from ζητέω; a searching (properly, the act), i.e. a dispute or its theme:--question.
Transliteration:zḗtēsis
Pronunciation:dzay'-tay-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ζήτησις (zḗtēsis, `{{G2214}}`) is derived from the verb ζητέω (zēteō, `{{G2212}}`), which means "to seek," "to search for," "to inquire," or "to investigate." At its most basic level, ζήτησις signifies the act of "searching" or "inquiring." However, its semantic range in the New Testament extends significantly beyond a neutral inquiry. It predominantly refers to a "dispute," "controversy," or a "contentious question." This shift from a simple search to a contentious issue highlights that the inquiry is not merely for understanding, but often involves a point of disagreement, debate, or even a quarrel. It implies a discussion that is not constructive but rather divisive and argumentative, leading to contention rather than edification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ζήτησις appears seven times in the New Testament, providing a consistent picture of its negative connotation:
* **[[John 3:25]]**: "Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification." Here, ζήτησις describes a specific dispute or controversy concerning religious ritual, indicating a point of contention rather than a simple inquiry.
* **[[Acts 15:2]]**: "Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them..." This verse refers to the heated debate at the Jerusalem Council regarding the necessity of circumcision for Gentile converts. The term underscores the intense and significant theological disagreement that arose.
* **[[Acts 25:20]]**: "When I was perplexed about such questions as these, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters." Festus, the Roman governor, uses ζήτησις to describe the complex and often contentious Jewish legal and religious issues brought against Paul, which were bewildering to a Roman official.
* **[[1 Timothy 1:4]]**: "...nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification, which is in faith." Paul warns Timothy against speculative discussions that lead to contention and division, contrasting them sharply with the goal of spiritual growth and building up the church.
* **[[1 Timothy 6:4]]**: "...from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless disputes of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain." Here, ζήτησις is closely associated with "disputes of words" (λογομαχίαι, `{{G3055}}`), highlighting verbal contention and argumentative behavior stemming from spiritual corruption.
* **[[2 Timothy 2:23]]**: "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife." This is a direct command to shun unproductive arguments, as they are a breeding ground for conflict and division within the community.
* **[[Titus 3:9]]**: "But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless." Similar to the warnings in 1 Timothy, Paul advises Titus to steer clear of divisive and unhelpful arguments, often linked to legalistic or purely speculative matters that yield no spiritual fruit.
Across these occurrences, ζήτησις consistently denotes a contentious or unprofitable discussion, dispute, or question, often related to religious or theological matters that lead to division rather than edification.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ζήτησις is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **Root Verb:** ζητέω (zēteō, `{{G2212}}`), "to seek," "to inquire." While the verb itself can be neutral or positive (e.g., seeking God), the noun ζήτησις carries the negative connotation of a contentious inquiry.
* **Synonyms/Associated Terms:**
* ἔρις (eris, `{{G2054}}`): "strife," "contention." This word frequently appears as a result or companion of ζήτησις (e.g., [[2 Timothy 2:23]]).
* λογομαχία (logomachia, `{{G3055}}`): "dispute about words," "wordy contention." This is a specific type of ζήτησις that focuses on trivial verbal arguments ([[1 Timothy 6:4]]).
* μάχη (machē, `{{G3163}}`): "fight," "quarrel," "contention." Often used in parallel with ζήτησις to describe unproductive arguments ([[Titus 3:9]]).
* διαλογισμός (dialogismos, `{{G1261}}`): "reasoning," "dispute," "argument." While it can refer to internal thoughts, it can also describe external contention.
* συζήτησις (syzētēsis, `{{G4803}}`): "joint discussion," "disputation." While it can be neutral or even positive in some contexts (e.g., a theological discussion), it can also describe contentious debate (e.g., [[Acts 15:7]]).
* **Antithetical Concepts:** Paul often contrasts ζήτησις with concepts that promote spiritual health:
* οἰκοδομή (oikodomē, `{{G3619}}`): "edification," "building up." Paul explicitly states that ζήτησις hinders "godly edification" ([[1 Timothy 1:4]]).
* ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`): "truth." Those engaged in ζήτησις are often described as "destitute of the truth" ([[1 Timothy 6:4]]).
* εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, `{{G2150}}`): "godliness." ζήτησις distracts from genuine godliness.
### Theological Significance
The consistent negative portrayal of ζήτησις in the New Testament carries significant theological weight, particularly within the Pastoral Epistles:
* **Warning Against Unprofitable Discourse:** The primary theological significance of ζήτησις is its function as a strong warning against unproductive, divisive, and speculative discussions within the Christian community. These "questions" are not genuine inquiries aimed at deeper truth or spiritual growth, but rather contentious arguments that foster strife, envy, and division.
* **Emphasis on Edification Over Dispute:** Paul deliberately contrasts ζήτησις with "godly edification" (οἰκοδομή Θεοῦ, [[1 Timothy 1:4]]). This highlights a crucial theological principle: the purpose of Christian discourse and teaching should always be to build up believers in faith, knowledge, and Christ-likeness, not to engage in endless, fruitless debates that tear down the body of Christ.
* **Consequence of False Teaching:** ζήτησις is often linked to "fables," "endless genealogies," and "strivings about the law" ([[1 Timothy 1:4]]; [[Titus 3:9]]), suggesting that these contentious questions frequently arise from or lead to false teaching and a deviation from sound doctrine. They are symptoms of spiritual immaturity or even corruption.
* **Call to Spiritual Maturity and Peace:** Avoiding ζήτησις is presented as a mark of spiritual maturity and wisdom. Believers are exhorted to "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" ([[2 Timothy 2:23]]). This reflects a call to pursue peace, gentleness, and patience, which are characteristic of a servant of the Lord.
* **Preservation of Church Unity:** The repeated condemnation of ζήτησις underscores the paramount importance of maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ. Contentious argumentation undermines fellowship, diverts energy from mission, and ultimately harms the witness of the church.
### Summary
The Greek word ζήτησις (`{{G2214}}`), stemming from ζητέω (`{{G2212}}`) meaning "to seek," refers to a "searching" or "inquiry" that has semantically evolved to denote a "dispute" or a "contentious question." In its New Testament usage, particularly in the Pastoral Epistles, ζήτησις consistently describes unproductive and divisive argumentation. It characterizes debates and controversies, often theological or legalistic in nature, that lead to strife (`{{G2054}}`), envy, and division, rather than godly edification (`{{G3619}}`). Biblical authors, preeminently Paul, issue strong warnings against engaging in "foolish and ignorant disputes" ([[2 Timothy 2:23]]) and "strivings about the law" ([[Titus 3:9]]), emphasizing their unprofitability and detrimental impact on spiritual growth and the unity of the church. Therefore, ζήτησις serves as a vital theological caution against speculative and contentious discourse that distracts from the core truths of the faith and hinders the building up of believers in Christ.
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