Lexical Summary dipsos: Thirst Original Word: δίψος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thirst. Of uncertain affinity; thirst -- thirst. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as dipsaó Definition thirst NASB Translation thirst (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1373: δίψοςδίψος, διψηος (δίψους), τό, thirst: 2 Corinthians 11:27. (From Thucydides down, for the older δίψα.) Topical Lexicon Definition in Context Strong’s Greek 1373 designates literal, bodily thirst. Whereas other Greek terms extend the idea to spiritual longing, this specific noun appears only once in the New Testament and speaks of the physical deprivation of water. Scriptural Occurrence 2 Corinthians 11:27 stands as the sole New Testament witness: Paul recalls serving Christ “in hunger and thirst”. The apostle’s mention locates thirst among a catalog of afflictions endured for the gospel. Paul’s Testimony of Suffering • In the larger passage (2 Corinthians 11:23-29) Paul answers critics by listing hardships that verify his apostleship. Historical Background • Journeys over the arid stretches of Asia Minor and the Middle East exposed travelers to dehydration. The Broader Biblical Motif Although 1373 refers to physical thirst, Scripture frequently layers spiritual significance onto the same theme: Ministry Significance 1. Identification with Christ • Jesus cried, “I thirst” (John 19:28), sharing humanity’s frailty. Paul’s thirst follows the same path of sacrificial obedience. • Material hardships confirm sincerity (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Modern servants likewise validate their witness when willing to endure discomfort for Christ. • Awareness of bodily thirst in Scripture grounds the church’s historic concern for clean-water projects and relief work (Matthew 25:35). • Paul’s experience refutes any teaching that faithful service guarantees physical comfort (Acts 14:22). Pastoral and Devotional Applications • Personal Self-Examination: Does my discipleship embrace sacrifice or shrink from it? Related Terms • Strong’s Greek 1372 (verb “to thirst”) broadens the topic, appearing in passages of spiritual longing. Summary Strong’s Greek 1373 captures one stark word—“thirst.” In Paul’s life it signals the grittiness of apostolic service, reminding believers that the gospel advanced through genuine deprivation. Physical thirst in Scripture never stands alone; it presses the church to both meet human need and proclaim the One who forever satisfies. Forms and Transliterations δίψαν διψει δίψει δίψη δίψους dipsei dípseiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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