2065. erótaó
Lexical Summary
erótaó: To ask, to request, to entreat

Original Word: ἐρωτάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: erótaó
Pronunciation: eh-roh-TAH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (er-o-tah'-o)
KJV: ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray
NASB: ask, asked, asking, question, request, asks, please
Word Origin: [apparently from G2046 (ἐρέω - To say)]

1. to interrogate
2. (by implication) to request

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 Origin
akin 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: ἐρωτάω

ἐρωτάω, 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; T Tr WH); John 1:19, 21; John 5:12; John 9:19; John 16:5; τινα τί (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 32, 4 a.), Matthew 21:24; Mark 4:10; Luke 20:3; John 16:23 (others refer this to 2); τινα περί τίνος, Luke 9:45 (Lachmann, ἐπερωτῆσαι); John 18:19.

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.)

Topical Lexicon
Topical Overview

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
• Jesus questions His disciples to probe faith and reveal truth: “How many loaves do you have?” (Mark 8:5).
• Disciples question Jesus for clarification: “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” (implied by parallel to Mark 4:10).
• Crowds approach Jesus through representatives, as in John the Baptist’s delegation (Matthew 11, implied).
2. Requests for Assistance
• The Syrophoenician woman “kept asking” Jesus to cast the demon out of her daughter (Mark 7:26).
• Jairus “begged” Jesus concerning his dying child (Luke 8:37 echoes the motif).
3. Hospitality and Permission
• A Pharisee “asked” Jesus to dine with him (Luke 7:36; Luke 11:37).
• Jesus “asked” to use Peter’s boat as a pulpit (Luke 5:3), displaying respectful reciprocity.
4. Legal and Political Examination
• Pilate “questioned” Jesus, “Are You the King of the Jews?” (Luke 23:3).
• The chief priests “questioned” Him about His disciples and teaching (John 18:19).

The Distinctive Use in the Gospel of John

John features erōtaō more than any other book (24×), emphasizing conversation and relationship.
• Evangelistic Dialogue: The Samaritan woman “asked” water of Jesus; soon townspeople “kept asking” Him to stay (John 4:7, 4:40).
• The Farewell Discourse: “In that day you will not ask Me anything… whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you” (John 16:23-24). Here erōtaō shifts from earthly questioning to prayerful petition.
• The High-Priestly Prayer: Jesus uses erōtaō five times (John 17:9, 15, 20). He does not plead as a lesser but intercedes as the beloved Son within the Godhead: “I ask on their behalf… I do not ask that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one” (John 17:9, 15).

Usage in Acts

Erōtaō frequently appears in missionary and judicial settings:
• The lame man at the temple gate “asked” Peter and John for alms (Acts 3:3), providing occasion for miraculous healing and gospel proclamation.
• Roman magistrates “asked” Paul and Silas to depart quietly (Acts 16:39), revealing the power dynamics the gospel disrupts.
• Paul’s nephew “asked” the commander to bring his report (Acts 23:18, 20), illustrating legitimate petitions within civic structures.

Pauline and General Epistles

Erōtaō in the letters is pastoral and fraternal, never servile:
• “I ask you also, true companion, help these women” (Philippians 4:3).
• “Finally, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk… you do so more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1).
• “Now we ask you, brothers, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:1).

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.
2. Mediatorial Confidence: In John 17 Jesus’ use of erōtaō displays assured intercession, reinforcing His high priestly office (Hebrews 7:25 echoes this function with different vocabulary).
3. Ecclesial Mutuality: Apostolic requests (Philippians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:12) foster cooperative ministry, reminding the church that leadership and laity relate as family, not hierarchy alone.
4. Ethical Restraint: 1 John 5:16 limits intercession for sin “leading to death,” teaching discernment in prayer without negating continual petition for restoration.

Practical Implications for Ministry
• Preaching and Teaching: Like Jesus, ask probing questions that invite reflection and expose the heart (Mark 8:5; John 16:19).
• Pastoral Care: Approach congregants with requests rather than demands, modelling Pauline courtesy (Philippians 4:3).
• Evangelism: Engage seekers through respectful dialogue, echoing Jesus with the Samaritan woman (John 4).
• Intercession: Pray with filial assurance, joining Christ’s ongoing erōtaō before the Father (John 16:26).

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.

