### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb eperōtáō (`{{G1905}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon," "to," or "in addition to," and the verb ἐρωτάω (erōtaō, `{{G2065}}`), meaning "to ask" or "to question." This composition suggests an intensified, directed, or focused form of asking. The primary semantic range of eperōtáō encompasses "to ask for," "to inquire," "to seek information," or "to question." Depending on the context, it can denote a simple inquiry, a formal interrogation, a request, or even a demand. The nuance often lies in the intent behind the asking, whether it is genuine, hostile, or a simple seeking of clarification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
eperōtáō appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, illustrating various types of interactions.
1. **Seeking Information or Clarification:** This is a common usage, where individuals genuinely desire to understand something. For instance, the disciples often eperōtáō Jesus privately for explanations of parables or teachings, as seen in [[Mark 4:10]] regarding the parable of the sower. Similarly, in [[Luke 3:10]], the crowds eperōtáō John the Baptist, "What then shall we do?" after his call to repentance. This usage highlights a sincere desire for guidance or knowledge.
2. **Interrogation or Testing:** Frequently, eperōtáō describes the questioning of Jesus by religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes) with the intent to entrap Him, challenge His authority, or find fault. In [[Matthew 22:35]], a lawyer eperōtáō Jesus, "testing Him," about the greatest commandment. [[Mark 8:11]] describes the Pharisees eperōtáō Jesus for a sign from heaven, "testing Him." This context reveals the adversarial nature of the questioning, aiming to expose perceived theological error or political sedition.
3. **Making a Request or Demand:** While less common than αἰτέω (aiteō, `{{G154}}`) for direct petition, eperōtáō can sometimes carry the sense of a request or demand. In [[Luke 20:3]], Jesus eperōtáō the chief priests and scribes, "I also will ask you a question," setting up a counter-inquiry. The term also appears in legal or official contexts, such as Pilate eperōtáō Jesus in [[Mark 15:2]] about being the King of the Jews.
4. **Seeking Counsel or Divine Will:** In some instances, the word conveys a seeking of divine guidance, often through a prophet or a divinely appointed leader. Although not as direct as a prayer, the act of eperōtáō implies a recognition of a higher authority or wisdom.
The diverse contexts demonstrate that the meaning of eperōtáō is highly dependent on the speaker, the listener, and the underlying purpose of the inquiry.
### Related Words & Concepts
eperōtáō exists within a semantic field of words related to asking and seeking:
* ἐρωτάω (erōtaō, `{{G2065}}`): The base word, generally meaning "to ask" or "to request." eperōtáō intensifies or directs this basic action.
* αἰτέω (aiteō, `{{G154}}`): "To ask for," "to beg," "to request." This often implies a supplicant asking a superior for something to be given, frequently used in the context of prayer.
* πυνθάνομαι (punthanomai, `{{G4441}}`): "To inquire," "to learn by inquiry," "to ascertain." This word emphasizes the process of gaining information or knowledge through questioning.
* ζητέω (zēteō, `{{G2212}}`): "To seek," "to search for," "to desire." This is a broader term, encompassing a more active pursuit than mere asking.
* ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai, `{{G611}}`): "To answer," "to reply." This is the reciprocal action to eperōtáō, highlighting the dialogue inherent in questioning.
The concept of "inquiry" itself is central to eperōtáō, whether it be a genuine pursuit of truth, a malicious attempt to trap, or a humble request for understanding.
### Theological Significance
The frequent use of eperōtáō in the Gospels carries significant theological weight:
1. **Revelation and Understanding:** When disciples eperōtáō Jesus, it underscores the human need for divine revelation and clarification of spiritual truths. Jesus's willingness to answer (or sometimes to counter-question) reveals His role as the ultimate Teacher and the source of divine wisdom. This interaction highlights the accessibility of God to those who genuinely seek Him.
2. **Testing and Opposition:** The use of eperōtáō by Jesus's adversaries reveals the nature of spiritual opposition. Their questions are not born of a desire for truth but are often calculated attempts to discredit, condemn, or manipulate. Jesus's responses in these contexts often expose hypocrisy, demonstrate His divine authority, and reveal the limitations of human wisdom apart from God.
3. **The Nature of Authority:** The act of being eperōtáō by various groups, from common people to religious elites and Roman officials, places Jesus at the center of all inquiry. His responses consistently assert His unique authority and identity, whether through direct claims or through profound, unanswerable counter-questions.
4. **Discipleship and Growth:** For the disciples, eperōtáō Jesus signifies their process of spiritual growth. Their questions, though sometimes indicative of misunderstanding, are a necessary step in learning and maturing in their faith. It models the importance of seeking understanding from the Master.
### Summary
eperōtáō (`{{G1905}}`) denotes a focused or intensified form of asking, encompassing inquiry, questioning, request, and even demand. Its precise nuance is determined by the context, ranging from sincere seeking of information by disciples to hostile interrogation by adversaries. The word plays a crucial role in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, illustrating the dynamics of revelation, the nature of opposition to Christ, and the process of discipleship. It underscores the human impulse to question and the divine willingness to respond, whether to enlighten the humble or to expose the proud.
TRV