1905. eperótaó

Lexical Summary

eperótaó: To ask, inquire, question

Original Word: ἐπερωτάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: eperótaó
Pronunciation: ep-er-o-tah'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-er-o-tah'-o)
KJV: ask (after, questions), demand, desire, question
NASB: questioned, asked, questioning, ask, question, asking, asked a question
Word Origin: [from G1909 (ἐπί - over) and G2065 (ἐρωτάω - ask)]

1. to ask for, i.e. inquire, seek

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

ask questions, demand, desire.

From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek -- ask (after, questions), demand, desire, question.

see GREEK epi

see GREEK erotao

HELPS Word-studies

1905 eperōtáō (from epi, "on, fitting" intensifying 2065 /erōtáō, "inquire, ask") – properly, ask appropriately (aptly), done by someone on "preferred footing" who makes a request from a "preferred position." 2065 /erōtáō ("ask pointedly") is the regular word Jesus used for making requests to the Father (Jn 14:16, 16:26, 17:9,15,20).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from epi and erótaó
Definition
to inquire of
NASB Translation
ask (5), ask...question (1), ask...questions (1), asked (14), asked...a question (1), asking (2), asking...questions (1), question (3), questioned (18), questioning (9).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1905: ἐπερωτάω

ἐπερωτάω, ἐπερωτῶ; imperfect ἐπηρώτων; future ἐπερωτήσω; 1 aorist ἐπηρώτησα; 1 aorist passive participle ἐπερωτηθείς; the Sept. mostly for שָׁאַל, sometimes for דָּרַשׁ;

1. to accost one with an inquiry, put a question to, inquire of, ask, interrogate (ἐπί directive, uniformly in the N. T.; Meyer on Mark 11:29 (cf. ἐπί, D. 2)): τινα, Mark 9:32; Mark 12:34; Matthew 22:46; Luke 2:46; 1 Corinthians 14:35; John 18:21 R G; τινα τί, ask one anything, Mark 7:17 L T Tr WH; ; Luke 20:40; τινα περί τίνος, one about a thing, Mark 7:17 R G; (Luke 9:45 Lachmann) (Herodotus 1, 32; Demosthenes 1072, 12); followed by λέγων with the words used by the questioner, Matthew 12:10; Matthew 17:10; Mark 9:11; Mark 12:18; Luke 3:10, 14; Luke 20:27; Luke 23:3 (R G L), and often in the Synoptic Gospels; followed by εἰ, whether, Mark 8:23; Mark 15:44; Luke 23:6; or some other form of the indirect question, Acts 23:34; ἐπηρώτων λέγοντες (L T Tr WH omit λέγοντες), τίς εἴη, Luke 8:9; ἐπερωτᾶν Θεόν to consult God (Numbers 23:3; Joshua 9:20 (14); Judges 1:1; Judges 18:5; Isaiah 19:3, etc.; Thucydides 1, 118 (etc.)), hence, to seek to know God's purpose and to do his will, Romans 10:20 from Isaiah 65:1.

2. by a usage foreign to the Greeks, to address one with a request or demand; to ask of or demand of one: followed by the infinitive Matthew 16:1 (so ἐπερωτᾶν τινα τί, Hebrew שָׁאַל, in Psalm 136:3 (); (this sense is disputed by some; see Zezschwitz as referred to at end of next word; cf. Weiss on Matthew, the passage cited, and see ἐρωτάω, 2)).

Topical Lexicon

Meaning and Nuance

ἐπερωτάω (Strong’s 1905) describes a deliberate asking—sometimes earnest, sometimes confrontational, often carrying the idea of pressing for an answer or decision. It may be friendly inquiry, rabbinic pedagogy, formal interrogation, or even a plea. The cognate noun ἐπερώτημα in 1 Peter 3:21 shows the same depth of commitment: a “pledge” or “appeal” made to God.

Frequency and Distribution

Fifty-six New Testament occurrences cluster in four spheres:

1. The Synoptic Gospels (forty-seven usages)
2. John’s Gospel (two)
3. Acts (four)
4. Pauline correspondence (three)

Questions Directed to Jesus

Opponents repeatedly used ἐπερωτάω to test or trap the Lord.
• Matthew 12:10—“Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
• Matthew 22:23; 22:35; Luke 20:21, 27—Sadducees, Pharisees, and lawyers frame trick questions about resurrection, Torah, and taxation.

