From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordDeēsis is a request or supplication, especially a prayer addressed to a higher power in the selected passage.
- In StobaeusDiotima describes prayers and sacrifices passing from humans toward gods through the daimonic intermediary, with commands and recompense moving in return.
- In this edition“Prayers” is natural in the religious setting; “requests” suits a less sacred context.
- A place to beginHuman prayers are carried through the intermediary between gods and humans.
- English renderings
- supplication; prayer; request
Meaning
Deēsis is a request or supplication, especially a prayer addressed to a higher power in the selected passage.
Use in the book
Diotima describes prayers and sacrifices passing from humans toward gods through the daimonic intermediary, with commands and recompense moving in return. Supplication is one side of a structured exchange. The passage explains mediation rather than promising that every request receives its desired answer.
Places to read
- I.9.17.2Human prayers are carried through the intermediary between gods and humans.
Translation in this edition
“Prayers” is natural in the religious setting; “requests” suits a less sacred context.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 118. The account distinguishes what humans send from what gods return, making direction essential to the mediating role.