🎉 Welcome! Join the Coffee Club to unlock commenting, and discover how you can support biblical literacy today.
Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it allows for a more profound comprehension of the original texts and their meanings. The Greek word ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) is particularly significant because it means “to ask” or “to request.” It appears frequently in the New Testament, reflecting various contexts in which questions are posed, both to Jesus and by Him. Understanding this word helps in interpreting dialogues and interactions within the Bible, shedding light on the nature of communication in ancient Greek culture and its role in conveying theological truths.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) [eh-ro-TAH-oh]
- Etymology: From the root ἐρώτημα (erotēma), meaning “question” or “inquiry,” related to asking or seeking information.
- Part of Speech: Verb; contract verb in -άω.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
Join the coffee club to enjoy an ad-free experience and add your voice to this discussion.
- To ask: Refers to the act of asking a question or inquiring about something.
- To request: Implies asking for something with a sense of formality or seriousness.
- To inquire: Used when seeking information or clarification.
Similar Words: αἰτέω (aitéō) [ahee-TEH-oh] also means “to ask” or “to request,” but it often carries a sense of asking or pleading for something from a position of need or inferiority. In contrast, ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) is used more generally and can imply a more equal status between the asker and the one asked.
Further Insights: ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) is a contract verb in Greek, meaning it undergoes vowel contraction in various forms. It belongs to the -άω verb group, which influences its conjugation patterns. Below is the present active indicative conjugation for ἐρωτάω:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | ἐρωτῶ | ἐρωτῶμεν |
| 2nd | ἐρωτᾷς | ἐρωτᾶτε |
| 3rd | ἐρωτᾷ | ἐρωτῶσι(ν) |
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἐρωτάω is defined as “to ask” or “to request,” often in contexts where someone is seeking information or a favor. BDAG highlights its frequent usage in the New Testament, particularly in dialogues involving Jesus and His disciples or the Pharisees.
Use code: FOG20 here for a 20% discount.
Thayer’s: Describes ἐρωτάω as “to ask, to request, to entreat.” Thayer emphasizes that this word is commonly used when someone of equal or similar status asks another, unlike other Greek verbs that imply inferiority or pleading.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on ἐρωτάω as meaning “to ask” or “to request,” specifically noting its usage in contexts of respectful or formal questioning. Vine’s discusses the distinctions between this verb and similar Greek verbs for asking, highlighting its role in formal discourse.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἐρωτάω as “to ask, inquire, question,” with examples from classical Greek literature where it is used in both casual and formal settings to pose questions or make requests.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐρωτάω as “to ask” or “to request,” and it is listed as a verb that appears frequently in the New Testament, especially in contexts involving questions about teachings, laws, and personal requests.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 16:13: “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked [ἐρωτήσατο] his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?'”
- John 14:16: “And I will ask [ἐρωτήσω] the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”
- Mark 7:5: “And the Pharisees and the scribes asked [ἐρωτῶσιν] him, ‘Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?'”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “Socrates often asks (ἐρωτᾷ) questions to lead his students to self-discovery and understanding.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The oracle was consulted, and the priest asked (ἐρωτᾷ) the gods for guidance.” |
| Xenophon | Memorabilia | “The students inquired (ἐρωτῶσιν) of their teacher about the nature of virtue and wisdom.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis | Book of Genesis | “And he asked (ἐρωτᾶ) them of their welfare, and said, ‘Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spoke?'” |
| 1 Samuel | Book of 1 Samuel | “And Saul asked (ἐρωτᾷ) him, ‘Are you the one who will fight for Israel?'” |
| 2 Kings | Book of 2 Kings | “The king sent messengers to inquire (ἐρωτᾶν) of the prophet about the fate of the city.” |
Summary of ἐρωτάω (G2065)
In summary, ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) is a Greek verb meaning “to ask” or “to request.” It is used extensively in the New Testament to describe various forms of questioning or requesting, whether from Jesus, His disciples, or the Pharisees. The word also appears in classical Greek literature, illustrating its use in both everyday and formal discourse. Understanding ἐρωτάω provides essential insights into the nature of communication, dialogue, and inquiry in ancient texts and enhances our interpretation of the biblical narratives.
Did You Know?
Did you know that ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) is the root for the English word “erotic”? This might seem surprising, but in ancient Greek, the word was connected to desires and requests, which later evolved in its meaning. This etymological connection shows how words can develop and shift in meaning across time and cultures.
Fuel Biblical Discovery
Become a Coffee Club member to share your insights and enjoy an ad-free experience. Your perspective could be exactly what someone needs to hear.
Join the Coffee Club Free
This page is made possible by our generous coffee club members, who help keep these biblical resources free and ad-free for all seekers of wisdom. Care to pour into this mission with us?
