Enquire
An Archaic Spelling
The word "enquire" is an older English form of "inquire" that appears frequently in the King James Version and other early English translations. While both spellings carry the same basic meaning of asking, seeking, or investigating, the KJV used "enquire" as its standard form. Modern translations have almost universally replaced it with "inquire" or more specific alternatives like "ask," "seek," or "search out," making the text more accessible to contemporary readers.
Enquiring of the Lord
The most theologically significant use of "enquire" in Scripture involves seeking guidance from God. Throughout the Old Testament, leaders and individuals are depicted enquiring of the Lord before making important decisions. David regularly enquired of the Lord before going into battle (1 Samuel 23:2; 30:8; 2 Samuel 5:19). Rebekah went to enquire of the Lord about the struggle within her womb (Genesis 25:22). King Josiah sent messengers to enquire of the Lord through the prophetess Huldah (2 Kings 22:13). This practice of seeking divine guidance before acting was considered essential for faithful leadership.
Enquiring Through Priests and Prophets
In ancient Israel, enquiring of the Lord was often mediated through priestly instruments or prophetic figures. The priest could consult the Urim and Thummim, sacred objects associated with the high priest's breastplate, to receive divine answers (1 Samuel 28:6). Prophets served as channels of divine communication when people brought their questions to God (1 Kings 22:5-8). Saul's tragic downfall included the moment when he enquired of the Lord but received no answer, leading him to the forbidden practice of consulting a medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28:6-7).
Translation Changes in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the American Standard Revised Version and later translations made several notable changes where the KJV used "enquire." In Matthew 2:7-8, Herod's careful investigation of the star's timing was rendered "inquired diligently" in the KJV but "learned exactly" in modern versions. In Matthew 10:11, Jesus instructs His disciples to "search out" who is worthy in each town they enter, where the KJV used "enquire." In Acts 23:15, the Sanhedrin's request to examine Paul is updated from "enquire something more perfectly" to "judge more exactly." In 1 Chronicles 18:10, David's greeting of Tou's son is changed from "enquire" to "salute," a significant shift in meaning.
The Practice of Seeking God
Beyond the specific word, the concept of enquiring of the Lord reflects a fundamental biblical principle: that human wisdom is insufficient for navigating life's challenges and that divine guidance is both available and essential. The contrast between leaders who enquired of the Lord (like David) and those who failed to do so (like Saul in his later years) illustrates the biblical conviction that success and faithfulness depend on maintaining communion with God and seeking His will.
Biblical Context
The practice of enquiring of the Lord appears throughout the Old Testament: Genesis 25:22 (Rebekah), 1 Samuel 23:2 and 30:8 (David before battles), 2 Samuel 5:19 (David at Baal-perazim), 2 Kings 22:13 (Josiah through Huldah). In the New Testament, the word appears in Matthew 2:7 (Herod), Matthew 10:11 (Jesus's instructions), Acts 23:15 (the Sanhedrin), and 1 Chronicles 18:10 (diplomatic greeting).
Theological Significance
Enquiring of the Lord represents the posture of dependence on God that Scripture consistently commends. Leaders who sought God's guidance before acting demonstrated faith; those who failed to enquire often suffered consequences. The practice points to the broader biblical theme that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and that God desires to be consulted by His people rather than ignored.
Historical Background
The English spelling 'enquire' predates 'inquire,' both deriving from Latin 'inquirere' through Old French. The KJV translators used 'enquire' consistently, while later revisions standardized on 'inquire.' In ancient Israel, enquiring of God was a formal practice involving priestly consultation (Urim and Thummim), prophetic inquiry, and direct prayer. The practice is attested across the ancient Near East, where kings regularly consulted oracles and diviners before military campaigns, though Israel's practice was distinctive in its monotheistic focus.