εὑρίσκω (ehuriskō)
ehuriskō
to find/meet
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 167 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb heuriskō means to find, whether through deliberate search or by chance encounter. It covers a wide range of situations: locating a lost item, discovering a truth through inquiry, or simply meeting someone unexpectedly. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it to describe both physical discovery and spiritual insight, such as when He promises that those who seek will find (Matthew 7:7), or when the wise men locate the child in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:8).
Its range extends beyond physical objects to include abstract realities. The word appears when characters discover a reason or charge against someone, as Pilate fails to find any fault in Jesus (Luke 23:14). It also describes gaining something valuable, like life itself, which Jesus says is found by losing it for His sake (Matthew 10:39). In Acts, Paul notes that God is not far from anyone, as people may find Him (Acts 17:27), highlighting its use for attaining knowledge of the divine.
The term’s flexibility reflects everyday Greek usage, where finding could mean stumbling upon something or carefully uncovering it. Translators render it variously as "find," "get," or "obtain" depending on context. This versatility allows it to bridge concrete actions and spiritual truths, making it a key word for understanding how biblical characters interact with their world and with God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word heuriskō captures the quiet joy of discovery, whether we are looking for a lost coin or seeking truth about God. It reminds us that finding is often an active process. When Jesus invites us to seek, He promises that we will find rest and direction. This is not just about locating objects but about encountering reality as it truly is.
In our daily lives, this word encourages persistence. We may search for answers in many places, yet the Gospels show that true satisfaction comes from aligning ourselves with Christ’s teachings. Like the shepherd who rejoices when he finds the lost sheep, God values every person who seeks Him. This assurance brings comfort to those feeling distant or uncertain.
Ultimately, finding is a relational act. It involves meeting someone new or recognizing something valuable that was always near. By trusting in this promise, we move from searching to knowing. May you experience the peace of being found by God and the joy of finding your way in His light.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 167 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having found16×
- they found10×
- found10×
- will find9×
- was found9×
- He found6×
- you will find5×
- I have found5×
- may be found4×
- finding4×
- to find3×
- he found3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὗρον28×
- εὗρεν14×
- εὑρέθη11×
- εὑρὼν8×
- εὑρόντες8×
- εὑρίσκει7×
- εὑρήσει7×
- εὑρίσκω5×
- εὑρήσετε5×
- εὑρεῖν5×
- εὕρῃ4×
- εὗρον.3×
Key Verses
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Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.
This verse establishes the direct link between persistent seeking and divine response, framing the word as a promise of accessibility to God.
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Matthew 10:39
He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
Here the meaning shifts from physical location to spiritual preservation, showing that true life is found through self-sacrifice for Christ.
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Matthew 18:13
If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
The shepherd’s reaction upon finding the lost sheep highlights the emotional weight and joy associated with successful recovery in this context.
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Matthew 13:44
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
The parable uses the word to describe a sudden, life-altering discovery of the Kingdom that prompts immediate and total commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does heuriskō mean in the New Testament?
How is heuriskō different from other words for 'find'?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (167 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 26 verses
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 2:8He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me…
Matthew 7:7“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.
Matthew 7:8For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.
Matthew 7:14How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.
Matthew 8:10When Jesus heard it, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a…
Matthew 10:39He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 12:43“When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest, and doesn’t find it.
Matthew 12:44Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came;’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and…
Matthew 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and…
Matthew 13:46who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 16:25For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:13If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone…
Matthew 18:28“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him…
Matthew 20:6About the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day…
Matthew 21:2saying to them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with…
Matthew 21:19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit…
Matthew 22:9Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the wedding feast.’
Matthew 22:10Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding…
Matthew 24:46Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes.
Matthew 26:40He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour?
Matthew 26:43He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
Matthew 26:60and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses…
Matthew 27:32As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might…