The verb επιποθεω (epipotheo) means to desire, yearn or long for, or to mull over something one desires. It combines the particle επι (epi), meaning on or upon, with the otherwise unused verb ποθεω (potheo), to yearn or crave. This latter verb stems from an ancient Proto-Indo-European root "gwedh-", to request or ask for, from which also comes the English verb to bid, the German expression of entreaty bitte, please, and the verb beten, to pray (hence also the Dutch verb bidden, to pray). In Greek mythology, Pothos is a minor character and either son or aspect of the more familiar Eros.

Our verb επιποθεω (epipotheo), to long for or to mull over that which one desires, is used 9 times in the New Testament; see full concordance. From this verb come: