a prolonged form of a primary , which (together with another cognate form) is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect; to find (literally or figuratively):--find, get, obtain, perceive, see.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εὑρίσκω (heurískō, `{{G2147}}`) signifies the act of "finding." Its semantic range is remarkably broad, extending from a literal, physical discovery to a profound spiritual apprehension. At its most basic, it denotes the successful completion of a search, the coming upon something previously unknown, or the acquisition of an object or person. However, its usage in the New Testament frequently transcends mere physical discovery, encompassing the perception of truth, the attainment of a state (like rest or favor), or the realization of a fact. The base definition "to find (literally or figuratively)" aptly captures this versatility, with its various English renderings such as "find, get, obtain, perceive, see" illustrating its diverse applications. The note regarding it being a "prolonged form" suggests its foundational role in the Greek lexicon, being used across most tenses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb εὑρίσκω (heurískō, `{{G2147}}`) appears frequently throughout the New Testament, illustrating its wide-ranging applicability.
* **Literal Finding:** It is often used for the discovery of physical objects or persons. For instance, Jesus' disciples "found" Him ([[John 1:41]], [[John 1:45]]), or they "found" a colt for Him to ride ([[Luke 19:30]]). The parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep vividly portray the joy of "finding" something that was lost ([[Luke 15:4]], [[Luke 15:8]]).
* **Figurative Finding/Obtaining:**
* **Finding Favor:** Mary "found favor with God" ([[Luke 1:30]]), indicating the reception of divine grace and blessing.
* **Finding Rest:** One of the most profound uses is Jesus' invitation to "find rest for your souls" by taking His yoke upon them ([[Matthew 11:29]]). This speaks to a spiritual discovery of peace and solace.
* **Finding Life/Salvation:** Jesus declares that those who lose their life for His sake will "find" it ([[Matthew 10:39]], [[Matthew 16:25]]), referring to eternal life and true existence in God.
* **Finding Righteousness:** Paul contrasts Israel's failure to "find" righteousness by works with the Gentiles who "found" it by faith ([[Romans 9:30-32]]), highlighting the gracious nature of salvation.
* **Finding Truth/Wisdom:** The seeking and "finding" of wisdom or understanding is a recurring theme, often linked to divine revelation.
* **Finding Opportunity/Occasion:** The term can denote the discovery of an opportune moment or a reason for action, such as Pilate "finding no guilt" in Jesus ([[John 18:38]], [[John 19:6]]).
* **The Promise of Seeking:** Perhaps its most iconic usage is in Jesus' teaching: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" ([[Matthew 7:7-8]]). This passage establishes a direct link between diligent seeking and the certainty of discovery, particularly in the spiritual realm.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of εὑρίσκω (heurískō, `{{G2147}}`) is often illuminated by its relationship with other Greek words and broader biblical concepts.
* **ζητέω (zēteō, `{{G2212}}`):** This verb means "to seek" or "to search for." It is frequently paired with εὑρίσκω, as seen in [[Matthew 7:7-8]], where seeking precedes finding. This pairing emphasizes the active pursuit often required before discovery.
* **λαμβάνω (lambanō, `{{G2983}}`):** Meaning "to take" or "to receive," this word can sometimes overlap with εὑρίσκω when the "finding" implies an acquisition or reception, though εὑρίσκω often carries the nuance of discovery rather than mere reception.
* **ἀπολλύω (apollyō, `{{G622}}`):** The opposite of finding is losing or destroying. The parables of the lost (ἀπολλύω) sheep and coin highlight the contrast, emphasizing the joy of finding what was lost.
* **Thematic Connections:**
* **Divine Revelation:** The "finding" of God, truth, or the Messiah is often a result of God's self-revelation, rather than solely human effort.
* **The Kingdom of God:** The parable of the hidden treasure ([[Matthew 13:44]]) speaks of "finding" the Kingdom of God, a discovery of immense value that demands radical response.
* **Grace:** The "finding" of righteousness or favor is ultimately a gift of divine grace, not something earned.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὑρίσκω (heurískō, `{{G2147}}`) is profound, touching upon core doctrines of Christian faith.
* **God's Active Pursuit and Revelation:** While humanity is called to seek God, the biblical narrative often portrays God as the one who actively seeks and finds humanity. The parables of the lost in Luke 15 reveal God's zealous pursuit of the sinner, culminating in heavenly joy when the lost are "found" and repent. This underscores God's initiative in salvation and His desire for reconciliation.
* **The Nature of Salvation:** Salvation is presented not merely as a human quest but as a divine act of "finding" the lost, and simultaneously, as a human "finding" of righteousness and eternal life through faith in Christ. This "finding" is a gift of grace, not a reward for human merit ([[Romans 9:30]]).
* **Spiritual Rest and Fulfillment:** The promise to "find rest for your souls" in Christ ([[Matthew 11:29]]) speaks to the deep spiritual peace and cessation from striving that only a relationship with Jesus can provide. It addresses the fundamental human longing for meaning and purpose, which is "found" in Him.
* **The Value of the Kingdom:** The "finding" of the Kingdom of God, likened to a hidden treasure or a pearl of great price ([[Matthew 13:44-46]]), emphasizes its surpassing value. This discovery prompts a radical reordering of priorities and a willingness to sacrifice everything for its sake.
* **Divine Responsiveness:** The assurance that "he who seeks finds" ([[Matthew 7:8]]) highlights God's faithfulness and responsiveness to genuine spiritual inquiry. It encourages persistent prayer and diligent searching for God's will and presence.
### Summary
The Greek verb εὑρίσκω (heurískō, `{{G2147}}`) is a versatile and deeply significant term in the New Testament, encompassing both literal discovery and profound spiritual apprehension. From "finding" lost objects to "finding" divine favor, righteousness, and rest for the soul, its usage reveals key theological truths. It often appears in conjunction with ζητέω (zēteō, `{{G2212}}`), emphasizing the divine promise that diligent seeking leads to discovery. Theologically, εὑρίσκω illuminates God's active pursuit of humanity, the joyous nature of salvation when the lost are "found," the gracious provision of spiritual rest in Christ, and the immense value of discovering the Kingdom of God. It underscores that while humanity seeks, it is ultimately God who enables true "finding" through His revelation and grace.
TRV