Such scenes reveal human attempts to judge Christ, yet each exchange ends with His wisdom exposing their motives (Matthew 22:46).

Questions Asked by Jesus

Jesus employs probing questions to unveil hearts and to lead disciples to confession.
• Mark 5:9—He asks the demoniac, “What is your name?” confronting evil directly.
• Mark 8:27, 29—“Who do people say I am? … Who do you say I am?” brings Peter’s confession.
• Mark 9:33—“What were you discussing on the way?” exposes pride.

When Jesus questions, He is not seeking information but teaching, inviting faith, and asserting authority.

Private Inquiry by Disciples

Inside homes or on roadsides the disciples use ἐπερωτάω for clarification:
• Mark 7:17; 9:11, 28; Luke 8:9—explanations of parables and miracles.

These moments model the humble learner’s posture and anticipate later Spirit-led understanding (John 16:13).

Personal Search for Eternal Life

The rich young ruler illustrates sincere yet incomplete inquiry: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18; Mark 10:17). His question reveals longing; his departure reveals bondage to wealth. ἐπερωτάω thus frames the crisis of discipleship.

Judicial and Forensic Interrogation

The word appears in formal courts:
• Mark 14:60-61—Caiaphas interrogates Jesus.
• Mark 15:2-4; Luke 23:6-9—Pilate and Herod question Him.
• Acts 5:27—“the high priest questioned them.”
• Acts 23:34—Felix inquires about Paul’s province.

Here ἐπερωτάω underscores the irony of earthly judges sitting before the Judge of all.

Apostolic and Ecclesial Usage

• 1 Corinthians 14:35—women are to “ask their own husbands at home,” guarding orderly worship.
• Romans 10:20 cites Isaiah: God is found by those who “did not ask” (ἐπερωτῶσιν), magnifying grace over human initiative.

Relation to Prayer and Covenant

Though rarely used for prayer itself, ἐπερωτάω shades into petition when the object is God (cf. the noun in 1 Peter 3:21). The believer’s baptismal “appeal to God for a good conscience” shows that questioning can become covenantal commitment.

Old Testament Background

In the Septuagint ἐπερωτάω translates Hebrew שָׁאַל (“ask”) in both mundane and covenant contexts. This continuity buttresses New Testament theology: questioning God rightly leads to revelation; questioning God wrongly leads to judgment.

Doctrinal Observations

1. Revelation is initiated by God, yet He welcomes honest inquiry (Matthew 7:7).
2. Christ’s authority turns every interrogation back upon the questioner, demanding a heart response.
3. The gospel narrative moves from men questioning Jesus to the risen Jesus questioning His followers (John 21:15-17), culminating in Spirit-driven proclamation rather than further debate.

Ministry Applications

• Teaching: Use thoughtful questions to draw out faith and understanding, following the Master’s pattern.
• Evangelism: Expect sincere seekers and hostile interrogators; answer with Scripture and gentle boldness.
• Discipleship: Encourage believers to bring uncertainties to Christ privately, as the disciples did.
• Pastoral Care: Recognize that legalistic or adversarial questioning may mask deeper spiritual need.

Related Terms

• ἐρωτάω (2065) often denotes ordinary asking; ἐπερωτάω intensifies the demand.
• Ἐπερώτημα (1906) captures the pledge or appeal arising from such earnest questioning.

Thus ἐπερωτάω threads through the Gospels and Acts as a mirror of the human heart—sometimes humble, sometimes hostile—while also revealing the patient, sovereign wisdom of the One who ultimately questions every questioner.

