ἐρωτάω

I ask, question, request

Definition

ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) primarily means 'to ask' or 'to request,' but its usage in the New Testament reveals two distinct senses. First, it often means to ask a question, seeking information or clarification, as when Jesus asks his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' (Matthew 16:13). Second, it can mean to make a request or entreaty, sometimes carrying the force of a respectful petition, as when the centurion 'sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his slave' (Luke 7:3). In John's Gospel, it is notably used for Jesus' requests to the Father, blending the ideas of asking and praying (John 14:16, 17:9).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 57 times across the New Testament, with significant usage in the Gospels (especially Matthew, Luke, and John) and Acts. It is used for both simple informational questions (Mark 4:10) and for significant requests, often in contexts of healing or need (Mark 7:26, Luke 4:38). A distinctive pattern is its use in John's Gospel and Epistles, where it frequently describes Jesus' or believers' requests made to God, giving it a prayerful dimension (1 John 5:16). It is less common in the Pauline letters.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root related to 'speech' or 'utterance,' ἐρωτάω is a common verb for asking in classical and Koine Greek. It is not directly related to the noun ἔρως (eros, romantic love), despite the similar spelling. Its meaning remained stable, encompassing both inquiry and petition.

Semantic Range

ἐρωτάω is theologically significant because it bridges human and divine communication. When used of Jesus asking the Father (John 14:16, 17:9), it reveals the intimacy and confidence within the Trinity. For believers, its use in prayer contexts (1 John 5:16) underscores that prayer is not merely begging but a confident asking based on relationship. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the respectful, relational nature of requests made to God in the New Testament.

In the Greco-Roman world, ἐρωτάω was a standard term for asking, with no inherent cultural nuance that differs markedly from modern understanding. Its range from casual question to formal request mirrors common English usage.

αἰτέω (aiteō, G154) — Often implies asking from an inferior to a superior, with a sense of petition or demand. ἐπερωτάω (eperōtaō, G1905) — A strengthened form, sometimes used for intense questioning or examination.

Word Details

Scripture References