epipotheo expresses earnest desire directed toward someone, something, or an anticipated condition.

The attested use consistently marks earnest desire directed toward a person, an anticipated meeting, spiritual nourishment, or a hoped-for dwelling. The same desire-language occurs in requests to see others, desire for a heavenly dwelling, and the statement about the spirit in James 4:5.

1. Earnest desire directed toward an object or person · dominant

   Present active participles describe ongoing desire to see others in 1 Thessalonians 3:6 and 2 Timothy 1:4, to receive a dwelling from heaven in 2 Corinthians 5:2, and to be with all the Philippians in Philippians 2:26. Present active indicatives likewise frame the desire to see the Roman believers for their strengthening in Romans 1:11 and the desire for all the Philippians in Philippians 1:8; in each case the APB renders the clause with “longing.”

   1 Thessalonians 3:62 Corinthians 5:22 Timothy 1:4Philippians 1:8Philippians 2:26Romans 1:11

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB repeatedly presents the relevant clauses with “longing,” including desire to see people, to put on a heavenly dwelling, and for spiritual milk. This repeated wording confirms the verse-level portrayal rather than fixing a separate English equivalent in every clause.