ἀποστοματίζω

I draw out by questioning

Definition

The verb ἀποστοματίζω (apostomatizō) means to draw out or elicit a statement from someone through questioning, often in a formal or adversarial context. In its sole New Testament occurrence (Luke 11:53), it describes the scribes and Pharisees aggressively cross-examining Jesus, attempting to trap Him in His words. The term implies a systematic, probing interrogation aimed at extracting information or forcing a confession. While the core meaning is 'to question,' the prefix (ἀπό) can intensify the sense, suggesting a thorough, perhaps hostile, examination.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 11:53. It describes the hostile questioning of Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees immediately after His denunciation of them. The context is one of intense opposition, where religious leaders are seeking to find grounds to accuse Him. The usage pattern shows it is a specialized term for a formal, confrontational interrogation, not casual questioning.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'from' or 'away from') and a verb related to στόμα (stoma, meaning 'mouth'). The compound suggests the idea of drawing something out from the mouth. It is not from ἀ- (a negative prefix) as previously noted. The root concept is to elicit speech through questioning. Cognates are rare, but the connection to 'stoma' (mouth) is key to understanding its verbal, interrogative force.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the nature of the opposition Jesus faced. The hostile, trapping questions from the religious leaders underscore the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the suffering servant and reveal the hardness of heart in those who rejected Him. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Luke 11 by clarifying the intensity and legalistic intent behind the confrontation, showing it was not a sincere search for truth but a prelude to the cross.

In the 1st-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world, formal questioning by religious or legal experts was a common method of debate and accusation. The scribes and Pharisees, as interpreters of the Law, would use rigorous questioning to test a teacher's orthodoxy and potentially discredit them. This cultural practice of 'cross-examination' makes the scene in Luke 11:53 a public, high-stakes challenge to Jesus's authority, not merely a private disagreement.

ἐπερωτάω (eperōtaō, G1905) — a more general term for asking or questioning, without the inherent hostile or trapping connotation. ἐξετάζω (exetazō, G1833) — to examine or inquire carefully, often in a judicial or investigative sense, but not exclusively hostile.

Word Details

Scripture References