Lexical Summary akriboo: To inquire accurately, to ascertain, to investigate thoroughly. Original Word: ἀκριβόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance enquire diligently. From the same as akribestatos; to be exact, i.e. Ascertain -- enquire diligently. see GREEK akribestatos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 198 akribóō – to know accurately; inquire diligently. See 199 (akribōs). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 198: ἀκριβόωἀκριβόω, (ῶ: 1 aorist ἠκρίβωσα); (ἀκριβής); 1. in secular writings, to know accurately, to do exactly. 2. to investigate diligently: Matthew 2:7, 16 (ἀκριβῶς ἐξετάζειν, Matthew 2:8); Aristotle, gen. anim. 5, 1; Philo, m. opif. § 25 μετά πάσης ἐξετάσεως ἀκριβοῦντες. (Al. to learn exactly, ascertain; cf. Fritzsche or Meyer on Matthew, as above.) Strong’s Greek 198 pictures a deliberate, painstaking effort to obtain exact knowledge. The term paints the scene of someone pursuing detailed facts rather than vague impressions. In biblical narrative this nuance is carried by King Herod’s covert interrogation of the Magi, showing that the word can be used for either righteous investigation or sinister scheming. Occurrences in Scripture “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared.” “When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he sent men to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.” The two references stand in deliberate parallel: the king first “precisely inquires,” later he acts “according to the time” he had determined. The evangelist thus links meticulous fact-finding with Herod’s calculated attempt to extinguish the newborn Messiah. Historical and Cultural Background First-century rulers commonly relied on secret informants and careful questioning to maintain power. Herod’s clandestine consultation with eastern scholars is entirely in keeping with the methods of Hellenistic monarchs who prized accurate intelligence for political maneuvering. Yet in Jewish thought the purpose of knowledge was ultimately doxological—to honor the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Herod’s usage of detailed knowledge for murderous ends stands in stark contrast to Israel’s ideal of wisdom submitted to the fear of God. Theological Themes and Ministry Application 1. Divine Sovereignty Over Human Calculation Even the most exacting earthly inquiry cannot derail God’s redemptive plan. Herod’s precise timeline only serves to fulfill prophecy: “Out of Egypt I called My Son” (Matthew 2:15). The episode demonstrates that meticulous data-gathering, when wielded against God’s purposes, is futile. 2. The Morality of Inquiry Scripture commends careful investigation (Acts 17:11) but condemns deception and bloodshed (Proverbs 6:16-17). The same intellectual diligence that can aid discipleship may, if divorced from godly motives, become an instrument of cruelty. 3. Spiritual Discernment Herod’s act warns believers to test the intentions behind questions. Not every “careful searching” is benign; pastors and teachers must couple precision with humility and love (1 Timothy 1:5). Contrast Between Diligence and Deceit The Magi earnestly seek Christ in worship; Herod earnestly seeks Him in hostility. Both employ observation and inquiry, yet the heart’s posture distinguishes true wisdom from wicked manipulation. The narrative invites readers to examine whether their pursuit of biblical knowledge is for self-exaltation or for adoration of the King. Practical Exhortations for the Church • Encourage rigorous Bible study that aims at obedience rather than mere accumulation of facts (James 1:22). Christological Implications Herod’s meticulous effort highlights the magnitude of the threat he perceived: even a toddler Messiah endangered his throne. Ironically, the very care Herod exercised confirms the prophetic significance of Jesus’ birth. The infant King inspires exhaustive investigation from both worshipers and adversaries, underscoring His central place in salvation history. Conclusion Strong’s 198 reminds believers that accuracy in knowledge is a biblical virtue only when married to righteousness. Herod’s example warns against divorcing precision from piety, while the broader biblical witness urges a diligent, worshipful pursuit of truth that magnifies the Lord Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 2:7 V-AIA-3SGRK: τοὺς μάγους ἠκρίβωσεν παρ' αὐτῶν NAS: the magi and determined from them the exact time KJV: of them diligently what time the star INT: the magi inquired earnestly of them Matthew 2:16 V-AIA-3S |
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