Forms and Transliterations

επερωτά επερωταν επερωτάν ἐπερωτᾷν ἐπερωτᾶν επερωτάς επερωτατωσαν επερωτάτωσαν ἐπερωτάτωσαν Επερωτηθεις επερωτηθείς Ἐπερωτηθεὶς επερωτησαι επερωτήσαι επερωτήσαί ἐπερωτῆσαι επερωτήσαντι επερωτησας επερωτήσας ἐπερωτήσας επερωτησατε επερωτήσατε ἐπερωτήσατε επερωτήση επερωτήσομεν επερώτησον επερωτήσουσι επερωτήσουσιν Επερωτησω επερωτήσω Ἐπερωτήσω Επερωτω Ἐπερωτῶ επερωτών επερωτωντα επερωτώντα ἐπερωτῶντα επερωτώντος επερωτώσι επερωτωσιν επερωτώσιν ἐπερωτῶσιν επηρωτα επηρώτα ἐπηρώτα επηρώτησα επηρωτησαν επηρώτησαν ἐπηρώτησαν επηρώτησας επηρώτησε επηρώτησέ επηρωτησεν επηρώτησεν ἐπηρώτησεν ἐπηρώτησέν επηρωτων επηρώτων ἐπηρώτων eperota eperṓta epērōta epērṓta eperotā̂in eperōtā̂in eperotan eperōtan eperotatosan eperotátosan eperōtatōsan eperōtátōsan eperotesai eperotêsai eperōtēsai eperōtē̂sai eperotesan eperṓtesan epērōtēsan epērṓtēsan eperotesas eperotḗsas eperōtēsas eperōtḗsas eperotesate eperotḗsate eperōtēsate eperōtḗsate eperotesen eperṓtesen eperṓtesén epērōtēsen epērṓtēsen epērṓtēsén Eperoteso Eperotḗso Eperōtēsō Eperōtḗsō Eperotetheis Eperotetheìs Eperōtētheis Eperōtētheìs Eperoto Eperotô Eperōtō Eperōtō̂ eperoton eperṓton epērōtōn epērṓtōn eperotonta eperotônta eperōtōnta eperōtō̂nta eperotosin eperotôsin eperōtōsin eperōtō̂sin

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 12:10 V-AIA-3P
GRK: ξηράν καὶ ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν λέγοντες
NAS: was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking,
KJV: withered. And they asked him, saying,
INT: withered And they asked him saying

Matthew 16:1 V-AIA-3P
GRK: Σαδδουκαῖοι πειράζοντες ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν σημεῖον
NAS: up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show
KJV: tempting desired him
INT: Sadducees tempting [him] asked him a sign

Matthew 17:10 V-AIA-3P
GRK: Καὶ ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν οἱ
NAS: And His disciples asked Him, Why then
KJV: his disciples asked him, saying,
INT: And asked him the

Matthew 22:23 V-AIA-3P
GRK: ἀνάστασιν καὶ ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν
NAS: came to Jesus and questioned Him,
KJV: resurrection, and asked him,
INT: a resurrection and they questioned him

Matthew 22:35 V-AIA-3S
GRK: καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν εἷς ἐξ
NAS: of them, a lawyer, asked Him [a question], testing
KJV: [which was] a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting
INT: and questioned [him] one of

Matthew 22:41 V-AIA-3S
GRK: τῶν Φαρισαίων ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτοὺς ὁ
NAS: Jesus asked them a question:
KJV: Jesus asked them,
INT: the Pharisees questioned them

Matthew 22:46 V-ANA
GRK: τῆς ἡμέρας ἐπερωτῆσαι αὐτὸν οὐκέτι
NAS: from that day on to ask Him another
KJV: that day forth ask him any more
INT: the day to question him no longer

Matthew 27:11 V-AIA-3S
GRK: ἡγεμόνος καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτὸν ὁ
NAS: and the governor questioned Him, saying,
KJV: and the governor asked him, saying,
INT: governor and questioned him the

Mark 5:9 V-IIA-3S
GRK: καὶ ἐπηρώτα αὐτόν Τί
NAS: And He was asking him, What
KJV: And he asked him, What
INT: And he asked him what [is]

Mark 7:5 V-PIA-3P
GRK: καὶ ἐπερωτῶσιν αὐτὸν οἱ
NAS: and the scribes asked Him, Why
KJV: and scribes asked him, Why
INT: and questioned him the

