The Synonymous Words for "Pray" and "Prayer".
This Is Appendix 134 From The Companion Bible.

  1. The Verb.

    1. euchomai = to speak out, utter aloud. Hence, to wish or vow (Acts 26:29. 2 Corinthians 13:7. James. 5:16).

    2. proseuchomai. No. 1 with pros (Appendix 104. xv) prefixed = to pray to. It is restricted to prayer to God in New Testament. First occurance in Matthew 5:44.

    3. erotao = to ask or request a person to do (rarely to give) something : thus differing from No. 4 below.

    4. aiteo = to ask for something to be given (not done, as No. 3). Commonly used of an inferior addressing a superior.

    5. deomai = to want, lack, or need; then, to make known one's need; hence, to supplicate, beseech.

    6. parakaleo = to call aside, appeal to (by way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, or instruction).

  2. The Noun.

    1. euche = a prayer (to God); also, a vow made to God.

    2. proseuche = No. 1 with pros (Appendix 104. xv, prefixed). The word is quite common in the Papyri though in the New Testament it is restricted to prayer offered to God, having regard to the power of Him Who is invoked and giving prominence to personal devotion. Also used of a place of prayer (Acts 16:13).

    3. deesis = a petition for a special object having regard to our necessity rather than to God's sufficiency to supply it: giving prominence to personal need. In Byzantine Greek it was used of a written petition (as in English).

    4. enteuxis = confiding access to God, giving prominence to childlike confidence in prayer. Occurs only in 1Timothy 2:1; 4:5.

    5. aitema = a specific petition for a particular thing, compare No. I. 4. Occurs only in Luke 23:24. Philippians 4:6. 1 John 5:15.


Appendix List