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 word **heurískō**, represented by `{{G2147}}`, means **to find**. It appears **194 times** across **168 unique verses** in the Bible. While its base definition is to find something literally or figuratively, its usage extends to concepts of getting, obtaining, perceiving, and seeing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2147}}` is used in several important ways. It is central to the promise that those who seek will **find** [[Matthew 7:7]]. This concept applies to finding lost things, such as a sheep or a son ([[Luke 15:4]], [[Luke 15:24]]), and also to spiritual discoveries, like a man who **hath found** a treasure representing the kingdom of heaven [[Matthew 13:44]]. The word also describes the result of an evaluation, such as when the church at Ephesus **found** those claiming to be apostles to be liars [[Revelation 2:2]]. Conversely, a person can be **found** in a particular spiritual state, such as being **found** in Christ, not having one's own righteousness [[Philippians 3:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of finding:
* `{{G2212}}` **zētéō** (to seek): As the direct precursor to finding, this word is often used in parallel with `{{G2147}}`. Jesus encourages his followers to **seek**, with the promise that they will **find** [[Luke 11:9]].
* `{{G2983}}` **lambánō** (to take, receive, obtain): This word highlights the result of finding. Believers are urged to come to the throne of grace so they may **obtain** mercy and **find** grace [[Hebrews 4:16]].
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (to see, perceive): The definition of `{{G2147}}` includes "perceive, see." This connection is shown when the wise men came into the house and **saw** the young child [[Matthew 2:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of `{{G2147}}` are significant, often illustrating core principles of the Christian faith.
* **The Promise of Seeking:** The word forms the basis of a divine promise. Those who ask, seek, and knock are assured that they will receive, **find**, and have the door opened to them, which applies to finding God Himself ([[Matthew 7:7]], [[Luke 11:10]]).
* **The Paradox of Discipleship:** Jesus uses `{{G2147}}` to explain a central tenet of discipleship: he that **findeth** his life will lose it, but he that loseth his life for Christ's sake will **find** it [[Matthew 10:39]].
* **Divine Judgment and Approval:** The term is used in the context of divine assessment. At the final judgment, anyone not **found** written in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire [[Revelation 20:15]]. In contrast, believers are to be diligent to be **found** by God in peace, without spot and blameless [[2 Peter 3:14]].
* **Redemptive Act:** Christ, through His own blood, entered the holy place having **obtained** eternal redemption for us [[Hebrews 9:12]], showing the word's connection to the ultimate act of salvation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2147}}` moves beyond the simple act of discovery. It is a key term in understanding the dynamic of the human search for God and God's willingness to be **found**. It carries the weight of spiritual paradoxes, divine judgment, and the ultimate success of Christ's redemptive work, illustrating that what one **finds**—or how one is **found**—has eternal consequences.
TRV