ἐρευνάω (ereunaō)
ereunaō
to look for/into
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ereunaō means to search or examine something with care and diligence. In the New Testament, it appears in six verses, primarily in the Gospel of John, Romans, and Revelation. The word carries a sense of active investigation rather than casual observation.
Its usage often involves seeking truth or understanding deeper realities. For instance, Jesus tells his listeners to search the Scriptures because they testify about him (John 5:39), while the Pharisees are depicted as searching for grounds to accuse him (John 7:52). In Romans, Paul speaks of God searching the hearts and minds (Romans 8:27), and in Revelation, Christ declares he will repay each person according to their works (Revelation 2:23).
This word emphasizes thoroughness and intent. It is not merely looking but probing, questioning, and seeking clarity. The sources note its connection to inquiry and examination, highlighting its role in revealing hidden truths or confirming facts. Translators typically render it as "search" or "examine," capturing its active and purposeful nature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ereunaō invites us into a posture of active engagement with God’s truth. It is not about casual reading, but a diligent search for what matters most. When we study Scripture or listen to the Spirit’s guidance, we are participating in this kind of careful examination. This process helps us move beyond surface-level understanding to find the life and hope that Jesus offers.
In our daily walk, this call to search reminds us that God values our sincere effort to know Him. Whether we are looking for direction or seeking comfort, He meets us in the seeking. The Spirit searches our hearts, not to condemn us, but to align us with God’s will. This assurance allows us to approach difficult questions with confidence, knowing that God is present in the search itself.
Ultimately, this word points to a relationship built on truth and intimacy. As we seek to understand God’s Word and His leading, we find that He is always ready to reveal Himself to those who look for Him with honest hearts. This ongoing search is not a burden, but a privilege that draws us closer to the One who knows us completely.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- searching2×
- searches,1×
- inquiring1×
- do search1×
- You diligently search1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐραυνῶν2×
- ἐραύνησον1×
- ἐραυνῶντες1×
- ἐραυνᾷ,1×
- ἐραυνᾶτε1×
Key Verses
-
John 5:39
“You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me.
Jesus uses this word to show that Scripture’s primary purpose is to point to Him, making the search a means of finding life rather than just information.
-
Romans 8:27
He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
This verse highlights God’s intimate knowledge of our innermost thoughts, assuring us that He understands our struggles even when we cannot find the right words to pray.
-
Revelation of John 2:23
I will kill her children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
Christ declares His role as the one who searches minds and hearts, emphasizing that He sees the true motives behind our actions and will judge with perfect fairness.