αἰτέω (aiteō)
aiteō
to ask
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 67 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aiteō means to make a request or ask for something, appearing frequently in the Gospels and Epistles. It covers simple inquiries as well as earnest pleas, as seen when Jesus teaches his followers to ask for what they need (Matthew 7:7) or when the disciples seek specific favors from him (Mark 10:35). The word is versatile enough to describe asking a person directly or requesting an object from someone.
While it often overlaps with other Greek words for asking, such as erōtaō, aiteō tends to carry a slightly more direct or urgent tone in earlier usage. This distinction softens in later Greek, where the terms become nearly interchangeable. The sources note that the middle voice form of the verb can imply a greater personal stake or earnestness in the request, reflecting a deeper desire for the outcome.
Translators typically render aiteō as "ask," though context sometimes calls for "beg" or "request." Its usage highlights the open channel between believers and God, particularly in John’s Gospel where Jesus promises that asking in his name will be answered (John 16:23). This linguistic pattern reinforces the theological idea of direct access to divine provision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aiteō simply means to ask, yet it carries a weight of trust that goes beyond casual conversation. When Jesus invites us to ask, He is not testing our politeness but inviting us into a relationship where we can bring our real needs to Him. This is not about demanding things from the universe; it is about relying on a Father who already knows what we need before we speak.
Consider Matthew 7:11, where Jesus compares earthly fathers giving good gifts to their children with God’s generosity. If human parents, despite their flaws, know how to provide for their kids, how much more will our perfect Heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him? This promise encourages us to be honest and direct in prayer, knowing that our requests are heard and valued.
Prayer is a channel of grace, not a transaction. You do not need to use fancy words or hide your struggles. Simply asking in faith acknowledges that you rely on God’s provision. This simple act of asking opens the door for His peace and guidance to enter your life, reminding you that you are never alone in your burdens.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 67 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- asking9×
- do ask4×
- you shall ask3×
- you may ask3×
- we shall ask3×
- is asking3×
- you have asked2×
- you ask,2×
- requested2×
- he will ask for2×
- he should ask2×
- asked for2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ᾐτήσατο6×
- αἰτήσητε4×
- αἰτήσει4×
- αἰτούμενοι4×
- αἰτοῦσιν3×
- ᾐτήσαντο2×
- αἰτῶν2×
- αἰτήσας2×
- αἰτοῦντί2×
- αἰτεῖτε2×
- αἰτεῖσθε.2×
- αἰτεῖσθε,2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Jesus uses this word to contrast flawed human fathers with a perfect God, assuring believers that asking leads to receiving good gifts from the Father.
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Matthew 5:42
Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
Here the term describes a direct request for help, teaching followers to respond generously rather than turning away those who seek aid.
-
Mark 10:38
But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
Jesus uses this word to challenge James and John, revealing that asking for spiritual blessings requires understanding the cost of discipleship.
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Matthew 6:8
Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
This verse clarifies that asking is not about informing God of our needs, but about aligning our hearts with His known care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word aiteō mean?
How is asking in prayer different from demanding?
Does God always give us what we ask for?
Where else does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (67 verses across 11 books)
Matthew 14 verses
Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
Matthew 6:8Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
Matthew 7:7“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.
Matthew 7:8For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.
Matthew 7:9Or who is there among you who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
Matthew 7:10Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent?
Matthew 7:11If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven…
Matthew 14:7Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask.
Matthew 18:19Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be…
Matthew 20:20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him.
Matthew 20:22But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be…
Matthew 21:22All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Matthew 27:20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
Matthew 27:58This man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up.