middle voice prolonged from a primary (which occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses); to question, i.e. ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from ἐρωτάω, which properly means a request as a favor; and from αἰτέω, which is strictly a demand for something due; as well as from ζητέω, which implies a search for something hidden; and from δέομαι, which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication, to learn (by casual intelligence):--ask, demand, enquire, understand.
Transliteration:pynthánomai
Pronunciation:poon-than'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4441 (πυνθάνομαι, *pynthánomai*) carries the primary sense of "to question" or "to ascertain by inquiry." Its fundamental meaning revolves around the act of seeking information, specifically to gain knowledge or facts. This word emphasizes a neutral, objective pursuit of information, rather than a request for a favor, a demand for something owed, a search for something hidden, or a plea born of urgent need. The inquiry is typically for the purpose of clarifying a situation, understanding circumstances, or confirming details. By implication, G4441 can also signify "to learn" or "to come to know" something through casual intelligence or direct questioning. English translations often include "ask," "demand" (in the sense of asking for information), "enquire," and "understand."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G4441 appears in several significant New Testament passages, consistently maintaining its core meaning of inquiring for factual information.
In [[Matthew 2:4]], King Herod, disturbed by the Magi's inquiry about the newborn King of the Jews, *pynthánomai* (enquires) of the chief priests and scribes "where the Christ was to be born." Herod's motivation is clearly to gain specific, factual information about the Messiah's birthplace, not to make a request or a demand in another sense. His inquiry is purely informational, albeit with sinister intent.
[[Luke 18:36]] describes a blind man who, hearing a crowd pass by, *pynthánomai* (asks) "what this might be." He is seeking an explanation for the commotion, desiring to ascertain the nature of the event. His question is a direct request for information to understand his immediate surroundings.
In [[John 13:24]], during the Last Supper, Peter motions to John to *pynthánomai* (ask) Jesus "who it was of whom he spoke" concerning the betrayer. Peter's intent is to discover the identity of the individual, a specific piece of information, not to plead or demand.
The book of Acts frequently employs G4441 to describe inquiries made for administrative or investigative purposes. In [[Acts 10:18]], men sent by Cornelius *pynthánomai* (inquire) "whether Simon, who was called Peter, was lodging there." This is a straightforward factual inquiry about Peter's whereabouts. Similarly, in [[Acts 21:34]], the Roman commander Claudius Lysias, amidst the commotion in the temple, *pynthánomai* (inquires) "who he was and what he had done" concerning Paul. His questions are aimed at gathering intelligence to understand the cause of the riot. Again, in [[Acts 23:20]], Paul's nephew informs Lysias that the Jews will *pynthánomai* (ask) him "to bring Paul down to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him." Here, the word highlights the pretense of a more thorough factual investigation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The precise definition of G4441 (πυνθάνομαι) is often best understood in contrast to other Greek words that also convey notions of asking or seeking, but with distinct nuances:
* **`{{G2065}}` (ἐρωτάω, *erōtaō*)**: This word typically signifies a request made as a favor, an earnest appeal, or a polite question. While it can involve asking for information, it often carries a relational or supplicatory overtone. For example, disciples *erōtaō* Jesus for clarification on parables.
* **`{{G154}}` (αἰτέω, *aiteō*)**: This term denotes a demand for something due, a petition, or a request for something to be given. It implies a right or a strong desire for the object of the request. For instance, a beggar *aiteō* for alms.
* **`{{G2212}}` (ζητέω, *zēteō*)**: This word implies a more active search, an investigation, or a seeking after something hidden or unknown, often with effort and persistence. It can refer to seeking a person, a thing, or even truth. For example, seeking the Kingdom of God.
* **`{{G1189}}` (δέομαι, *deomai*)**: This term conveys a sense of urgent need, entreaty, or supplication, often in prayer. It highlights a position of dependence and deep necessity. For example, pleading for mercy.
In contrast to these, G4441 (πυνθάνομαι) consistently focuses on the objective acquisition of information, whether through direct questioning or by learning through intelligence. It lacks the emotional intensity of deomai, the demanding nature of aiteō, the active searching of zēteō, or the favor-seeking aspect often present in erōtaō. It is the verb of factual inquiry.
### Theological Significance
While G4441 (πυνθάνομαι) primarily describes a human action of seeking information, its theological significance lies in what these inquiries reveal about human interaction, divine providence, and the unfolding of God's plan.
The instances where pynthánomai is used often highlight moments of human uncertainty, curiosity, or even suspicion. Herod's inquiry in Matthew underscores the human attempt to understand or thwart divine purposes through factual investigation. The disciples' use of the word to ascertain the betrayer's identity reveals their natural human desire for clarity in a moment of profound revelation.
The Roman authorities' inquiries in Acts demonstrate how even secular powers, in their attempts to maintain order or administer justice, inadvertently become part of the narrative of God's mission. Their need for factual information about Paul or the cause of disturbances often leads to outcomes that further the gospel, even if unintended by the interrogators.
Furthermore, the very act of inquiry, as represented by pynthánomai, affirms the biblical worldview that knowledge is ascertainable and that God's truth is not always hidden but can be discovered through diligent investigation, whether human or divine. While salvation and spiritual truths are revealed by God, the narratives often show human agents engaging in the rational process of gathering information to navigate their world, a process that God permits and often uses.
### Summary
G4441 (πυνθάνομαι, *pynthánomai*) is a Greek verb signifying the act of "to question" or "to ascertain by inquiry," specifically for the purpose of gaining factual information. Its core meaning emphasizes a neutral pursuit of knowledge, distinct from requests for favors, demands, exhaustive searches for hidden truths, or urgent pleas. Biblical occurrences, particularly in Matthew, John, Luke, and Acts, consistently illustrate this nuance, portraying characters seeking specific details or explanations. The word's significance is often understood in contrast to other Greek terms for "asking," highlighting its unique focus on objective information gathering. Theologically, pynthánomai illuminates human engagement with facts and circumstances within the divine narrative, demonstrating how even mundane inquiries contribute to the unfolding of God's purposes and the revelation of truth.
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