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ἐπερώτημα

eperṓtēma

G1906 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἐπερωτ- to ask, to inquire, to request

Definition

A formal request, appeal, or inquiry; specifically, in some contexts, a pledge, agreement, or appeal made to a higher authority (frequently to a deity). The primary sense is of asking, questioning, or making a formal appeal, but in certain legal or ritual contexts it can refer to a request or a contractual pledge or commitment.

Semantic Range

inquiry, question, formal request, appeal, pledge, commitment, contractual vow

Root / Etymology

Formed from the verb ἐπερωτάω ('to put a question to,' 'to ask,' 'to inquire of') with the nominal suffix -μα, denoting the result or product of the action. Thus, 'what is asked' or 'an inquiry,' sometimes extended to mean 'a request' or 'a pledge.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἐπερώτημα refers broadly to an inquiry or question. However, its usage in Koine is rare, with the most notable instance appearing in 1 Peter 3:21, where it is used in a ritual or legal sense, describing baptism as 'an appeal (or pledge) to God for a good conscience.' This passage has led to debate in translation: whether it indicates a request (i.e., an appeal or prayer) or a pledge/commitment (similar to a contractual vow). The meaning in the Peter passage has shaped its usage in later Christian writings. Standard English translations often render it as 'appeal,' 'answer,' or 'pledge,' but the underlying sense centers on a formal request or commitment made before God. In secular usage, the term could be understood as a legal or ritual declaration and is closely related to other forms referring to contractual or ceremonial requests in Greek legal and philosophical texts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπερωτάω; an inquiry:--answer.

Root Family

ἐπερώτημα (eperōtēma) — inquiry, question, formal request, appeal, pledge

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1906-01 ἐπερώτημα eperotema N NOM N SG pledge formal appeal formal appeal 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1906-01 1 Peter 3:21 ἐπερώτημα eperotema N NOM N SG pledge formal appeal formal appeal
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