2213. zétéma

Lexicon

zétéma: Question, issue, matter of debate

Original Word: ζήτημα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: zétéma
Pronunciation: dzay'-tay-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (dzay'-tay-mah)
Definition: Question, issue, matter of debate
Meaning: a question, subject of inquiry, dispute.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

question, issue

From zeteo; a search (properly concretely), i.e. (in words) a debate -- question.

see GREEK zeteo

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 2213 zḗtēma (a neuter noun) – a question arising from a hot dispute (rigorous debate). See 2211 (zēteō).

2213 /zḗtēma ("a controversial question") focuses on probing the principle at stake (the underlying idea).

[2214 /zḗtēsis (a feminine noun) however focuses on a particular "brand" (type of) principle working out in practice.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from zéteó
Definition
an inquiry
NASB Translation
issue (1), points of disagreement (1), questions (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2213: ζήτημα

ζήτημα, ζητητός, τό (ζητέω), a question, debate: Acts 15:2; Acts 26:3; νόμου, about the law, Acts 23:29; περί τίνος, Acts 18:15; Acts 25:19. (From Sophocles down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from ζητέω (zēteō), meaning "to seek" or "to inquire."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ζήτημα, the concept of inquiry or questioning can be related to Hebrew terms such as דָּרַשׁ (darash, Strong's Hebrew 1875), meaning "to seek" or "to inquire," and שָׁאַל (sha'al, Strong's Hebrew 7592), meaning "to ask" or "to question." These terms similarly convey the idea of seeking information or clarification on a matter.

Usage: The term ζήτημα is used in the New Testament to refer to a matter or question that is being discussed or debated, often in the context of theological or doctrinal issues.

Context: The Greek word ζήτημα (zētēma) appears in the New Testament in contexts where questions or issues are being deliberated, particularly in relation to doctrinal or theological discussions. It is used to describe matters that require examination or debate, often involving religious or philosophical inquiries.

In Acts 15:2, the term is used in the context of the early church's deliberation over the issue of circumcision for Gentile believers: "Paul and Barnabas engaged in no small dissension and debate with them, so the brothers appointed Paul and Barnabas and some others to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question (ζήτημα)." This passage highlights the use of ζήτημα in the context of resolving significant theological disputes within the early Christian community.

The use of ζήτημα underscores the importance of addressing and resolving doctrinal questions through discussion and consultation with authoritative figures within the church. It reflects the early church's commitment to maintaining doctrinal purity and unity by seeking guidance from the apostles and elders.

The term also appears in Acts 18:15, where Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, dismisses a case brought against Paul, stating, "But since it is a question (ζήτημα) about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things." Here, ζήτημα is used to describe a legal or religious matter that Gallio deems outside his jurisdiction, emphasizing the distinction between civil and religious authority.

Forms and Transliterations

ζήτημά ζητηματα ζητήματα ζητήματά ζητηματος ζητήματος ζητηματων ζητημάτων zetemata zetḗmata zetḗmatá zētēmata zētḗmata zētḗmatá zetematon zetemáton zētēmatōn zētēmátōn zetematos zetḗmatos zētēmatos zētḗmatos

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 15:2 N-GNS
GRK: περὶ τοῦ ζητήματος τούτου
NAS: concerning this issue.
KJV: about this question.
INT: about the question this

Acts 18:15 N-NNP
GRK: εἰ δὲ ζητήματά ἐστιν περὶ
NAS: but if there are questions about words
KJV: if it be a question of words
INT: if however a question it be about

Acts 23:29 N-GNP
GRK: ἐγκαλούμενον περὶ ζητημάτων τοῦ νόμου
NAS: over questions about
KJV: of questions of their
INT: to be accused concerning questions of the law

Acts 25:19 N-ANP
GRK: ζητήματα δέ τινα
NAS: some points of disagreement with him about
KJV: had certain questions against him
INT: questions moreover certain

Acts 26:3 N-GNP
GRK: τε καὶ ζητημάτων διὸ δέομαι
NAS: customs and questions among
KJV: and questions which are among
INT: and also questions therefore I implore [you]

Strong's Greek 2213
5 Occurrences

ζητήματά — 2 Occ.
ζητημάτων — 2 Occ.
ζητήματος — 1 Occ.