Brief Overview of θηρεύω (Strong’s G2340: thēreuō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies provides a deeper insight into the meanings and contexts of New Testament texts. The Greek word θηρεύω (thēreuō) is particularly significant because it refers to the act of hunting or pursuing. This word is used both literally and metaphorically in ancient Greek literature, including the Bible, to convey themes of pursuit, capture, or entrapment. Understanding this word helps us grasp the rich imagery used in Scripture, where hunting can symbolize spiritual or moral endeavors.

Key Information

The Greek Word: θηρεύω (thēreuō) [thay-REH-oo]
Etymology: Derived from the root θηρ (thēr), meaning “wild beast” or “animal.” The verb θηρεύω comes from this root and means “to hunt” or “to chase.”
Part of Speech: Verb; typically used to denote the action of hunting or pursuing something.
Grammatical Details: Omega verb, present tense; conjugated to indicate continuous or repeated action.
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Primary Meanings

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To hunt: To pursue or chase wild animals, often for food or sport.
To capture: More broadly, it can imply capturing or ensnaring something or someone.

Similar Words: ἀγρεύω (agreuo) [a-GREH-oo] is another Greek verb meaning “to catch” or “to capture.” While θηρεύω focuses more on the hunting or chasing aspect, ἀγρεύω specifically emphasizes the act of capturing or catching. Another related word is θηράω (thēraō) [thay-RAH-oh], which also means “to hunt” but is less commonly used. Both words relate to the act of pursuing, but θηρεύω is more commonly found in literature discussing hunting as a skill or art form.

Further Insights: As an omega verb, θηρεύω follows a regular pattern of conjugation typical in Greek verbs. Here is the full conjugation of θηρεύω in the present active indicative:

Person	Singular	Plural
1st	θηρεύω	θηρεύομεν
2nd	θηρεύεις	θηρεύετε
3rd	θηρεύει	θηρεύουσι(ν)

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: θηρεύω is defined as “to hunt, to chase,” emphasizing its literal usage in contexts where hunting or pursuing wild animals is the focus. BDAG also notes the metaphorical use of the term, implying a pursuit that goes beyond the physical, such as a spiritual or ideological chase.
Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s describes θηρεύω as “to hunt, to catch,” highlighting its usage in both classical and biblical contexts to convey the act of pursuing something, whether an animal or a more abstract target, such as an idea or a soul.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s expands on the term’s metaphorical implications, noting that θηρεύω is used in Scripture to illustrate the pursuit of souls, truth, or righteousness. Vine’s also discusses the ethical and moral considerations that hunting or pursuing can symbolize in a spiritual context.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides a comprehensive overview of θηρεύω, from its basic meaning of “to hunt” or “to chase” in physical contexts to its metaphorical usage in philosophical and rhetorical discussions where it implies seeking or striving after something elusive.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2340. Strong’s defines θηρεύω as “to hunt, to pursue,” noting its application in New Testament texts and its broader usage in Greek literature. Strong’s references emphasize the active nature of the verb, focusing on the intentionality and purpose behind the pursuit.

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Related Scripture References

Romans 11:9: “And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompense unto them.” (θηρεύω appears in the context of metaphorical traps or pursuits in related Greek texts, though it is not explicitly listed in common translations.)

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Plato	Laws	“The soul that seeks knowledge must hunt (θηρεύω) for wisdom like a wild beast.”
Xenophon	Memorabilia	“Socrates compared his pursuit (θηρεύω) of truth to that of a hunter after his prey.”
Aristotle	Politics	“In governing, one must sometimes hunt (θηρεύω) for justice as if it were a hidden quarry.”
Septuagint – Proverbs	Septuagint Translation	“The righteous man hunts (θηρεύω) for good, but the wicked seek evil.”
Septuagint – Jeremiah	Septuagint Translation	“Like a hunter (θηρεύω), the enemy pursued them across the mountains.”
Septuagint – Psalms	Septuagint Translation	“My soul longs for you like a deer hunts (θηρεύω) for water.”

Summary of θηρεύω (G2340)

The Greek verb θηρεύω (thēreuō) primarily means “to hunt” or “to chase” and is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to describe the pursuit of something, whether it be wild game, truth, or spiritual goals. Its use in the New Testament and classical Greek literature underscores its versatility and depth, making it a significant term for understanding themes of pursuit, capture, and the quest for something valuable or elusive. The word’s rich connotations provide insight into Greek culture and the philosophical and moral ideas that shaped the ancient world.

Did You Know?

The word θηρεύω is the root of several related terms in ancient Greek, such as θηρευτής (“hunter”) and θηρατήριον (“hunting ground”). In ancient Greece, hunting was not merely a physical activity but also a metaphor for the intellectual pursuit of knowledge and virtue, symbolizing the discipline and skill required to achieve one’s goals, whether in a forest or a philosophical debate.