ἐξαιτέω (exaiteō)
exaiteō
to demand/ask for
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exaiteō carries the force of demanding or asking for something with urgency. It is not a casual request but an earnest plea, often implying that the speaker has a right to expect what they are seeking. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Luke 22:31, where Jesus speaks to Simon Peter.
In that specific instance, Jesus says He has prayed for Peter’s faith so it will not fail. The phrasing suggests a divine demand or a solemn assurance rooted in intercession. While the English translations often soften this into "I have prayed," the Greek conveys a more intense action—Jesus is effectively demanding the preservation of Peter’s faith through prayer, treating it as something essential that must be secured.
This single usage highlights how the word can bridge the gap between human pleading and divine authority. It reminds readers that spiritual stability is not left to chance but is the subject of earnest, purposeful appeal. The term underscores the seriousness with which Jesus regarded Peter’s standing in the faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face moments where our faith feels like it is slipping away, it helps to remember that spiritual stability is not left to chance. The word exaiteō appears in Luke 22:31, where Jesus uses a term that carries the weight of an urgent demand. He speaks to Peter with solemn assurance, indicating that his prayer for Peter’s faith was not just a casual wish but a purposeful appeal for its preservation.
This single usage bridges the gap between human pleading and divine authority. It reminds us that our standing in the faith is something Jesus regards with serious intent. Even when we feel vulnerable to the sifting of trials, we can find comfort in knowing that our spiritual security rests on earnest, intercessory care rather than our own fragile strength alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- demanded to have1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξῃτήσατο1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:31
The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat,
This verse shows Jesus using the word to describe His urgent, authoritative prayer for Peter’s faith not to fail under pressure.