ἐρωτάω (erōtaō)
erōtaō
to ask
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 61 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb erōtaō generally means to ask a question or make a request. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts, often describing straightforward inquiries. For instance, religious leaders ask Jesus about his identity in John 1:19-21, and Pilate questions him during the trial in Luke 23:3. The word covers both simple information-seeking and more earnest appeals, such as when a centurion’s friends ask Jesus to heal his servant in Luke 7:3.
A notable shift occurs in later Greek usage, where erōtaō becomes a synonym for aiteō, meaning to request or beg. This nuance is visible in John 14:16, where Jesus promises the Father will give another Helper at the disciples’ request. The sources clarify that this sense of petition is not merely a Hebraism but reflects common Hellenistic practice, as seen in papyri from the first century AD. Translators often render it as "ask," though context sometimes demands "request" or "beg" to capture the tone.
The word’s range allows it to bridge casual questioning and solemn prayer. In John 16:23, Jesus tells his followers they will ask the Father directly for anything, linking the act of asking with intimate access to God. This usage highlights a theological depth where inquiry becomes an expression of trust and dependence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word erōtaō captures the simple yet profound act of asking. It appears in everyday conversations, from Jesus asking his disciples about their understanding of his identity to crowds seeking healing or clarification. This verb reminds us that inquiry is a natural part of human connection and spiritual growth. Whether seeking information or making a heartfelt request, the act of asking opens doors for interaction and response.
In the New Testament, this word often bridges casual questions and deeper appeals. For instance, when religious leaders questioned Jesus about his authority, they were not just gathering facts but probing the heart of his mission. Similarly, when individuals asked for help, their requests revealed trust in his power and compassion. These moments show that asking is more than a transaction; it is an expression of dependence and relationship.
For your faith journey, this word invites you to bring your questions and needs openly before God. Jesus himself modeled curiosity and engagement, showing that seeking answers is part of walking with him. Whether you are pondering life’s mysteries or bringing specific concerns to prayer, remember that asking is a way to connect with the divine. It is an invitation to grow closer through honest dialogue and trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 61 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- asked6×
- they asked4×
- were asking3×
- was asking3×
- they were asking3×
- to ask2×
- Will ask2×
- We implore2×
- I implore2×
- I beg of2×
- you will ask1×
- you ask1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠρώτησαν8×
- ἐρωτῶ8×
- ἠρώτων7×
- ἠρώτησεν6×
- ἠρώτα5×
- ἐρωτήσω4×
- ἐρωτᾷ3×
- Ἐρωτῶμεν2×
- Ἠρώτα1×
- ἠρώτουν1×
- ἐρώτησον1×
- ἐρωτῶντες1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 16:13
Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
Jesus asks his disciples about their perception of his identity, highlighting how inquiry fosters deeper understanding of who he is.
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Luke 7:3
When he heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and save his servant.
The centurion’s elders ask Jesus to heal his servant, demonstrating earnest appeals that reveal faith in action.
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John 1:19
This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
Religious leaders ask John the Baptist about his identity, showing how questioning can lead to clarity and testimony.
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Luke 23:3
Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.”
Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews, illustrating how inquiry can expose truth even in opposition.
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John 1:25
They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”
Questioners ask John why he baptizes if he is not the Christ, revealing how doubts often drive seekers toward greater insight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) mean in the New Testament?
How is ἐρωτάω different from other words for 'ask' in Greek?
Why is asking important in the Christian faith?
Where does ἐρωτάω appear most frequently in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (61 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 4 verses
But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”
Matthew 16:13Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the…
Matthew 19:17He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life,…
Matthew 21:24Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what…