Forms and Transliterations
ασαφίμ ερωτα ερωτά ἐρωτᾷ ερωταν ερωτάν ἐρωτᾷν ἐρωτᾶν ερωτας ερωτάς ἐρωτᾷς ερωτησαι ερωτήσαι ερωτήσαί ἐρωτῆσαι ἐρωτῆσαί ερωτησατε ερωτήσατε ερωτήσατέ ἐρωτήσατε ερωτήσεις ερωτησετε ερωτήσετε ἐρωτήσετε ερωτηση ερωτήση ἐρωτήσῃ ερωτησον ερώτησον ἐρώτησον ερωτήσουσι ερωτήσουσί Ερωτησω ερωτήσω Ἐρωτήσω ερωτήσωμεν ερωτήσωσί ερωτησωσιν ερωτήσωσιν ἐρωτήσωσιν ερωτω ερωτώ ἐρωτῶ ερωτωμεν ερωτώμεν ἐρωτῶμεν ερωτων ερωτών ερώτων ἐρωτῶν ερωτωντες ερωτώντες ἐρωτῶντες ερωτωντων ερωτώντων ἐρωτώντων ερωτώσιν ηρωτα ηρώτα ἠρώτα ηρώτησα ηρωτήσαμεν ηρωτησαν ηρώτησαν ἠρώτησαν ηρώτησας ηρώτησε ηρωτησεν ηρώτησεν ἠρώτησεν ηρωτουν ἠρώτουν ηρωτων ηρώτων ἠρώτων erota erōta erṓta ērōta ērṓta erotā̂i erōtā̂i erotā̂in erōtā̂in erotā̂is erōtā̂is erotan erōtan erotas erōtas erotesai erotêsai erotêsaí erōtēsai erōtē̂sai erōtē̂saí erotesan erṓtesan ērōtēsan ērṓtēsan erotesate erotḗsate erōtēsate erōtḗsate erotese erōtēsē erotḗsei erōtḗsēi erotesen erṓtesen ērōtēsen ērṓtēsen erotesete erotḗsete erōtēsete erōtḗsete Eroteso Erotḗso Erōtēsō Erōtḗsō eroteson erōtēson erṓteson erṓtēson erotesosin erotḗsosin erōtēsōsin erōtḗsōsin eroto erotô erōtō erōtō̂ erotomen erotômen erōtōmen erōtō̂men eroton erotôn erōtōn erōtō̂n erṓton ērōtōn ērṓtōn erotontes erotôntes erōtōntes erōtō̂ntes erotonton erotṓnton erōtōntōn erōtṓntōn erotoun erṓtoun ērōtoun ērṓtoun
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 15:23 V-IIA-3P
GRK: 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
GRK: τῆς Φιλίππου ἠρώτα τοὺς μαθητὰς
NAS: Philippi, He was asking His disciples,
KJV: Philippi, he asked his
INT: Philippi he questioned the disciples

Matthew 19:17 V-PIA-2S
GRK: Τί με ἐρωτᾷς περὶ τοῦ
NAS: to him, Why are you asking Me about
INT: Why me ask you about what is

Matthew 21:24 V-FIA-1S
GRK: εἶπεν αὐτοῖς Ἐρωτήσω ὑμᾶς κἀγὼ
NAS: to them, I will also ask you one
KJV: unto them, I also will ask you one
INT: said to them Will ask you I also

Mark 4:10 V-IIA-3P
GRK: κατὰ μόνας ἠρώτων αὐτὸν οἱ
NAS: with the twelve, [began] asking Him [about] the parables.
KJV: the twelve asked of him
INT: with alone asked him those

Mark 7:26 V-IIA-3S
GRK: γένει καὶ ἠρώτα αὐτὸν ἵνα
NAS: race. And she kept asking Him to cast
KJV: by nation; and she besought him that
INT: race and asked him that

Mark 8:5 V-IIA-3S
GRK: καὶ ἠρώτα αὐτούς Πόσους
NAS: And He was asking them, How many
INT: And he asked them How many

Luke 4:38 V-AIA-3P
GRK: μεγάλῳ καὶ ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν περὶ
NAS: fever, and they asked Him to help
KJV: fever; and they besought him for
INT: great and they appealed to him for

Luke 5:3 V-AIA-3S
GRK: ἦν Σίμωνος ἠρώτησεν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ
NAS: was Simon's, and asked him to put
KJV: Simon's, and prayed him
INT: was Simon's he asked him from

Luke 7:3 V-PPA-NMS
GRK: τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἐρωτῶν αὐτὸν ὅπως
NAS: elders asking Him to come
KJV: of the Jews, beseeching him
INT: of the Jews begging him that

