ζήτημα (zētēma)
zētēma
a question/dispute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun zētēma refers to a specific matter requiring investigation or a point of disagreement that needs resolution. In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in the book of Acts, where it describes legal or doctrinal issues brought before authorities. For instance, Paul mentions being accused concerning "questions" about a dead man (Acts 26:3), while Festus notes he found no capital charge but faced disputes over their religion (Acts 25:19).
Its meaning stems from the verb zēteō, meaning to seek or search for. Consequently, a zētēma is not merely a casual query but a substantive issue that demands an answer or judgment. The sources highlight its use in formal contexts, such as when Paul explains he was arrested due to "questions" regarding the resurrection (Acts 23:6) or when Felix delays judging these matters (Acts 24:22). It captures the essence of a controversy that requires careful inquiry.
Translators typically render this word as "question," "dispute," or "matter." In Acts 15:2, it describes the sharp debate between Paul and Barnabas and those insisting on circumcision. The term emphasizes the intellectual or legal nature of the conflict rather than emotional anger. It reflects a situation where facts or interpretations are in contention, requiring a ruling or clarification to settle the issue.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When disagreements arise in the church, they can feel overwhelming or divisive. The Greek word zētēma describes these moments not as emotional outbursts, but as substantive matters requiring careful investigation and resolution. In Acts, this term highlights how early believers faced complex legal and doctrinal disputes that needed more than just passion—they needed truth.
This perspective offers comfort when you encounter conflict today. It reminds us that seeking clarity is a faithful response to confusion. By bringing these issues before God and wise counsel, we move from tension toward understanding. The goal is not to win an argument but to find peace through honest inquiry and shared faith in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- questions2×
- question1×
- controversies.1×
- Questions1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ζητήματά1×
- ζητήματος1×
- ζητήματα1×
- ζητημάτων.1×
- ζητημάτων1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 15:2
Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul, Barnabas, and some others of them to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.
This verse shows the word used for a significant doctrinal dispute that required apostolic guidance rather than personal opinion.
-
Acts 25:19
but had certain questions against him about their own religion and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
Here Festus identifies the core issue as a religious question about Jesus, highlighting how faith disputes often lack clear legal grounds.
-
Acts 26:3
especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
Paul acknowledges his audience's expertise in Jewish questions, framing the conflict as a matter of religious interpretation rather than criminal behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does zētēma mean in the New Testament?
How is zētēma different from a simple question?
Why does this word matter for understanding church conflicts?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Acts 5 verses
Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul, Barnabas, and some…
Acts 18:15but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves. For I don’t want to be a judge…
Acts 23:29I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of…
Acts 25:19but had certain questions against him about their own religion and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to…
Acts 26:3especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me…