"to pray, offer prayer, Acts 26:29; 2 Cor. 13:7, 9; Jas. 5:16; to wish, desire, Acts 27:29; Rom. 9:3; 3 Jn. 2*"
Definition and meaning
to pray, offer prayer, Acts 26:29; 2 Cor. 13:7, 9; Jas. 5:16; to wish, desire, Acts 27:29; Rom. 9:3; 3 Jn. 2*
In the original Greek the word is written: εὔχομαι
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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
These are the most notable occurrences of euchomai (G2172) across the King James Bible.
Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G2172 (euchomai) is a Greek word that means: to pray, offer prayer, Acts 26:29; 2 Cor. 13:7, 9; Jas. 5:16; to wish, desire, Acts 27:29; Rom. 9:3; 3 Jn. 2* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word euchomai (G2172) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2172 is euchomai, a Greek word defined as: to pray, offer prayer, Acts 26:29; 2 Cor. 13:7, 9; Jas. 5:16; to wish, desire, Acts 27:29; Rom. 9:3; 3 Jn. 2*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
euchomai is a Greek word found in the New Testament.