from διά and ἐρωτάω; to question throughout, i.e. ascertain by interrogation:--make enquiry for.
Transliteration:dierōtáō
Pronunciation:dee-er-o-tah'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διερωτάω (dierōtáō, `{{G1331}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verb ἐρωτάω (erōtaō, `{{G2065}}`), meaning "to ask" or "to question." This etymological composition reveals its core meaning: to question *throughout*, to inquire *thoroughly*, or to ascertain by persistent interrogation. The prefix διά intensifies the action of asking, indicating a comprehensive, penetrating, or diligent search for information, rather than a casual or superficial query. Its semantic range thus encompasses the idea of making a diligent inquiry, seeking full understanding, or investigating a matter until clarity is achieved. It implies a focused effort to get to the bottom of something, to uncover the full truth or meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διερωτάω (dierōtáō, `{{G1331}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 8:9]]**: "And His disciples asked Him what this parable meant." (ἐπηρώτων δὲ αὐτὸν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ τίς εἴη ἡ παραβολὴ αὕτη.)
In this solitary occurrence, the context is crucial. Jesus has just finished relating the parable of the sower. The disciples, rather than merely listening, engage in a deeper inquiry. The use of διερωτάω here signifies more than a simple question for clarification. It denotes a profound and earnest desire to grasp the *meaning* (τίς εἴη) of the parable. They are not merely asking for a repetition or a surface-level explanation, but are seeking to penetrate the deeper spiritual truths embedded within the narrative. This thorough inquiry reflects their genuine hunger for understanding the mysteries of the Kingdom of God that Jesus was revealing. Their active διερωτάω demonstrates a posture of committed discipleship, seeking to move beyond the literal narrative to apprehend its spiritual significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate διερωτάω (dierōtáō, `{{G1331}}`), it is helpful to consider its relationship to other Greek words for asking or inquiring:
* **ἐρωτάω (erōtaō, `{{G2065}}`)**: This is the base verb from which διερωτάω is formed. While ἐρωτάω can denote a general question or request, the addition of διά in διερωτάω emphasizes the *thoroughness* or *completeness* of the inquiry.
* **αἰτέω (aiteō, `{{G154}}`)**: Typically means to ask for something, often a request or demand for a favor, object, or specific action. It focuses on the object of the request.
* **πυνθάνομαι (punthanomai, `{{G4441}}`)**: To inquire, to learn by inquiry, to ascertain. This word often implies seeking information and discovering facts. It shares a semantic overlap with διερωτάω in the pursuit of knowledge, but διερωτάω specifically highlights the *process* of thorough questioning.
* **ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō, `{{G350}}`)**: To examine, investigate, scrutinize, often in a formal or judicial sense. While it involves thorough inquiry, its connotation is often more about judgment or official examination.
The distinctiveness of διερωτάω lies in its emphasis on the persistent, penetrating nature of the inquiry aimed at full ascertainment or deep understanding, particularly in a context of seeking spiritual truth.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of διερωτάω (dierōtáō, `{{G1331}}`) in [[Luke 8:9]] is profound. It serves as a powerful model for the posture of a disciple in relation to divine revelation.
1. **Active Engagement with Truth**: The disciples did not passively receive Jesus' teaching. Their διερωτάω demonstrates an active, engaged pursuit of understanding. This highlights that spiritual truth often requires more than casual listening; it demands diligent inquiry and a sincere desire to comprehend.
2. **Recognition of Deeper Meaning**: Parables, by their nature, often conceal deeper truths within accessible narratives. The disciples' thorough questioning indicates their awareness that Jesus' words carried profound, often veiled, spiritual significance that required diligent seeking to uncover.
3. **Humility and Teachability**: To διερωτάω implies a recognition that one does not fully understand and a humble willingness to be taught. This teachable spirit is essential for spiritual growth and for receiving revelation from God.
4. **The Nature of Discipleship**: The disciples' example encourages believers to be persistent in seeking God's wisdom, to wrestle with challenging passages, and to earnestly pray for insight into His Word. It underscores that true discipleship involves a continuous, thorough inquiry into the mysteries of the faith.
### Summary
διερωτάω (dierōtáō, `{{G1331}}`) is a potent Greek verb signifying a thorough, penetrating, and diligent inquiry aimed at full ascertainment or deep understanding. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 8:9]], its singular usage is highly illustrative. It describes the disciples' earnest and persistent questioning of Jesus concerning the meaning of the parable of the sower, demonstrating their profound desire to grasp its spiritual significance. This word highlights the active and engaged posture required for apprehending divine truth, serving as a model for all who seek to move beyond superficial understanding to a deeper, more comprehensive grasp of God's revelation. It underscores the importance of humility, teachability, and diligent spiritual seeking in the journey of faith.
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