ἐπερωτάω (eperōtaō)
eperōtaō
to question
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 56 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eperōtaō describes the act of questioning or interrogating someone directly. It appears frequently in the Gospels, capturing moments where Jesus is asked for clarification or challenged by opponents. For instance, in Mark 7:17 and Luke 20:40, the word marks the specific point where a question is formally put to him, often setting the stage for a significant teaching or confrontation.
Its meaning extends beyond simple inquiry to include demanding an answer or seeking information with intent. In Matthew 16:1, religious leaders ask for a sign, using this verb to frame their request as a demand for proof. The term carries a sense of directness, implying that the questioner expects a response rather than merely posing a rhetorical thought.
Derived from a root meaning "to ask," it distinguishes itself by emphasizing the interaction between the asker and the respondent. Translators render it variously as "ask," "question," or "demand" depending on the context, such as when Pilate questions Jesus in Mark 15:4. This lexical choice highlights the dynamic nature of dialogue in the New Testament, where questions serve to reveal truth or test authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a direct question, one where the asker expects an answer rather than just making a statement. In the Gospels, it often appears when people seek clarity from Jesus or challenge His authority. It shows that asking is not a sign of weakness but a normal part of seeking truth.
When you face confusion or doubt, you are in good company. The disciples themselves asked Jesus hard questions about Elijah and the resurrection. They did not pretend to know everything. Instead, they brought their uncertainties directly to Him, trusting that He could provide understanding.
Your faith does not require you to have all the answers immediately. It invites you to ask honestly. Whether you are questioning a difficult teaching or seeking direction in life, bringing your questions to God is an act of trust. He welcomes your search for truth with patience and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 56 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- questioned4×
- asked4×
- were asking3×
- was questioning3×
- they questioned3×
- he questioned3×
- He was asking3×
- He asked3×
- were questioning2×
- they were questioning2×
- they asked2×
- he was asking2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπηρώτησεν15×
- ἐπηρώτα10×
- ἐπηρώτων9×
- ἐπηρώτησαν6×
- ἐπερωτῆσαι.¶2×
- Ἐπηρώτων1×
- Ἐπηρώτησαν1×
- Ἐπερωτηθεὶς1×
- ἐπηρώτησέν1×
- ἐπερωτῶσιν.1×
- ἐπερωτῶσιν1×
- ἐπερωτῶντα1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 16:1
The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
This verse highlights the word's use in a confrontational context, where religious leaders demand a sign to test Jesus rather than seeking genuine understanding.
-
Mark 8:27
Jesus went out, with his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?”
Here Jesus initiates the question to His disciples, using it to probe their personal conviction about His identity rather than just reporting public opinion.
-
Mark 9:32
But they didn’t understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
This occurrence is significant because it shows fear preventing the disciples from asking, illustrating that the act of questioning requires courage and humility.
-
Mark 10:17
As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
The man uses this verb to ask a sincere question about eternal life, demonstrating how direct inquiry can lead to spiritual encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eperōtaō mean in the New Testament?
Is this word only used for negative questioning?
How is this different from simply asking a rhetorical question?
Every Occurrence (56 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 8 verses
And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” so that…
Matthew 16:1The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
Matthew 17:10His disciples asked him, saying, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
Matthew 22:23On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to him. They asked him,
Matthew 22:35One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, testing him.
Matthew 22:41Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question,
Matthew 22:46No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.
Matthew 27:11Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to…