Figures of Speech in the Bible

Deesis / Entreaty in the Bible

Deesis is earnest pleading, petition, or supplication directed to God or another person.

Simple definition

Deesis is earnest pleading, petition, or supplication directed to God or another person.

Technical nameDeesis
Alternate namesSupplication; earnest petition
Reader categoryPrayer / Appeal
Bullinger classFigures of address / petition
Source hintDraft-normalized rhetorical category; verify examples against Bullinger/source taxonomy and final Bible text stream.
Examples on page10

Technical definition

Deesis is an appeal-form in which the speaker urgently requests mercy, help, deliverance, forgiveness, justice, or intervention.

Publication note: Examples are curated from the final Wave 46 source state. Some examples carry review notes where final Bible-text stream verification may still be prudent before public release.

Scripture examples

These examples show how Deesis / Entreaty functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.

Exod. 32:11-13
certain

Moses implores the LORD after the golden calf

Moses pleads on the basis of God’s name, promises, and covenant faithfulness.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Num. 14:13-19
certain

Moses appeals after Israel’s rebellion

The petition seeks pardon by appealing to the LORD’s revealed character.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
1 Kings 8:28-30
certain

Solomon asks God to hear prayer toward the temple

The dedication prayer repeatedly petitions God to hear from heaven.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
2 Kings 19:15-19
certain

Hezekiah prays against Assyria

The appeal asks God to save so that all kingdoms may know He alone is LORD.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Ps. 51:1-2
certain

Have mercy on me, O God

David’s repentance is expressed through urgent appeal for mercy and cleansing.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Dan. 9:17-19
certain

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive

Daniel’s prayer piles up petitions grounded in God’s mercy and name.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Matt. 15:22-27
certain

Canaanite woman pleads for mercy

Her repeated appeal seeks mercy and deliverance for her daughter.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Mark 9:22-24
certain

help my unbelief

The father’s plea combines desperate request with honest weakness.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Luke 18:13
certain

God, be merciful to me, a sinner

The tax collector’s prayer is a concise entreaty for mercy.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Acts 4:24-30
certain

church asks for boldness

The gathered believers plead for bold witness amid threats.

Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 15 vivid description, appeal, and dramatic speech forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording, source taxonomy, and final site Bible text stream before publication.

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