Lexical Summary exetazó: To examine, to investigate, to inquire thoroughly Original Word: ἐξετάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ask, enquire, search. From ek and etazo (to examine); to test thoroughly (by questions), i.e. Ascertain or interrogate -- ask, enquire, search. see GREEK ek HELPS Word-studies 1833 eksetázō (from 1537 /ek, "completely out of from" intensifying etazō, "examine") – properly, inquire (examine) thoroughly; "to examine closely, inquire carefully (of)" (A-S); looking into something in a precise, meticulous manner (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and etazó (to examine) Definition to examine closely NASB Translation inquire (1), question (1), search (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1833: ἐξετάζωἐξετάζω: 1 aorist imperative 2 person plural ἐξετάσατε, infinitive ἐξετάσαι; to search out; to examine strictly, inquire: περί τίνος and with the adverb ἀκριβῶς added, Matthew 2:8; followed by an indirect question. Matthew 10:11; τινα inquire of someone, followed by a direct question, John 21:12. (the Sept.; often in Greek writings from Thucydides down.) Topical Lexicon Summary of the Concept Strong’s Greek 1833 (ἐξετάζω) conveys the idea of probing beyond the surface—scrutinizing, investigating, and questioning with deliberate care. Whether employed by hostile rulers, missionary disciples, or reticent followers, the verb always presumes that truth exists and can be uncovered through diligent pursuit. Scripture’s three occurrences offer a balanced portrait: ungodly inquiry that seeks to oppose God’s plan, godly inquiry that advances the gospel, and reverent restraint that trusts the risen Lord’s self-revelation. Canonical Occurrences • Matthew 2:8 – Herod commissions the magi: “Go and search carefully for the Child. As soon as you find Him, report to me”. His feigned worship masks murderous intent, illustrating that meticulous investigation can be driven by rebellion when the heart is hostile to God’s sovereignty. • Matthew 10:11 – Jesus instructs the Twelve on their first mission: “Whatever town or village you enter, search for someone worthy there and stay at his house until you move on”. Here the same verb becomes a tool for discerning hospitality, integrity, and receptivity, safeguarding both messenger and message. • John 21:12 – After the miraculous catch, “None of the disciples dared to ask Him, ‘Who are You?’ They knew it was the Lord”. The potential for questioning is subdued by the assurance of resurrection certainty; they have no need to cross-examine what divine light has already made plain. Biblical Theology 1. Light versus darkness. Herod’s inquiry demonstrates that intellectual rigor alone does not guarantee righteousness. Without submission to the revealed will of God, even careful research degenerates into opposition to His purposes (compare Romans 1:21–22). 2. Discernment in mission. Jesus’ directive in Matthew 10 roots gospel ministry in thoughtful evaluation. The apostles were to test the character of hosts, affirming that spiritual fruitfulness often depends on strategic alliances with the “worthy” (see also Titus 1:5–9 for elder qualifications). 3. Reverent assurance. The post-resurrection scene in John 21 highlights the boundary where inquiry ceases and worship begins. When Christ discloses Himself unmistakably, faith rests, echoing Thomas’s confession in John 20:28. Historical Background In Hellenistic legal settings ἐξετάζω described a magistrate’s examination of facts and witnesses. The Septuagint uses cognate language for God’s own searching of hearts (e.g., Psalm 139:1 LXX). New Testament writers therefore adapt a familiar forensic term to depict both human investigation and divine omniscience, underscoring that ultimate scrutiny belongs to the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4–5). Ministry Implications • Pastoral counseling: Shepherds must “examine” (in the spirit of Matthew 10:11) the life context of those they serve, distinguishing genuine repentance from mere profession, while avoiding Herod-like manipulation. • Apologetics: Faith welcomes honest questions. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily”. The same verb family links the noble pursuit of truth with humble teachability. • Self-examination: Although ἐξετάζω itself is not used, its concept aligns with 2 Corinthians 13:5, urging believers, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” Searching one’s own life precedes effective witness to others. Warnings and Encouragements – Inquiry without obedience breeds greater guilt (Herod). – Inquiry guided by Christ fosters fruitful ministry (apostles). – Inquiry gives way to adoration when the risen Lord stands revealed (disciples at the Sea of Galilee). Illustrative Vignettes from Church History • Polycarp, before his martyrdom, invited Roman officials to “examine” his life for any crime, confident that faithful testimony would vindicate the gospel. • The Reformers’ return ad fontes (“to the sources”) mirrored the Berean spirit, scrutinizing Scripture to confront ecclesiastical abuses. • Modern missionary movements employ cultural exegesis—careful study of a village or people group—to identify “worthy” partners for church planting, following the pattern of Matthew 10:11. Practical Questions for Reflection 1. Do I seek information about God merely to satisfy curiosity, or to submit to His will? Conclusion Strong’s Greek 1833 challenges every believer to pursue truth with earnestness, yet always under the lordship of Christ. Rightly applied, ἐξετάζω becomes an instrument for discerning hearts, advancing the mission, and deepening reverence for the One who already knows “all things” (John 21:17). Forms and Transliterations εξείχετο εξείχον εξετάζει εξετασαι εξετάσαι ἐξετάσαι εξετασατε εξετάσατε ἐξετάσατε εξετασμός εξετάσωσιν εξεύρεσις εξεχομένων εξέχον εξέχοντος εξέχων exetasai exetásai exetasate exetásateLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 2:8 V-AMA-2PGRK: εἶπεν Πορευθέντες ἐξετάσατε ἀκριβῶς περὶ NAS: Go and search carefully KJV: and said, Go and search diligently for INT: he said Having gone search carefully for Matthew 10:11 V-AMA-2P John 21:12 V-ANA Strong's Greek 1833 |
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