Lexical Summary exeraunaó: To search out, to examine thoroughly Original Word: ἐξερευνάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance search diligently. From ek and ereunao; to explore (figuratively) -- search diligently. see GREEK ek see GREEK ereunao HELPS Word-studies 1830 eksereunáō (from 1537 /ek, "wholly out from," intensifying 2045 /ereunáō, "search") – properly, search out with all diligence (effort); "search carefully" (A-S), in an investigative manner (inquiring after facts); to "examine carefully (minutely)" (Souter). 1830 /eksereunáō ("diligently search") is used only in 1 Pet 1:10. Here it focuses on the end-result of the searching, i.e. the fulfillment of salvation (unique glorification) in a believer's life (cf. 1 Pet 3:9). ["The ek in composition has the force of out, searched out, and is rendered by diligently" (WS, 302).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and eraunaó Definition to search out NASB Translation inquiries (1), made careful* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1830: ἐξεραυνάω[ἐξεραυνάω T Tr WH for ἐξερευνάω, which see; see ἐραυνάω.] STRONGS NT 1830: ἐξερευνάωἐξερευνάω, ἐξερεύνω: 1 aorist ἐξηρεύνησα; to search out, search anxiously and diligently: περί τίνος, 1 Peter 1:10 (where T Tr WH ἐξεραυνάω which see). (1 Macc. 3:48 1 Macc. 9:26; the Sept.; Sophocles, Euripides, Polybius, Plutarch, others.) Strong’s Greek 1830 appears only once in the New Testament (1 Peter 1:10), yet its solitary occurrence powerfully illuminates the intensity with which God’s servants pursue revealed truth. Peter employs the term to portray the Old Testament prophets’ painstaking quest to understand the salvation later unveiled in Jesus Christ. Context in 1 Peter 1:10 “Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully” (1 Peter 1:10). Peter’s audience—scattered believers facing trials—needed reassurance that their faith rested on a salvation long contemplated by the prophets and now fully disclosed. By pairing the verb translated “searched” with 1830 (“investigated carefully”), Peter stresses cumulative, exhaustive effort. The prophetic search was not casual curiosity but disciplined, Spirit-guided examination. The Prophetic Pattern of Earnest Investigation 1. Motivated by promised grace: The prophets yearned to comprehend “the grace to come.” Their inquiry was fueled by gratitude for God’s unfolding mercy (compare Daniel 7:16; Isaiah 53). Theological Significance • Progressive Revelation: The prophets’ diligent inquiry illustrates how divine truth is progressively unveiled across the canon, culminating in the gospel. Christological Focus The word underlines the prophets’ forward-looking gaze toward Christ. Their “investigation” anticipated both the timing and circumstances of His atoning death and victorious resurrection (1 Peter 1:11). Thus, 1830 functions as a lexical bridge uniting Old Testament expectation with New Testament fulfillment. Historical Background Second Temple Jewish literature exhibits similar patterns of ardent scriptural searching (e.g., the Qumran community’s pesher commentaries). Rabbinic traditions praised diligent Torah study, yet 1 Peter places such inquiry within a christocentric framework: the object is not merely textual mastery but recognition of the Messiah. Pastoral and Ministry Implications • Model for Bible Study: Believers are called to emulate the prophets’ rigorous approach, “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Biblical Cross-References and Parallels Proverbs 2:4 urges the seeker to look for wisdom “as for hidden treasures.” Daniel 9:2 records Daniel’s own careful study of Jeremiah to discern God’s timetable. Together with 1 Peter 1:10-12, these passages form a biblical theology of diligent, Spirit-led inquiry. Exhortation for Contemporary Believers The single occurrence of Strong’s Greek 1830 reminds the church that divine revelation invites, and indeed expects, persistent investigation. Such pursuit, grounded in reverence and dependent on the Spirit, leads to greater understanding of Christ, deeper assurance of salvation, and stronger motivation for holy living (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:18). Englishman's Concordance 1 Peter 1:10 V-AIA-3PGRK: ἐξεζήτησαν καὶ ἐξηραύνησαν προφῆται οἱ KJV: and searched diligently, who INT: sought out and searched out [the] prophets the [ones] |