Lexical Summary krouó: To knock Original Word: κρούω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance knock. Apparently a primary verb; to rap -- knock. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to strike NASB Translation knock (4), knocked (1), knocking (1), knocks (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2925: κρούωκρούω; 1 aorist participle κρουσας; to knock: τήν θύραν, to knock at the door, Luke 13:25; Acts 12:13 (Aristophanes eccles. 317, 990; Xenophon, symp. 1, 11; Plato, Prot., p. 310 a.; 314 d.; symp. 212 c.; but κόπτειν τήν θύραν is better, according to Phryn. with whom Lobeck agrees, p. 177 (cf. Schmidt (chapter 113, 9), who makes κόπτειν to knock with a heavy blow, κρούειν to knock with the knuckles)); without τήν θύραν (cf. Winer's Grammar, 593 (552)), Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9, 10; Luke 12:36; Acts 12:16; Revelation 3:20 (on which see θύρα, c. ἐ.). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Background The verb translated “knock” carries the idea of striking at a door with the expectation of entry. In the first-century Mediterranean world a door separated private space from the street, so knocking implied both request and relationship. Scripture employs the term literally for physical entry and figuratively for prayer, repentance, and eschatological readiness. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Prayer invitations: Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-10 Prayerful Persistence Matthew 7:7 presents a triad—“Ask … seek … knock”—intensifying the call to persevering prayer. The progression moves from verbal request to active searching and culminates in urgent knocking that expects the door to open. The promise, “to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8), undergirds confidence that God hears and responds. Divine Invitation and Fellowship Revelation 3:20 applies the image to the risen Christ: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Here the initiative is the Lord’s; the church at Laodicea must respond in repentance and hospitality. The result—“I will come in and dine with him”—recalls covenant meals and anticipates eschatological fellowship. Warning of Missed Opportunity Luke 13:25 reverses the promise. Once the master shuts the door, latecomers stand outside knocking in vain. The same action that once guaranteed access now highlights finality of judgment. The verse stresses timely repentance before the door of mercy closes. Eschatological Watchfulness In Luke 12:36 servants await their master “so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.” The knock functions as the signal for immediate readiness. The disciples’ vigilance parallels the church’s anticipation of Christ’s return, calling believers to live alertly and obediently. Answered Prayer and Community Life Acts 12:13-16 narrates Peter’s deliverance. His persistent knocking at Mary’s house dramatizes the immediacy with which God’s answer to corporate prayer arrives. The believers’ initial disbelief contrasts with the tangible evidence of Peter at the gate, reinforcing confidence in divine intervention. Hospitality and Ministry Knocking presumes the host’s obligation to open. First-century hospitality codes required responsiveness, making the refusal in Luke 13:25 all the more sobering. Ministry today mirrors this ethic: believers open their homes and hearts, extending grace as they themselves received access through Christ. Theological Synthesis Across its nine uses, the verb portrays: Together these themes encourage steadfast prayer, holy readiness, and welcoming fellowship, all grounded in the assurance that the One who first knocks will ultimately open the door of eternal communion to those who answer His call. Forms and Transliterations έκρουσαν κρούει κρουειν κρούειν κρουετε κρούετε κρουοντι κρούοντι κρουσαντος κρούσαντος κρουω κρούω κρουων κρούων κρυβή krouein kroúein krouete kroúete krouo krouō kroúo kroúō krouon krouōn kroúon kroúōn krouonti kroúonti krousantos kroúsantosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 7:7 V-PMA-2PGRK: καὶ εὑρήσετε κρούετε καὶ ἀνοιγήσεται NAS: and you will find; knock, and it will be opened KJV: ye shall find; knock, and INT: and you will find knock and it will be opened Matthew 7:8 V-PPA-DMS Luke 11:9 V-PMA-2P Luke 11:10 V-PPA-DMS Luke 12:36 V-APA-GMS Luke 13:25 V-PNA Acts 12:13 V-APA-GMS Acts 12:16 V-PPA-NMS Revelation 3:20 V-PIA-1S Strong's Greek 2925 |
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