Mark 7:17 V-IIA-3P
GRK: τοῦ ὄχλου ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν οἱ
NAS: His disciples questioned Him about the parable.
KJV: his disciples asked him concerning
INT: the crowd asked him the

Mark 8:23 V-IIA-3S
GRK: χεῖρας αὐτῷ ἐπηρώτα αὐτόν Εἴ
NAS: His hands on him, He asked him, Do you see
KJV: his hands upon him, he asked him if
INT: hands upon him he asked him if

Mark 8:27 V-IIA-3S
GRK: τῇ ὁδῷ ἐπηρώτα τοὺς μαθητὰς
NAS: and on the way He questioned His disciples,
KJV: by the way he asked his disciples,
INT: the way he was questioning the disciples

Mark 8:29 V-IIA-3S
GRK: καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπηρώτα αὐτούς Ὑμεῖς
NAS: And He [continued] by questioning them, But who
INT: And he questioned them you

Mark 9:11 V-IIA-3P
GRK: καὶ ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν λέγοντες
NAS: They asked Him, saying,
KJV: And they asked him, saying,
INT: And they asked him saying

Mark 9:16 V-AIA-3S
GRK: καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτούς Τί
NAS: And He asked them, What
KJV: And he asked the scribes, What
INT: And he asked them What

Mark 9:21 V-AIA-3S
GRK: καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν τὸν πατέρα
NAS: And He asked his father, How
KJV: And he asked his father,
INT: And he asked the father

Mark 9:28 V-IIA-3P
GRK: κατ' ἰδίαν ἐπηρώτων αὐτόν Ὅτι
NAS: His disciples [began] questioning Him privately,
KJV: his disciples asked him privately,
INT: in private asked him Why

Mark 9:32 V-ANA
GRK: ἐφοβοῦντο αὐτὸν ἐπερωτῆσαι
NAS: and they were afraid to ask Him.
KJV: and were afraid to ask him.
INT: were afraid him to ask

Mark 9:33 V-IIA-3S
GRK: οἰκίᾳ γενόμενος ἐπηρώτα αὐτούς Τί
NAS: and when He was in the house, He [began] to question them, What
KJV: in the house he asked them, What
INT: house having been he asked them What

Mark 10:2 V-IIA-3P
GRK: προσελθόντες Φαρισαῖοι ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν εἰ
NAS: up to Jesus, testing Him, and [began] to question Him whether
KJV: came to him, and asked him,
INT: having come to [him] the Pharisees demanded of him if

Mark 10:10 V-IIA-3P
GRK: περὶ τούτου ἐπηρώτων αὐτόν
NAS: the disciples [began] questioning Him about
KJV: his disciples asked him again
INT: concerning the same thing asked him

Mark 10:17 V-IIA-3S
GRK: γονυπετήσας αὐτὸν ἐπηρώτα αὐτόν Διδάσκαλε
NAS: up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, Good
KJV: kneeled to him, and asked him, Good
INT: having knelt down to him asked him Teacher

Mark 11:29 V-FIA-1S
GRK: εἶπεν αὐτοῖς Ἐπερωτήσω ὑμᾶς ἕνα
NAS: said to them, I will ask you one
KJV: I will also ask of you one
INT: said to them I will ask you one

Mark 12:18 V-IIA-3P
GRK: εἶναι καὶ ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν λέγοντες
NAS: came to Jesus, and [began] questioning Him, saying,
KJV: and they asked him,
INT: there is And they questioned him saying

Strong's Greek 1905
56 Occurrences

ἐπηρώτα — 10 Occ.
ἐπηρώτησαν — 7 Occ.
ἐπηρώτησεν — 16 Occ.
ἐπηρώτων — 10 Occ.
ἐπερωτᾷν — 1 Occ.
ἐπερωτάτωσαν — 1 Occ.
ἐπερωτῆσαι — 3 Occ.
ἐπερωτήσας — 1 Occ.
ἐπερωτήσατε — 1 Occ.
Ἐπερωτήσω — 1 Occ.
Ἐπερωτηθεὶς — 1 Occ.
Ἐπερωτῶ — 1 Occ.
ἐπερωτῶντα — 1 Occ.
ἐπερωτῶσιν — 2 Occ.