2340. théreuó

Lexicon

théreuó: To hunt, to catch, to pursue

Original Word: θηρεύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: théreuó
Pronunciation: thay-ryoo'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (thay-ryoo'-o)
Definition: To hunt, to catch, to pursue
Meaning: I hunt, seek to catch or entrap; met: I lay hold of.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

catch.

From thera; to hunt (an animal), i.e. (figuratively) to carp at -- catch.

see GREEK thera

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from théra
Definition
to hunt
NASB Translation
catch (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2340: θηρεύω

θηρεύω: 1 aorist infinitive θηρεῦσαί; (from θήρα, as ἀγρεύω from ἄγρα (cf. Schmidt, chapter 72, 3)); from Homer down; to go a hunting, to hunt, to catch in hunting; metaphorically, to lay wait for, strive to ensnare; to catch artfully: τί ἐκ στόματος τίνος, Luke 11:54.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek noun θήρ (thēr), meaning "a wild beast" or "a hunting animal."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H6679 צָדָה (tsadah): To hunt, chase, or pursue. This Hebrew term is often used in the Old Testament to describe the act of hunting animals or pursuing enemies.
• H6718 צַיִד (tsayid): Game, hunting, or provision. This noun is related to the act of hunting and is used to describe the animals caught or the provisions obtained through hunting.

In summary, θηρεύω captures the essence of pursuit and determination, whether in the literal sense of hunting or in the metaphorical sense of seeking spiritual and moral objectives. The biblical narrative often uses this imagery to encourage believers to pursue their faith with the same fervor and dedication as a hunter in pursuit of prey.

Usage: The verb θηρεύω appears in the New Testament in contexts that involve the pursuit or capture of something, whether literal or metaphorical. It is used to describe the act of hunting or seeking with determination.

Context: The Greek verb θηρεύω is primarily associated with the act of hunting or capturing, often used in a metaphorical sense to describe the pursuit of goals or objectives. In the New Testament, this term can be understood in the context of spiritual or moral pursuits, where individuals are encouraged to seek after righteousness, truth, or other virtues with the same diligence and focus as a hunter pursuing prey.

The concept of hunting in the ancient world was not only a practical activity for sustenance but also carried symbolic meanings. It often represented the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, or spiritual enlightenment. In the biblical context, the metaphor of hunting can be applied to the diligent search for God's will, the pursuit of holiness, or the effort to capture the essence of divine truth.

While the term θηρεύω itself may not appear frequently in the New Testament, its underlying concept is echoed in various passages that encourage believers to "seek first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33, BSB) or to "press on toward the goal" (Philippians 3:14, BSB). These exhortations reflect the same intensity and dedication implied by the act of hunting.

Forms and Transliterations

εθηρεύθη εθήρευσαν εθήρευσάν εθηρεύσαντο θηρευόμενα θηρευόμενοι θηρεύοντες θηρευόντων θηρευσαι θηρεύσαι θηρεύσαί θηρεῦσαί θηρεύσαισαν θηρεύσας θηρεύσει θηρεύσεις θήρευσόν θηρεύσονται θηρεύσουσιν θηριάλωτον θηρίαλωτον θηριαλώτου θηριαλώτων θηριόβρωτος thereusai thereûsaí thēreusai thēreûsaí

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 11:54 V-ANA
GRK: ἐνεδρεύοντες αὐτὸν θηρεῦσαί τι ἐκ
NAS: plotting against Him to catch [Him] in something
KJV: and seeking to catch something out of
INT: watching him to catch in something out of

Strong's Greek 2340
1 Occurrence

θηρεῦσαί — 1 Occ.