Strong's Lexicon hiketéria: Supplication, entreaty Original Word: ἱκετηρία Word Origin: Derived from ἱκέτης (hiketēs), meaning "a suppliant" or "one who makes a request." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "hiketéria," the concept of supplication is present in Hebrew terms such as תְּחִנָּה (teḥinnah, Strong's H8467), which also denotes a plea or entreaty. Usage: The term "hiketéria" refers to a humble and earnest request or plea, often directed towards a deity or a person in authority. In the context of the New Testament, it is used to describe a form of prayer characterized by earnestness and humility, reflecting a deep sense of need and dependence on God. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, supplication was a common practice, often involving rituals and symbols such as olive branches to signify peace and submission. Supplicants would approach deities or rulers with humility, seeking favor or mercy. This cultural understanding of supplication informs the New Testament usage, where believers are encouraged to approach God with a similar attitude of humility and dependence. HELPS Word-studies 2428 hiketēría – properly, an olive branch; (figuratively) earnest supplication for peace (relief, reconciliation), used only in Heb 5:7. [This is also the regular meaning of this term in secular antiquity, BAGD.] Heb 5:7: "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications (2428 /hiketēría) with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety" (NASU). Jesus' supplications underline His unfathomable humility in identifying with our great need! [An olive branch, held in the hand of a suppliant, showed heartfelt "supplication, entreaty" (Souter). 2428 (hiketēría) in ancient times was frequently used of a suppliant carrying an olive branch as a token for "seeking peace."] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hiketérios; from adjective hiketés (a suppliant) Definition supplication NASB Translation supplications (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2428: ἱκετήριοςἱκετήριος, ἱκετηρία, ἱκετηριον (ἱκέτης a suppliant), pertaining to a suppliant, fit for a suppliant; ἡ ἱκετηρία, as a substantive, namely, ἐλαία or ῤάβδος; 1. an olive-branch; for suppliants approached the one whose aid they would implore holding an olive-branch entwined with white wool and fillets, to signify that they came as suppliants (cf. Trench, § 51, under the end): λαμβάνειν ἱκετηριαν, Herodotus 5, 51; ἱκετηριαν τιθέναι or προβάλλεσθαι παρά τίνι, etc. 2. equivalent to ἱκεσία, supplication (Isocrates, p. 186 d. vat.; Polybius; 2 Macc. 9:18): plural joined with δεήσεις (Polybius 3, 112, 8; singular Job 40:22, the Sept.), Hebrews 5:7. From a derivative of the base of hikanos (through the idea of approaching for a favor); intreaty -- supplication. see GREEK hikanos |
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