Lexical Summary punthanomai: to inquire, to ask, to learn by inquiry Original Word: πυνθάνομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ask, demand, inquire, understand. Middle voice prolonged from a primary putho (which occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses); to question, i.e. Ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from erotao, which properly means a request as a favor; and from aiteo, which is strictly a demand for something due; as well as from zeteo, which implies a search for something hidden; and from deomai, which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication, to learn (by casual intelligence) -- ask, demand, enquire, understand. see GREEK erotao see GREEK aiteo see GREEK zeteo see GREEK deomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root puth- Definition to inquire, by impl. to learn NASB Translation ask (1), asking (2), inquire (4), inquired (2), inquiring (1), learned (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4441: πυνθάνομαιπυνθάνομαι; imperfect ἐπυνθανομην; 2 aorist ἐπυθόμην; (cf. Curtius, § 328); a deponent verb; as in classical Greek from Homer down. 1. to inquire, ask: followed by an indirect question — with the indicative Acts 10:18; with the optative, John 13:24 R G; Luke 15:26; Luke 18:36; Acts 21:33; followed by a direct question, Acts 4:7; Acts 10:29; Acts 23:19; παρά τίνος τί (Buttmann, 167 (146)), John 4:52; παρά τίνος followed by an indirect question with the indicative Matthew 2:4; τί περί τίνος, Acts 23:20. 2. to ascertain by inquiry: followed by ὅτι, Acts 23:34 (A. V. understood). This verb group expresses purposeful inquiry—asking in order to discover facts. It is stronger than casual questioning, often denoting earnest investigation or official interrogation. Occurrences and Narrative Settings Matthew 2:4 – Herod “inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.” The word highlights a ruler’s anxious investigation motivated by self-preservation. Luke 15:26 – The elder brother “inquired what this was.” Here it marks a domestic curiosity which contrasts with the father’s joy, exposing a heart distant from grace. Luke 18:36 – The blind beggar, hearing a crowd, “inquired what was happening.” His inquiry leads to faith and healing, showing the proper end of spiritual questioning. John 4:52 – The nobleman “inquired of them the hour when he began to improve.” A father’s careful questioning confirms Christ’s power and engenders deeper faith. John 13:24 – Peter “motioned to him to ask Jesus.” The verb marks intimate inquiry within the circle of disciples at the Last Supper. Acts 4:7 – The Sanhedrin “began to inquire, ‘By what power or in what name did you do this?’” Official inquiry becomes a platform for apostolic witness. Acts 10:18; 10:29 – Cornelius’ messengers “inquired” for Simon; Peter, now at Caesarea, says, “I was asked for what reason you sent for me.” The inquiries join Jew and Gentile. Acts 21:33; 23:19–20, 34 – Roman officers “inquired” about Paul’s identity and the plot against him. The term depicts forensic questioning that ultimately safeguards the gospel messenger. Patterns of Usage 1. Royal or governmental investigation (Matthew 2; Acts 21; 23). Theological Implications Inquiry is portrayed as morally neutral; its value depends on motive. Herod’s inquiry unleashes violence, whereas Bartimaeus’ inquiry leads to sight. Scripture affirms the legitimacy of honest questioning that seeks divine truth (cf. Deuteronomy 6:20–25; Proverbs 18:15), yet warns against cynical interrogation that resists revelation (Matthew 22:15). Christological Significance The term frames pivotal revelations about Jesus. From Herod’s inquiry that unwittingly affirms the Messianic prophecies to the disciples’ whispered questioning at the Passover table, each occurrence magnifies Christ’s identity. Inquiry becomes the path by which both Jew and Gentile recognize “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11). Historical and Cultural Context First-century legal practice relied on verbal examination. Roman tribunes used repeated inquiry to establish citizenship (Acts 21:33). Jewish councils questioned alleged prophets (Acts 4:7). The verb thus resonates with the judicial climate of the era, underscoring how the gospel penetrated public forums. Ministry Applications • Evangelism: Encourage seekers to voice questions. As in Acts 10, honest inquiry may open households to the gospel. Spiritual Formation Believers are called to inquire of the Lord (Psalm 27:4). The New Testament uses this verb to model a humble, truth-seeking posture. Faith is not blind credulity but informed trust that grows through questioning, listening, and obeying. Summary Strong’s Greek 4441 depicts searching questions that uncover motives, illuminate truth, and advance redemptive history. Whether issuing from kings, councils, soldiers, or common people, earnest inquiry becomes an instrument in the sovereign hand of God, directing attention to the person and work of Jesus Christ and strengthening the mission of His church. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 2:4 V-IIM/P-3SGRK: τοῦ λαοῦ ἐπυνθάνετο παρ' αὐτῶν NAS: of the people, he inquired of them where KJV: together, he demanded of INT: of the people he inquired of them Luke 15:26 V-IIM/P-3S Luke 18:36 V-IIM/P-3S John 4:52 V-AIM-3S John 13:24 V-ANM Acts 4:7 V-IIM/P-3P Acts 10:18 V-AIM-3P Acts 10:29 V-PIM/P-1S Acts 21:33 V-IIM/P-3S Acts 23:19 V-IIM/P-3S Acts 23:20 V-PNM/P Acts 23:34 V-APM-NMS Strong's Greek 4441 |
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