Lexical Summary dierótaó: To inquire thoroughly, to question closely, to interrogate. Original Word: διερωτάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to ask about, learn by inquiryFrom dia and erotao; to question throughout, i.e. Ascertain by interrogation -- make enquiry foreign see GREEK dia see GREEK erotao NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and erótaó Definition to find by inquiry NASB Translation asked directions (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1331: διερωτάωδιερωτάω: 1 aorist participle διερωτησας; to ask through (i. e., ask many, one after another): τί, to find out by asking, to inquire out, Acts 10:17. (Xenophon, Plato, Demosthenes, Polybius, Dio Cassius, 43, 10; 48, 8.) Cf. Winer's De verb. comp. etc. Part v., p. 15. Topical Lexicon Core Idea of dierōtaōThe verb embraces the notion of pursuing information with care—questioning in a way that probes beneath the surface until clarity is reached. It pictures a seeker who follows the matter “through and through,” refusing to rest until the needed facts are obtained. Biblical Usage Acts 10:17 records its sole New Testament appearance. While Peter wrestled with the meaning of the rooftop vision, “the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate. They called out to ask whether Simon called Peter was staying there” (Acts 10:17–18). The participle διερωτήσαντες (“having inquired thoroughly”) highlights their diligent search. They did not merely knock and accept a quick answer; they investigated until they uncovered Peter’s exact whereabouts, demonstrating earnest obedience to the angelic command (Acts 10:5–6). Historical Background Caesarea Maritima and Joppa stood forty miles apart along the Mediterranean coast. Communication relied on messengers who had to navigate unfamiliar streets and identify strangers by reputation alone. The servants’ thorough questioning reflects the practical realities of first-century travel and hospitality, where addresses, surnames, and house numbers were unknown. Their persistence contrasts with many casual inquiries in Greco-Roman culture, revealing a divine urgency behind their mission. Theological Significance 1. Preparation for the Gospel’s Gentile Expansion The careful inquiry becomes a hinge in salvation history. By locating Peter, the messengers set in motion the Spirit-orchestrated meeting that would open the door of faith to the nations (Acts 10:34–35, 44–48). 2. Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility God sent an angel to Cornelius and a vision to Peter, yet the plan depended on servants who would “ask thoroughly.” Scripture often weds supernatural revelation to diligent human action (compare Nehemiah 2:12–16; Matthew 2:8). The verb underscores that thorough obedience is the appropriate response to divine initiative. 3. Pursuit of Truth The vocabulary of sustained inquiry echoes the prophetic summons, “Seek the LORD while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6). Discipleship demands more than superficial curiosity; it calls for persistent investigation into God’s will (John 5:39; 2 Timothy 2:15). Practical Ministry Application • Evangelism: Genuine gospel witness may involve sustained, respectful questioning—learning names, stories, and contexts before speaking Christ’s message. Related Concepts • zēteō (2212) – to seek; speaks of active pursuit. Summary dierōtaō captures the steadfast quest for precise understanding and stands at a pivotal juncture where God ushers Gentiles into the covenant community. The word challenges every generation of believers to combine divine dependence with diligent inquiry, ensuring that no truth, person, or ministry assignment is left unexplored until the Lord’s purpose is fulfilled. Forms and Transliterations διερωτησαντες διερωτήσαντες διετηρίδα dierotesantes dierotḗsantes dierōtēsantes dierōtḗsantesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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