Lexical Summary erótaó: To ask, to request, to entreat Original Word: ἐρωτάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ask, beseech, desire, pray. Apparently from ereo (compare ereunao); to interrogate; by implication, to request -- ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray. Compare punthanomai. see GREEK ereo see GREEK ereunao see GREEK punthanomai HELPS Word-studies 2065 erōtáō (from eromai, "ask") – make an earnest request, especially by someone on "special footing," i.e. in "preferred position." 2065 /erōtáō ("to ask on special footing, intimacy") requests from a "preferred position" (E. Abbot, Johannine Grammar, 467,8). Such requesting receives special consideration because of the special relationship involved. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originakin to eromai (to ask) Definition to ask, question NASB Translation ask (15), ask a question (1), asked (14), asking (11), asks (3), beg (1), begging (1), implored (1), imploring (1), make request (1), please (2), question (5), questioned (2), request (4), requesting (1), urging (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2065: ἐρωτάωἐρωτάω, ἐρωτῶ ((infinitive ἐρωτᾶν L T Tr, ἐρωτᾶν R G WH; see Iota); imperfect 3 person plural ἠρώτων and (in Matthew 15:23 L T Tr WH, Mark 4:10 Tdf.) ἠρώτουν, cf. Buttmann, 44 (38); (Winers Grammar, 85 (82); Tdf. Proleg., p. 122; Sophocles Lexicon, p. 41; WHs Appendix, p. 166; Mullach, Griech. Vulgarspr., p. 252); future ἐρωτήσω; 1 aorist ἠρώτησα; the Sept. for שָׁאַל; to ask, i. e.: 1. as in Greek writings from Homer down to question: absolutely, Luke 22:68; John 8:7 (R); τινα, John 9:21; John 16:19, 30; (John 18:21 where Rec. ἐπερωτᾷς), etc.; with the addition of λέγων and the words of the questioner: Matthew 16:13; Luke 19:31 (om. λέγων; 2. to ask i. e. to request, entreat, beg, beseech, after the Hebrew שָׁאַל, in a sense very rare in secular authors (Josephus, Antiquities 5, 1, 14 (but here the text is uncertain; substitute Antiquities 7, 8, 1; cf. Dr. Ezra Abbot in No. American Rev. for 1872, p. 173 note); Babrius fab. (42, 3); 97, 3; Apoll. synt., p. 289, 20; cf. Winer's Grammar, pp. 30 and 32): τινα, John 14:16; with the addition of λέγων and the words of the asker, Matthew 15:23; John 12:21; followed by imperative alone (Buttmann, 272f (234)), Luke 14:18; Philippians 4:3; followed by ἵνα (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 44, 8 a.; R. 237 (204)), Mark 7:26; Luke 7:36; Luke 16:27; John 4:47; John 17:15; John 19:31, 38; 2 John 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; by ὅπως, Luke 7:3; Luke 11:37; Acts 23:20; by the infinitive (Buttmann, 258 (222); cf. Winer's Grammar, 335 (315)), Luke 5:3; Luke 8:37; John 4:40; Acts 3:3; Acts 10:48; Acts 23:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; τινα περί τίνος, Luke 4:38; John 16:9, 20; 1 John 5:16; ὑπέρ τίνος (followed by εἰς with an infinitive; cf. Buttmann, 265 (228)), 2 Thessalonians 2:1f; ἐρωτᾶν τά (WH text omits τά) πρός εἰρήνην (see εἰρήνη, 1), Luke 14:32. (Synonym: see αἰτέω, at the end. Compare: διερωτάω, ἐπερωτάω.) Strong’s Greek 2065, erōtaō, describes the act of asking, requesting, or entreating. While the related aiteō often stresses petition from an inferior to a superior, erōtaō characteristically moves within relationships marked by familiarity, mutual respect, or shared standing. Its 63 New Testament occurrences range from simple questions to earnest intercession, illuminating the relational fabric of first-century ministry. Patterns of Usage in the Gospels 1. Inquiry for Understanding The Distinctive Use in the Gospel of John John features erōtaō more than any other book (24×), emphasizing conversation and relationship. Usage in Acts Erōtaō frequently appears in missionary and judicial settings: Pauline and General Epistles Erōtaō in the letters is pastoral and fraternal, never servile: John’s letters likewise employ the verb: “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask, and God will give him life” (1 John 5:16), marrying petition with intercession. Erotaō and Prayer Although often translated “ask,” erōtaō crosses into the domain of prayer when directed Godward, but without diminishing filial confidence. Jesus promises, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate” (John 14:16). Believers are invited to that same bold yet reverent posture. The verb thus bridges earthly conversation and heavenly communion, showing prayer to be relational dialogue grounded in Christ’s mediation. Theological Significance 1. Incarnational Relationality: The Son, incarnate, models respectful asking even toward human agents (John 4:7; Luke 5:3), honoring the created order He sustains. Practical Implications for Ministry Conclusion Erōtaō reveals a spectrum of asking that spans casual inquiry, earnest request, and priestly intercession. Its New Testament distribution testifies that the gospel advances through respectful dialogue and confident prayer, embodying a kingdom in which authority and humility meet. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 15:23 V-IIA-3PGRK: μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἠρώτουν αὐτὸν λέγοντες NAS: came and implored Him, saying, KJV: came and besought him, INT: disciples of him asked him saying Matthew 16:13 V-IIA-3S Matthew 19:17 V-PIA-2S Matthew 21:24 V-FIA-1S Mark 4:10 V-IIA-3P Mark 7:26 V-IIA-3S Mark 8:5 V-IIA-3S Luke 4:38 V-AIA-3P Luke 5:3 V-AIA-3S Luke 7:3 V-PPA-NMS Luke 7:36 V-IIA-3S Luke 8:37 V-AIA-3S Luke 9:45 V-ANA Luke 11:37 V-PIA-3S Luke 14:18 V-PIA-1S Luke 14:19 V-PIA-1S Luke 14:32 V-PIA-3S Luke 16:27 V-PIA-1S Luke 19:31 V-PSA-3S Luke 20:3 V-FIA-1S Luke 22:68 V-ASA-1S Luke 23:3 V-AIA-3S John 1:19 V-ASA-3P John 1:21 V-AIA-3P John 1:25 V-AIA-3P Strong's Greek 2065 |
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