Luke 7:36 V-IIA-3S
GRK: Ἠρώτα δέ τις
NAS: of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine
KJV: one of the Pharisees desired him that
INT: asked moreover one

Luke 8:37 V-AIA-3S
GRK: καὶ ἠρώτησεν αὐτὸν ἅπαν
NAS: and the surrounding district asked Him to leave
KJV: round about besought him
INT: And asked him all

Luke 9:45 V-ANA
GRK: καὶ ἐφοβοῦντο ἐρωτῆσαι αὐτὸν περὶ
NAS: it; and they were afraid to ask Him about
KJV: and they feared to ask him of
INT: And they feared to ask him concerning

Luke 11:37 V-PIA-3S
GRK: τῷ λαλῆσαι ἐρωτᾷ αὐτὸν Φαρισαῖος
NAS: a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch
KJV: a certain Pharisee besought him to
INT: as he was speaking asked him a Pharisee

Luke 14:18 V-PIA-1S
GRK: ἰδεῖν αὐτόν ἐρωτῶ σε ἔχε
NAS: out and look at it; please consider
KJV: see it: I pray thee have
INT: to see it I pray you hold

Luke 14:19 V-PIA-1S
GRK: δοκιμάσαι αὐτά ἐρωτῶ σε ἔχε
NAS: to try them out; please consider
KJV: to prove them: I pray thee have
INT: to prove them I pray you hold

Luke 14:32 V-PIA-3S
GRK: πρεσβείαν ἀποστείλας ἐρωτᾷ τὰ πρὸς
NAS: a delegation and asks for terms
KJV: an ambassage, and desireth conditions
INT: an embassy having sent he asks for

Luke 16:27 V-PIA-1S
GRK: εἶπεν δέ Ἐρωτῶ σε οὖν
NAS: Then I beg you, father,
KJV: Then he said, I pray thee therefore,
INT: he said moreover I implore you then

Luke 19:31 V-PSA-3S
GRK: τις ὑμᾶς ἐρωτᾷ Διὰ τί
NAS: anyone asks you, 'Why
KJV: if any man ask you, Why
INT: anyone you asks because of why

Luke 20:3 V-FIA-1S
GRK: πρὸς αὐτούς Ἐρωτήσω ὑμᾶς κἀγὼ
NAS: to them, I will also ask you a question,
KJV: will also ask you one
INT: to them Will ask you I also

Luke 22:68 V-ASA-1S
GRK: ἐὰν δὲ ἐρωτήσω οὐ μὴ
NAS: and if I ask a question, you will not answer.
KJV: if I also ask [you], ye will not
INT: if moreover I should ask [you] no not

Luke 23:3 V-AIA-3S
GRK: δὲ Πιλᾶτος ἠρώτησεν αὐτὸν λέγων
NAS: Pilate asked Him, saying,
INT: moreover Pilate questioned him saying

John 1:19 V-ASA-3P
GRK: Λευίτας ἵνα ἐρωτήσωσιν αὐτόν Σὺ
NAS: from Jerusalem to ask him, Who
KJV: Jerusalem to ask him, Who
INT: Levites that they might ask him you

John 1:21 V-AIA-3P
GRK: καὶ ἠρώτησαν αὐτόν Τί
NAS: They asked him, What then?
KJV: And they asked him, What
INT: And they asked him What

John 1:25 V-AIA-3P
GRK: καὶ ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν καὶ
NAS: They asked him, and said to him, Why
KJV: And they asked him, and
INT: And they asked him and

Strong's Greek 2065
63 Occurrences


ἠρώτα — 6 Occ.
ἠρώτησαν — 8 Occ.
ἠρώτησεν — 6 Occ.
ἠρώτων — 7 Occ.
ἠρώτουν — 1 Occ.
ἐρωτᾷ — 5 Occ.
ἐρωτᾷν — 1 Occ.
ἐρωτᾷς — 2 Occ.
ἐρωτῆσαι — 2 Occ.
ἐρωτήσατε — 1 Occ.
ἐρωτήσῃ — 1 Occ.
ἐρωτήσετε — 1 Occ.
Ἐρωτήσω — 5 Occ.
ἐρωτήσωσιν — 1 Occ.
ἐρώτησον — 1 Occ.
ἐρωτῶ — 9 Occ.
ἐρωτῶμεν — 3 Occ.
ἐρωτῶν — 1 Occ.
ἐρωτῶντες — 1 Occ.
ἐρωτώντων — 1 Occ.

2064
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