The request was to write an article about “intercession,” but the meaning of that word is so similar to the meanings of: (1) Prayer, (2) Petition, (3) Supplication, and (4) Entreaty, I have expanded the request to include these words also. Both in the English and Greek these words are very similar, but some of the words give a little different aspect or insight to the general meaning. (The reader may choose to skip the paragraphs dealing with the technical definitions and go to the lessons learned about “intercession” as it is used in the Bible).
English Definitions
“Prayer” is the easiest word to define. All would understand this to mean that one speaks to God. “Intercession” is also speaking to God therefore “prayer” could also include “intercession.”
“Petition” is defined by a reputable dictionary as, “An instrument of writing or printing containing a prayer from the person presenting it, called the petitioner, to the body or person to whom it is presented, for the redress of some wrong, or the grant of some favor, which the latter has the right to give.”
“Supplication” is the “action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly:” It is thought of as something one asks for himself or herself.
“Entreaty” is an earnest or humble request.
“Intercession” is defined by Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary as a “petition on behalf of one’s neighbor.” In other words, “intercession” conveys the idea of what one person does for another person by asking God on the other person’s behalf. The Merriam Webster definition of “intercession” reads, “prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another.” Thus, one sees in the English language, these words are often, and correctly, used interchangeably.
Greek Definitions Similar
There are three primary Greek words which usually are translated by any of the English words listed above. The three Greek words are: (1) Deesis, (2) Enteuxis, (3) Hiketeria. Deesis means to ask for something and is used only to ask God, not man. Originally, its technical meaning was a term for approaching a king. Enteuxis means a prayer or an intercession especially when an inferior asks something of a superior. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon further explains, “to fall in with – to go to or meet a person for the purpose of conversation or consultation or supplication.” To this word the prefix huper is added and huper means, “on behalf of.” The Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words by W. E. Vine says of hiketeria, “it denotes a suppliant and used as a noun, formerly an olive-branch carried by a suppliant.” An “olive-branch” carries the idea of a request for peace. The primary meaning of “intercession” is a request that one makes on behalf of another person, but depending on which translation one uses, any of the four English words may be used to translate the Greek word.
We Are to Intercede
For those in positions of authority. First Timothy 2:1 gives us this command. It says, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” First, notice how many of the words discussed above are mentioned in this verse. In our county we hear a lot of complaining about our governing officials. We ought to quit complaining and start praying. Notice the purpose for our “intercession” – “that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” Isn’t that all we want from those in positions of authority – to lead a tranquil and quiet life in a godly manner?
For those who ask for our intercession. When Philip went to Samaria to preach the good news about salvation, “they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike” (Acts 8:12). Even Simon who had deceived people with his magic, believed and was baptized (v. 13). Sometime after his baptism he sinned by wanting to pay to have the ability to impart miraculous gifts to others. Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you…you have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:20-22).
Notice what Simon said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me”(Acts 8:24). When they prayed for him, they were interceding on his behalf. Anytime anyone asks us to pray for them, they are asking for us to intercede on their behalf.
The same idea of “intercession” is found in James 5:16. “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
Jesus and the Holy Spirit Intercede for Us
When one is baptized into Christ, he or she, becomes a child of God and Christ becomes his or her “intercessor.” The Hebrew writer explained, “Therefore He (Christ) is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34). Jesus is at the right hand of God, the Father and He intercedes in our behalf in all situations. John explained one of those situations by telling what Christians must do when they sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).
Paul explained that the Holy Spirit also intercedes for us. “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). Sometimes, we just do not know what to pray for in a particular situation or maybe we do not express our desires in the right way. The Holy Spirit then intercedes for us so that we are praying correctly,
Intercessor and Mediator
Two passages tell us that Jesus intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34). Note what I Timothy 2:5 tells us about Jesus. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” There is a difference between an “intercessor” and a “mediator.” An intercessor stands beside one and pleads to another on his behalf. A “mediator” stands between two parties in order to bring them back together. The best mediator is one who is equally related to both parties and who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring the two back together. Jesus does intercede for us, but He is also our mediator who pleads our case for us. He is the perfect mediator because He is equally related to both parties – God and the sinner. Jesus is God and He is also a man. Also, He gave His blood as a payment to God so that we can be forgiven.
Conclusion
“Intercession” is a key biblical concept because it expresses what Jesus does for us and what we ought to do for one another. We cannot pay for our own or anyone else’s sin, but we can stand with a brother or sister who has sinned and plead his or her case as a faithful intercessor. We can plead for anyone who has a need that God can meet.
— Wayne Burger