Lexical Summary ereunaó: To search, examine, investigate Original Word: ἐρευνάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance search. Apparently from ereo (through the idea of inquiry); to seek, i.e. (figuratively) to investigate -- search. see GREEK ereo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for eraunaó, q.v. NASB Translation search (2), searches (3), seeking to know (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2045: ἐρευνάωἐρευνάω, ἐρεύνω; 1 aorist imperative ἐρεύνησον; (ἡ ἐρευνᾷ a search); from Homer down; to search, examine into: absolutely, John 7:52; τί, John 5:39; Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Revelation 2:23 with which passage cf. Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 17:10; Jeremiah 20:12; followed by an indirect question, 1 Peter 1:11 (2 Samuel 10:3; Proverbs 20:27). The form ἐραυνάω (which see in its place) T Tr WH have received everywhere into the text, but Lachmann only in Revelation 2:23. (Compare: ἐξερευνάω.) Topical Lexicon Essence of ἐραυνάωThe verb points to careful, penetrating inquiry—never a casual glance. It pictures someone moving from surface to depth, separating truth from appearance until the matter under review is fully laid bare. In Scripture the activity is applied both to human seekers (probing God’s Word or historical facts) and to God Himself (probing the recesses of the human heart). Canonical Distribution Together these six occurrences span Gospel narrative, Pauline theology, Petrine reflection, apocalyptic admonition, and a direct saying of Jesus—demonstrating a unified biblical call to deep examination in every era of redemptive history. Human Searching of Divine Revelation John 5:39 presents the most explicit summons: “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are the very Scriptures that testify about Me”. The Lord affirms rigorous study yet rebukes any approach that misses Him as the hermeneutical center. Likewise, 1 Peter 1:10-11 depicts Old Testament prophets “searching and enquiring carefully” concerning the grace that was to come. Their Spirit-led investigation models a posture of expectancy, humility, and Christ-focus for every student of Scripture. Divine Searching of Human Hearts Romans 8:27 and Revelation 2:23 shift the subject from human investigator to divine Investigator: “He who searches our hearts” and “I am He who searches minds and hearts.” The One who inspired the prophets and scriptures also examines the innermost motives of men. The Spirit’s searching “even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10) assures believers that no aspect of divine wisdom remains inaccessible once God chooses to disclose it, yet it simultaneously reminds us that nothing in us remains concealed before Him. Contrast Between Unbelief and Faith In John 7:52 the religious leaders instruct Nicodemus, “Search and see that no prophet comes out of Galilee.” Their command employs the same verb but serves skepticism, not faith. The irony is profound: those urging an investigation are themselves unwilling to acknowledge the evidence that Jesus fulfills prophetic expectation. Scripture thus warns that searching must be accompanied by submission; intellectual rigor without surrendered hearts leads to blindness. Historical-Cultural Background By the first century the concept of “searching the Scriptures” was ingrained in Jewish piety. Rabbinic schools prized meticulous exegesis, parsing every letter for hidden meaning. Early Christians inherited this reverence but interpreted the Law, Prophets, and Writings in light of Christ’s fulfillment. The apostolic authors therefore retain the vocabulary of careful study while relocating its center from Torah-as-end to Christ-as-goal. Theological Synthesis • Bibliology – Scripture invites and withstands exhaustive scrutiny; genuine study uncovers a unified Christological witness. Ministry and Discipleship Applications 1. Encourage congregational Bible intake that moves beyond cursory reading to investigative meditation, always with Christ at the center. Devotional Reflection “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (echoing Psalm 139) resonates with every New Testament use of ἐραυνάω. The disciple’s life is a continual invitation for God’s searching gaze and a continual pursuit of God’s revealed truth. Where these two searches meet—divine examination and human investigation—fellowship deepens, error is exposed, and the knowledge of Christ multiplies to the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations εραυνα ἐραυνᾷ εραυνατε ἐραυνᾶτε εραυνησον ἐραύνησον εραυνων ἐραυνῶν εραυνωντες ἐραυνῶντες ερευνά ερευνάτε ερευνήσατε ερεύνησον ερευνήσουσι ερευνήσωσι ερευνών ερεύνων ερευνώντες ηρεύνησας ηρεύνησε ηρεύνησεν erauna eraunā̂i eraunate eraunâte erauneson eraunēson eraúneson eraúnēson eraunon eraunôn eraunōn eraunō̂n eraunontes eraunôntes eraunōntes eraunō̂ntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 5:39 V-PIA-2PGRK: ἐραυνᾶτε τὰς γραφάς NAS: You search the Scriptures because KJV: Search the scriptures; for INT: You search the Scriptures John 7:52 V-AMA-2S Romans 8:27 V-PPA-NMS 1 Corinthians 2:10 V-PIA-3S 1 Peter 1:11 V-PPA-NMP Revelation 2:23 V-PPA-NMS Strong's Greek 2045 |
    |