προσδέομαι

I want more

Definition

The verb προσδέομαι (prosdeomai) means 'to need in addition' or 'to have further need of something.' It conveys the idea of requiring something beyond what one already possesses or has been provided. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Acts 17:25, it describes God as not being 'served by human hands, as though he needed anything' (προσδεόμενος). This usage emphasizes a complete lack of deficiency or dependence. The word inherently implies a state of insufficiency that requires supplementation.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 17:25, within Paul's speech at the Areopagus in Athens. The context is a theological argument about the nature of the true God, contrasting Him with idols. Paul uses the term to assert God's absolute self-sufficiency and independence from any service or provision that humans might think they can offer. There are no other usage patterns, as it is a hapax legomenon (word occurring once).

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning 'before' or 'in addition to,' and the root verb δέομαι (deomai), which means 'to want,' 'to need,' or 'to beg.' The prefix προσ- (pros-) intensifies the sense to 'need in addition' or 'have further need.' Cognates include δέομαι (G1189) and the noun ἔνδεια (endeia, G5304), meaning 'want' or 'need.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it directly informs the doctrine of God's aseity, or self-existence. In Acts 17:25, its use negates any notion that the Creator is dependent on His creation for sustenance, honor, or service. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of this passage by highlighting the stark contrast between the living God, who lacks nothing, and the lifeless idols of the Athenian pantheon, which were thought to require human care. It underscores the truth that worship is for our benefit and His glory, not to meet a need in God.

In the Greco-Roman world, the gods of the pantheon were often viewed as having needs and desires that humans could fulfill through sacrifices, rituals, and temple service. Paul's declaration in Acts 17:25 directly challenged this cultural assumption. By stating that the true God is not προσδεόμενος (in need), Paul was presenting a radically different theology of a transcendent, self-sufficient deity, which would have been a counter-cultural and philosophically provocative idea to his Athenian audience.

δέομαι (deomai, G1189) — A simpler verb meaning 'to want,' 'to need,' or 'to pray'; lacks the compounded sense of 'needing in addition.' χρῄζω (chreizo, G5535) — Means 'to have need of' or 'to be in want of'; a more general term for need without the additive connotation. ἐπιδεής (epidees, G5532) — An adjective meaning 'needy' or 'in want'; describes a state of lack.

Word Details

Scripture References