### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐξερευνάω (exereunáō, `{{G1830}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or indicating completion/intensity, and the verb ἐρευνάω (ereunáō, `{{G2045}}`), meaning "to search, examine, investigate." The prefix ἐκ serves to intensify the action of searching, transforming a general inquiry into a thorough, exhaustive, or diligent investigation.
Therefore, ἐξερευνάω signifies a deep, penetrating inquiry, a meticulous search designed to discover something hidden, obscure, or not immediately apparent. It implies an earnest and painstaking effort to explore a subject completely, leaving no stone unturned. Its semantic range includes "to search diligently," "to inquire carefully," "to explore thoroughly," or "to investigate exhaustively." It is more than a casual glance; it is a committed pursuit of understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐξερευνάω (exereunáō, `{{G1830}}`) appears primarily in the New Testament in one significant passage:
* **[[1 Peter 1:10]]**: "Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully about it."
* In this context, Peter describes the Old Testament prophets who, inspired by the Spirit of Christ, spoke of the future salvation and the glories that would follow the sufferings of the Messiah. The phrase "searched and inquired carefully" (ἐξερευνάω) highlights the earnest and diligent effort these prophets made to understand the very prophecies they themselves delivered. They were not merely passive conduits of divine revelation; they actively sought to grasp the meaning, timing, and nature of the profound truths God was revealing through them. This suggests that while they were inspired, their human understanding of the full scope of God's plan remained incomplete, prompting them to delve deeper into the mysteries of salvation. This diligent searching underscores the depth and progressive nature of God's revelation, which was ultimately brought to full clarity in Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share a semantic field with ἐξερευνάω (exereunáō, `{{G1830}}`), emphasizing various aspects of searching and inquiry:
* ἐρευνάω (ereunáō, `{{G2045}}`): The base verb, meaning "to search, examine, scrutinize." ἐξερευνάω intensifies this basic action.
* ἐκζητέω (ekzētéō, `{{G1567}}`): "to seek out, search for, inquire for." This word often implies a diligent or persistent search, similar in intensity to ἐξερευνάω.
* ἀνακρίνω (anakrínō, `{{G350}}`): "to examine, investigate, question." Often used in a legal or judicial context, implying a thorough examination to ascertain facts.
* διερευνάω (diereunáō, `{{G1328}}`): Another compound of ἐρευνάω, intensified by διά (dia), meaning "through," suggesting a thorough searching through something.
The concept of prophetic inquiry itself is a crucial related idea. It highlights that even those divinely inspired often grapple with the meaning of God's messages, demonstrating the profound and sometimes veiled nature of divine truth. This also relates to the progressive nature of revelation, where understanding unfolds over time and culminates in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The singular, powerful use of ἐξερευνάω (exereunáō, `{{G1830}}`) in [[1 Peter 1:10]] carries significant theological weight:
1. **Nature of Prophecy and Revelation:** It reveals that divine inspiration does not equate to immediate, exhaustive comprehension on the part of the prophet. The prophets, though speaking by the Spirit, still diligently *searched* to understand the implications, timing, and fulfillment of their own prophecies. This underscores the profound depth of God's plan and the progressive unfolding of His truth throughout history.
2. **Diligence in Seeking Truth:** The prophets' diligent inquiry serves as an example for all believers. If those directly inspired by God's Spirit found it necessary to "search diligently" into the mysteries of salvation, how much more should believers today earnestly and meticulously study God's Word to understand His will and truth? It calls for active, profound engagement with Scripture, not passive reception.
3. **Humility Before Divine Mystery:** The act of searching implies a recognition that God's ways and plans are often beyond immediate human grasp. The prophets' diligent search embodies a posture of humility and earnest desire to know God's mind, rather than presuming full understanding.
4. **Christocentric Focus:** The object of the prophets' diligent search was "this salvation," specifically "the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow." This emphasizes that Christ is the central theme and ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy, even when the prophets themselves did not fully grasp the details of His coming.
### Summary
ἐξερευνάω (exereunáō, `{{G1830}}`) denotes an intense, diligent, and exhaustive search or inquiry. Its most prominent biblical occurrence in [[1 Peter 1:10]] describes the Old Testament prophets' earnest efforts to comprehend the very prophecies they delivered concerning the grace and salvation revealed in Christ. This word underscores the profound, often mysterious, and progressively revealed nature of God's truth. Theologically, it highlights the diligence required in understanding divine revelation, the humility necessary before God's deeper mysteries, and the Christocentric focus of all prophecy. It serves as a compelling model for believers to engage with Scripture with similar earnestness and thoroughness, recognizing the immense depth of God's Word.
TRV