ἐρῶ (erō)
erō
to say
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 49 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb erō functions as a standard term for saying or speaking in the New Testament, appearing frequently across the Gospels and Epistles. It serves as a versatile alternative to other words for speech, allowing writers to introduce direct quotations or report statements without altering their meaning. The sources indicate it is used in diverse contexts, from Jesus addressing crowds to Paul citing Scripture, demonstrating its broad utility in narrative and dialogue.
A key distinction noted by lexicons like Abbott-Smith is that while erō focuses on the content or meaning of what is said, other verbs like lalēō emphasize the act of utterance itself. This nuance suggests erō often carries more weight regarding the substance of the message rather than the physical sound of speech. For instance, when Pilate asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews in John 18:33, the use of erō highlights the specific inquiry and its semantic import.
The word’s etymology points to it being a fuller form of other Greek verbs for speaking, which explains its presence in certain tenses where simpler forms might suffice. Translators typically render it simply as "say" or "speak," preserving the straightforward nature of the original text. Its consistent usage across different authors underscores its role as a neutral, reliable vehicle for conveying divine and human speech alike.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word erō simply means to say or speak, yet it carries a quiet weight in Scripture. It is the reliable voice behind God’s promises and Jesus’ teachings. When you read that a prophecy was spoken, you are hearing the faithful fulfillment of divine intent.
This term reminds us that God’s words are not fleeting sounds but enduring truths. They shape our understanding of who He is and how He acts in history. In moments of doubt, these recorded sayings offer a steady anchor for your faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 49 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having been spoken11×
- it was said6×
- having been spoken of3×
- you have spoken.2×
- said2×
- it was said;2×
- He has spoken2×
- were spoken1×
- to have said:1×
- they have said:1×
- spoken;1×
- spoken1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥηθὲν14×
- ἐρρέθη7×
- εἴρηκα4×
- εἴρηκέν3×
- εἴρηκεν·3×
- εἰρημένον3×
- ἐρρέθη·2×
- εἴρηκεν2×
- ῥηθεὶς1×
- Ἐρρέθη1×
- ἐρρέθησαν1×
- εἴρηται·1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:22
Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
This verse introduces the fulfillment of prophecy, showing how erō connects Old Testament promises to their New Testament realization in Jesus.
-
John 4:18
for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly.”
Here Jesus uses the word to confirm a difficult truth about the woman’s past, demonstrating its use in direct, personal conversation rather than just prophecy.
-
Matthew 26:75
Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went out and wept bitterly.
Peter recalls Jesus’ specific prediction, highlighting how erō preserves the exact words of Christ for later reflection and repentance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word erō mean?
How is erō different from other words for speech?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (49 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 21 verses
Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
Matthew 2:15and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet,…
Matthew 2:17Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying,
Matthew 2:23and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets that he…
Matthew 3:3For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the…
Matthew 4:14that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
Matthew 5:21“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of…
Matthew 5:27“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’
Matthew 5:31“It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’
Matthew 5:33“Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the…
Matthew 5:38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’
Matthew 5:43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
Matthew 8:17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He took our infirmities and bore our…
Matthew 12:17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
Matthew 13:35that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will…
Matthew 21:4All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
Matthew 22:31But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying,
Matthew 24:15“When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in…
Matthew 26:75Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then…
Matthew 27:9Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, “They took the thirty pieces of silver,…
Matthew 27:35When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots,