διερωτάω
dierōtáō
G1331 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To inquire thoroughly, to interrogate by means of repeated or intensive questioning; to seek to ascertain something by making detailed inquiries. Can refer to asking or interrogating someone persistently or carefully in order to obtain information, often involving a process of clarification or investigation.
Semantic Range
to inquire thoroughly, to interrogate, to ask minutely, to ascertain by repeated questioning, to investigate by inquiry
Root / Etymology
From διά (dia, meaning 'through, across, throughout') and ἐρωτάω (erōtaō, 'to ask, to inquire'). The prepositional prefix intensifies the verb to imply thoroughness or repetition in the act of questioning.
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in Koine Greek literature including the Septuagint and the New Testament. The compound form expresses intensive or repetitive inquiry, sometimes with connotations of investigation or examination. It is found in contexts where information needs to be obtained through deliberate questioning, sometimes with an official or urgent nuance. Distinct from the simple ἐρωτάω ('to ask'), which covers any request or question, διερωτάω emphasizes the thorough or persistent nature of the inquiry. In most English Bible translations, it receives the rendering 'make inquiry,' 'enquire diligently,' or 'ask closely,' but these may under-represent the intensive aspect conveyed by the prefix διά. Usage outside biblical literature can include judicial or investigative contexts, where full information is sought through repeated questioning.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and ἐρωτάω; to question throughout, i.e. ascertain by interrogation:--make enquiry for.
Root Family
διερωτάω (dierōtaō) — to ask, to question, to inquire thoroughly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1331-01 |
διερωτήσαντες | dierotesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having asked | having thoroughly inquired | having thoroughly inquired | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1331-01 |
Acts 10:17 | διερωτήσαντες | dierotesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having asked | having thoroughly inquired | having thoroughly inquired |