ἐκζητέω (ekzēteō)
ekzēteō
to seek out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekzēteō means to seek out or search for something with deliberate intent. It carries a sense of thoroughness, implying that the seeker is not merely looking casually but is actively investigating or scrutinizing what is desired. This intensity distinguishes it from simpler words for seeking; it suggests a determined effort to find or obtain.
In the New Testament, this word often appears in contexts involving God’s relationship with humanity. For instance, Romans 3:11 and Hebrews 11:6 use it to describe those who earnestly seek God, highlighting that such a search requires serious commitment. It also appears in Luke 11:50-51, where Jesus says the blood of all prophets will be required from this generation, using a form of the word that conveys demanding or requiring accountability.
The term combines the intensifying prefix ek- with zēteō (to seek), reinforcing the idea of going beyond surface-level inquiry. Its usage in 1 Peter 1:10 speaks of prophets carefully searching out and investigating matters concerning grace, showing how it applies to deep spiritual investigation. Translators typically render it as "seek" or "search for," though the Greek implies a more rigorous pursuit than the English word alone might suggest.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekzēteō invites us into a deeper posture of faith, one that moves beyond casual interest to active pursuit. When Scripture speaks of seeking God, it describes a determined effort to know Him personally and fully. This is not a passive hope but a deliberate turning of the heart toward the Divine.
In Hebrews 11:6, we see that this earnest search is tied directly to faith. To seek God as He truly is—existing and rewarding those who look for Him—requires trust in His character even when the path is unclear. It reminds us that our spiritual growth comes from engaging with Scripture and prayer with genuine intent.
Similarly, 1 Peter 1:10 highlights how prophets diligently investigated the mysteries of grace. This suggests that understanding God’s plan requires careful attention to His Word. As you read the Bible or pray, consider inviting this same thoroughness into your daily walk, knowing that God welcomes those who seek Him with sincerity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sought out1×
- may seek out1×
- may be charged1×
- it will be required1×
- is seeking after1×
- having earnestly sought1×
- earnestly seeking out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξεζήτησαν1×
- ἐκζητῶν1×
- ἐκζητήσωσιν1×
- ἐκζητήσας1×
- ἐκζητοῦσιν1×
- ἐκζητηθῇ1×
- ἐκζητηθήσεται1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.
This verse links the act of seeking God directly to the necessity of faith, showing that true pursuit involves believing in His rewarding nature.
-
Romans 3:11
There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God.
Here the word underscores the universal human condition, noting that apart from grace, no one naturally seeks after God with this intensity.
-
Acts 15:17
that the rest of men may seek after the Lord: all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’
It illustrates God's inclusive plan, where Gentiles are described as those who will seek after the Lord through His name.
-
I Peter 1:10
Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently. They prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
This occurrence shows prophets using diligent investigation to understand the future grace that would come through Christ.