συζητέω (suzēteō)
suzēteō
to debate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb suzēteō describes a process of searching out or examining something together, often taking on the sense of discussing or disputing a matter. In the New Testament, it appears ten times, primarily in the Gospels of Mark and Luke and in Acts, capturing moments where questions are raised and answers are sought through dialogue.
Its components suggest a joint inquiry: the prefix "syn" meaning together, and "zeteo" meaning to seek or look for. This word is not used for casual chat but for serious engagement with an issue. For instance, in Mark 1:27, people are amazed because Jesus teaches with authority, and they begin to discuss among themselves what this new teaching means. Similarly, in Luke 24:15, as the disciples walk to Emmaus, they talk together about the events that have just occurred.
Translators often render suzēteō as "discuss," "debate," or "question," depending on the context. It can imply a friendly exchange of ideas, as seen in Mark 12:28 where a scribe comes to Jesus with a sincere question about the greatest commandment. However, it can also carry a more contentious tone, such as when Paul debates with Jews in Acts 9:29 or when the disciples argue about who is the greatest in Mark 9:34. The word highlights the human instinct to understand divine truths through conversation and inquiry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word suzēteō invites us into the heart of genuine community. It describes a joint search for understanding, where people come together not just to speak, but to listen and examine truth side by side. In Mark 1:27, we see crowds amazed by Jesus’ authority, turning to one another with questions rather than retreating in silence. This shared inquiry reflects how God often works through our conversations, helping us make sense of His work in our lives.
Yet this word also reminds us that seeking truth can be challenging. In Mark 8:11, religious leaders question Jesus with hidden agendas, testing Him rather than humbly learning. Their debate becomes a mirror for our own hearts—do we approach God’s Word with open minds, or do we use discussion to defend our pride? When we engage with Scripture and each other in faith, even difficult questions can lead us closer to Christ.
Whether you are walking through doubt or joy, remember that asking questions is part of the Christian journey. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:15, Jesus meets us when we talk together about what He has done. Let your conversations be spaces where grace and truth meet, inviting others to see His light in your shared search for understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to question2×
- to dispute1×
- reasoning1×
- questioning1×
- he was debating1×
- disputing1×
- arguing1×
- are you disputing1×
- are reasoning together,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συζητεῖν4×
- συζητοῦντες2×
- συνεζήτει1×
- συζητοῦντας1×
- συζητούντων,1×
- συζητεῖτε1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 1:27
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”
This verse shows how suzēteō captures the crowd’s awe-driven curiosity as they discuss Jesus’ unique authority, highlighting the word’s role in sparking faith through shared wonder.
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Mark 8:11
The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven and testing him.
Here, the Pharisees use questioning to test Jesus, revealing how suzēteō can reflect opposition when hearts are hardened rather than seeking truth.
-
Luke 24:15
While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them.
As disciples walk and question together about recent events, this occurrence illustrates how suzēteō creates space for Jesus to reveal Himself in our daily reflections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word suzēteō mean?
How is suzēteō different from simply talking?
Where does suzēteō appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 3 books)
Mark 6 verses
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with…
Mark 8:11The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven and testing him.
Mark 9:10They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the “rising from the dead” meant.
Mark 9:14Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.
Mark 9:16He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?”
Mark 12:28One of the scribes came and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him,…