33

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

Acts 1:14

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Romans 10:1

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

2 Corinthians 1:11

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

2 Corinthians 9:14

And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Philippians 1:4

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

Philippians 1:19

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about deesis

What does deesis mean in Greek?

Strong's G1162 (deesis) is a Greek word that means: entreaty; prayer, supplication, Lk. 1:13; 2:37; 5:33 It appears 17 times in the King James Bible.

How many times does deesis appear in the Bible?

The word deesis (G1162) appears 17 times in the original Greek text.

What is Strong's number G1162?

Strong's G1162 is deesis, a Greek word defined as: entreaty; prayer, supplication, Lk. 1:13; 2:37; 5:33. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.

Is deesis in the Old Testament or New Testament?

deesis is a Greek word found in the New Testament.