from ἐκ and ζητέω; to search out, i.e. (figuratively)investigate, crave, demand, (by Hebraism) worship:--en- (re-)quire, seek after (carefully, diligently).
Transliteration:ekzētéō
Pronunciation:ek-zay-teh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκζητέω (ekzētéō) is a compound formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out" or "from," and the verb ζητέω (zētéō), meaning "to seek" or "to search." This etymology immediately suggests an intensified form of seeking: to "search out," "seek diligently," or "seek thoroughly." The prefix ἐκ often denotes completion, origin, or intensity, implying a comprehensive and earnest pursuit.
The semantic range of ἐκζητέω encompasses several nuances:
1. **To search out/investigate**: This is the most literal sense, implying a thorough inquiry or examination.
2. **To crave/demand**: Figuratively, it can convey an intense desire or the act of requiring something, often with a sense of accountability or retribution.
3. **To worship/seek God**: By Hebraism, reflecting Old Testament usage where "seeking the Lord" implies devotion, worship, and reliance upon Him. This is arguably its most significant theological application in the New Testament.
The core meaning consistently points to a pursuit that is not casual but earnest, intentional, and often exhaustive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐκζητέω appears several times in the New Testament, each context illuminating its rich semantic range:
* **Seeking God/The Lord**:
* [[Romans 3:11]]: "There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God." This verse, quoting [[Psalm 14:2]] (LXX), highlights the fallen human condition where, apart from divine grace, humanity does not naturally or earnestly seek God. It underscores the spiritual blindness and rebellion inherent in sin.
* [[Acts 15:17]]: "So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name." Here, James quotes [[Amos 9:12]] (LXX) to explain God's purpose in reaching out to the Gentiles, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan includes a diligent seeking of Him by all peoples.
* [[Hebrews 11:6]]: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." This is perhaps the most profound theological usage. "Diligently seek Him" (ἐκζητοῦσιν αὐτόν) denotes an earnest, persistent, and faith-filled pursuit of God. It implies a conscious, active engagement with God, trusting in His existence and His benevolent nature as a rewarder. This seeking is a hallmark of true faith.
* **Demanding/Requiring Accountability**:
* [[Luke 11:50-51]]: "that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation." In this context, ἐκζητέω carries the strong sense of demanding retribution or accountability for innocent blood shed. It highlights divine justice and the certainty of judgment.
* **Diligent Investigation/Inquiry**:
* [[1 Peter 1:10]]: "Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully." Here, ἐκζητέω describes the earnest and thorough investigation undertaken by the Old Testament prophets as they sought to understand the timing and nature of the salvation that would come through Christ. It speaks to the seriousness and depth of their Spirit-inspired inquiry into divine revelation.
Across these contexts, the common thread is an intense, purposeful pursuit or demand, whether directed toward God, justice, or understanding.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἐκζητέω (ekzētéō) is part of a family of words derived from the root ζητέω (zētéō) `{{G2212}}`, which means "to seek," "to search for," "to desire." The prefix ἐκ (ek) intensifies this base meaning. Other related compounds include:
* **ζητέω (zētéō)** `{{G2212}}`: The foundational verb, often used for general seeking, inquiring, or desiring. ἐκζητέω implies a more thorough or earnest form of this.
* **ἐπιζητέω (epizētéō)** `{{G1934}}`: To seek after, look for, desire, or require. While similar, ἐκζητέω often carries a stronger connotation of exhaustive searching or demanding.
* **ἀναζητέω (anazētéō)** `{{G305}}`: To seek carefully or search for.
Concepts closely associated with ἐκζητέω include:
* **Diligence**: The word inherently conveys an earnest and persistent effort.
* **Perseverance**: Especially in the context of seeking God, it implies a sustained pursuit despite challenges.
* **Faith**: As seen in [[Hebrews 11:6]], diligent seeking is an act of faith, trusting in God's existence and His responsiveness.
* **Accountability**: In contexts of demanding justice, it highlights the principle of divine reckoning.
* **Revelation**: When prophets "searched and inquired carefully," it points to the profound nature of God's self-disclosure and the human effort to comprehend it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐκζητέω is profound, particularly in its application to the human-divine relationship.
1. **The Nature of True Faith**: [[Hebrews 11:6]] stands as a cornerstone, asserting that diligent seeking of God is not merely an option but a requirement for pleasing Him. This seeking is an active expression of faith, presupposing belief in God's existence and His benevolent character as a rewarder. It contrasts with a passive or indifferent approach to God, emphasizing that genuine faith involves an earnest, persistent pursuit of His presence, will, and favor.
2. **Humanity's Spiritual Condition**: The lament in [[Romans 3:11]] ("there is none who seeks for God") highlights the devastating impact of sin on human spirituality. Left to themselves, fallen humans do not naturally or earnestly pursue God. This underscores the necessity of divine initiative and grace in drawing individuals to Himself. The fact that God *enables* seeking, as seen in [[Acts 15:17]], points to His redemptive power.
3. **God's Justice and Accountability**: The usage in [[Luke 11:50-51]] reveals God's unwavering commitment to justice. The "requiring" of blood signifies a divine demand for accountability and retribution for sin, particularly the shedding of innocent blood. It underscores the seriousness of human rebellion against divine righteousness and the certainty of divine judgment.
4. **The Depth of Prophetic Inquiry**: [[1 Peter 1:10]] illustrates the profound and diligent nature of prophetic revelation. The prophets did not passively receive messages but actively "searched and inquired carefully" into the unfolding mysteries of God's salvation plan. This demonstrates the seriousness with which God's word is to be approached and the depth of spiritual and intellectual engagement required to understand divine truth.
5. **God's Accessibility and Responsiveness**: Despite humanity's natural inability to seek Him, God is portrayed as accessible and responsive to those who, by faith, *do* diligently seek Him. This offers hope and encouragement, affirming that God rewards those who earnestly pursue Him.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐκζητέω (ekzētéō) signifies an intensive, diligent, and often exhaustive "seeking out." Formed from ἐκ (out, from) and ζητέω (to seek), its semantic range extends from literal investigation to demanding accountability, craving, and most profoundly, the earnest pursuit of God. In its theological application, particularly in [[Hebrews 11:6]], it underscores the necessity of active faith in diligently seeking God, who rewards those who earnestly pursue Him. It contrasts with humanity's natural inability to seek God [[Romans 3:11]] and highlights God's accessibility, His righteous demand for justice, and the serious inquiry of His prophets. The word encapsulates a call to persistent, heartfelt engagement, whether in spiritual pursuit or in understanding divine truth.
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