ἐπιζητέω
epizēteō
to seek after
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐπιζητέω (epizēteō) is defined as "to seek after." This verb conveys a sense of persistent pursuit or endeavor to attain something. With 13 occurrences in the Bible, ἐπιζητέω is used across various contexts, demonstrating its versatility and significance in the biblical narrative. Examining the occurrences of ἐπιζητέω reveals that it is often associated with a desire or longing for something. For instance, people may be seeking after knowledge, understanding, or spiritual guidance. This verb can also be used in a more intense or urgent manner, implying a strong determination or zeal to find something. By understanding ἐπιζητέω as "to seek after," we gain insight into the human experience of pursuing and striving for something, whether it be material or spiritual in nature. The frequency and varied usage of ἐπιζητέω suggest its importance in biblical discourse. It highlights the inherent drive within individuals to explore, investigate, and uncover truth. This verb also underscores the dynamic process of discovery and growth, underscoring the role of seeking and pursuing in personal development and spiritual enlightenment.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
13 total occurrences across the text
For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Matthew 12:39But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.
Matthew 16:4An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” He left them, and departed.
Luke 4:42When it was day, he departed and went into an uninhabited place, and the multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and held on to him, so that he wouldn’t go away from them.
Luke 12:30For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things.
Acts 12:19When Herod had sought for him, and didn’t find him, he examined the guards, then commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
Acts 13:7who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God.
Acts 19:39But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the regular assembly.
Romans 11:7What then? That which Israel seeks for, that he didn’t obtain, but the chosen ones obtained it, and the rest were hardened.
Philippians 4:17Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
Philippians 4:17Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
Hebrews 11:14For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.
Hebrews 13:14For we don’t have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come.