Interrogation, in the biblical context, refers to the act of questioning or examining individuals, often to ascertain truth, gather information, or administer justice. This practice is evident throughout the Scriptures, where it is employed by various figures, including prophets, kings, and even Jesus Christ Himself. Interrogation serves as a tool for discernment, revelation, and sometimes confrontation, reflecting the pursuit of truth and righteousness.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, interrogation is often seen in judicial and prophetic contexts. For example, in the account of Achan's sin, Joshua conducts an interrogation to uncover the truth about Israel's defeat at Ai. Joshua 7:19-20 records, "So Joshua said to Achan, 'My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give Him the praise. Tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.' Achan replied, 'It is true; I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did.'"

Prophets also used interrogation to challenge the people of Israel and call them to repentance. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is a notable example. In 1 Kings 18:21 , Elijah questions the people, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This interrogation serves to expose the people's divided loyalties and urge them to choose faithfulness to God.

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, interrogation is prominently featured in the trials of Jesus Christ. The religious leaders frequently questioned Jesus to trap Him or find grounds for accusation. In Matthew 22:15-18 , the Pharisees attempt to ensnare Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus, aware of their malice, responds with wisdom, turning the interrogation into a teaching moment about rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.

Jesus Himself used interrogation as a method of teaching and revealing truth. In Matthew 16:13-15 , He asks His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" and follows with, "But what about you? Who do you say I am?" This questioning leads to Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah, highlighting the importance of personal revelation and understanding.

Interrogation in the Early Church

The early church also faced interrogation, particularly during times of persecution. The apostles were often questioned by religious and civil authorities. In Acts 4:7-10 , Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin and questioned about the healing of a lame man. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declares, "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed."

Theological Implications

Interrogation in the Bible often serves to reveal the heart and intentions of individuals. It is a means by which God, through His servants, brings hidden things to light and calls people to accountability. The practice underscores the biblical themes of truth, justice, and repentance. It also highlights the wisdom and discernment required to navigate complex situations, as seen in the responses of Jesus and the apostles.

In summary, interrogation in the biblical narrative is a multifaceted tool used to uncover truth, administer justice, and facilitate spiritual growth. It reflects the divine pursuit of righteousness and the call for humanity to align with God's truth.1. (n.) The act of interrogating or questioning; examination by questions; inquiry.

2. (n.) A question put; an inquiry.

3. (n.) A point, mark, or sign, thus [?], indicating that the sentence with which it is connected is a question. It is used to express doubt, or to mark a query. Called also interrogation point.

INTERROGATION

in-ter-o-ga'-shun (eperotema): This word is not found at all in the King James Version, and once only in the American Standard Revised Version (1 Peter 3:21), where it replaces the word "answer" of the King James Version. This change according to Alford and Bengel is correct. "The interrogation of a good conscience" may refer to the question asked of a convert before baptism (compare Acts 8:37), or the appeal of the convert to God (compare 1 John 3:20-21). The opportunity to do this was given in baptism.

1331. dierotao -- to find by inquiry
... to ask about, learn by inquiry. From dia and erotao; to question throughout, ie
Ascertain by interrogation -- make enquiry foreign. see GREEK dia. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1331.htm - 6k

687. ara -- an untranslatable interrog. particle implying anxiety ...
... particle implying anxiety or impatience. therefore. A form of ara, denoting an
interrogation to which a negative answer is presumed -- therefore. see GREEK ara. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/687.htm - 6k

How Pronunciation Serves to Remove Ambiguity. Different Kinds of ...
... Book III. Chapter 3."How Pronunciation Serves to Remove Ambiguity. Different
Kinds of Interrogation. 6. And all the directions ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 3 how pronunciation serves to.htm

Pelagius Corrupts a Passage of the Apostle James by Adding a Note ...
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 16 [XV.]"Pelagius Corrupts
a Passage of the Apostle James by Adding a Note of Interrogation. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 16 xv pelagius corrupts a.htm

Epistle Lxix. To Januarius and Other Numidian Bishops, on ...
... away his own sins? 2. But, moreover, the very interrogation which is put
in baptism is a witness of the truth. For when we say, "Dost ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxix to januarius and.htm

Of the Harmony Subsisting Between Matthew and Mark in the Accounts ...
... asunder by man, that they gave the reply, "Why did Moses then command to give a
writing of divorcement, and to put her away?" To this interrogation, also [as ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxii of the harmony subsisting.htm

The Judges Said: Tell Us, O Manes, who Designated the Boundaries ...
... For Archelaus begs that due importance be attached to the practice of interrogation
in this discussion. ... Migne edits the sentence without an interrogation. ...
/.../24 the judges said tell.htm

Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author,
... "The writings of S. Cyprian distinctly tell us, that in his day the form
of interrogation at Baptism was fixed and definite. He ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/five catechetical lectures the same.htm

Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
... and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it?" And shall not he "render to
every man according to his works?" This solemn interrogation needs no comment. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iii guilt of neglecting.htm

Of the Holy Spirit and the Mystery of the Trinity.
... For take the instance of an interrogation on the subject of a fountain, and consider
how we are unable then to affirm that the said fountain is itself the river ...
/.../augustine/a treatise on faith and the creed /chapter 9 of the holy spirit.htm

What Then, if a Homicide Seek Refuge with a Christian...
... Or haply is he no betrayer, who in answer to the judge's interrogation gives true
information; but would be a betrayar, if, unasked, he should delate a man to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 22 what then if.htm

Thus Then what is Written, "The Mouth that Lieth...
... For in the thoughts of the ungodly shall there be interrogation; and the hearing
of his words shall come from the Lord, to the punishment of his iniquities. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 31 thus then what.htm

Interrogation (1 Occurrence)
... It is used to express doubt, or to mark a query. Called also interrogation
point. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. INTERROGATION. ...
/i/interrogation.htm - 8k

Question (153 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of asking; interrogation; inquiry;
as, to examine by question and answer. 2. (n.) Discussion ...
/q/question.htm - 37k

Inquiry (15 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of inquiring; a seeking for information
by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning. ...
/i/inquiry.htm - 11k

Interprets (2 Occurrences)

/i/interprets.htm - 7k

Interrupted (1 Occurrence)

/i/interrupted.htm - 7k

Lutheran
... 3:21, where eperotema has been rendered "answer" by the King James Version while
the Revised Version (British and American) renders "interrogation." The word ...
/l/lutheran.htm - 35k

Doctrine (52 Occurrences)
... 3:21, where eperotema has been rendered "answer" by the King James Version while
the Revised Version (British and American) renders "interrogation." The word ...
/d/doctrine.htm - 57k

Likeness (52 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, 'even' baptism,
not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a ...
/l/likeness.htm - 29k

Isaiah (64 Occurrences)
... Epigrams and metaphors, particularly of flood, storm and sound (1:13; 5:18, 22;
8:08; 10:22; 28:17, 20; 30:28, 30), interrogation and dialogue (6:8; 10:8, 9 ...
/i/isaiah.htm - 66k

Haggai (14 Occurrences)
... his class. He was especially fond of interrogation. At best we have only a
summary, probably, of what he actually preached. 8. Criticism ...
/h/haggai.htm - 28k

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