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ἐρευνάω

ereunáō

G2045 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To seek out, to examine thoroughly, to investigate in detail. In literary and documentary sources, ἐρευνάω refers to making a careful and methodical search or investigation, whether literal (as in searching for a physical object) or metaphorical (as in probing into matters, investigating circumstances, exploring thoughts or intentions). Frequently used in contexts involving diligent or systematic inquiry, both physical and intellectual.

Semantic Range

to search for (physically or metaphorically), to examine closely, to investigate, to seek diligently, to probe, to scrutinize

Root / Etymology

Likely derived from ἐρέω (to speak, say, ask), possibly through an earlier sense associated with questioning or inquiring. The formation suggests a causative or intensive aspect of seeking or inquiring, though the transition from 'to ask' or 'to speak' to 'to search' is not straightforward; some etymological uncertainty remains.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐρευνάω is used for the act of searching or investigating physical locations, as in searching for a person or object, but also in abstract senses, such as researching information or exploring a topic. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it often bears a figurative sense: to make a thorough investigation or inquiry into facts, intentions, or the hidden nature of things. In the New Testament, it commonly refers to God's searching of hearts and minds (e.g., Revelation 2:23) or to the searching of the Scriptures (e.g., John 5:39), indicating diligent, probing inquiry rather than a cursory look. Standard English translations as 'search,' 'examine,' or 'investigate' generally capture the range, but the intensity and depth implied in the Greek may be stronger. Distinguished from related verbs such as ζητέω (to seek, often simply to look for or desire) by its emphasis on thoroughness and depth of investigation.

Translation Consistency

primary "search" 4 occurrences

“Search” is the most natural, versatile verb that covers the full SILEX range (physical seeking, diligent probing, close examination). It is the most frequent rendering in the examples and reads naturally in English across literal and metaphorical contexts, so it provides consistent, easy-to-inflect base wording for all forms of ἐρευνάω.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"investigates" (1x) "thoroughly investigating" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently from ἐρέω (through the idea of inquiry); to seek, i.e. (figuratively) to investigate:--search.

Root Family

ἐρευνάω (ereunaō) — to search, to examine, to investigate, to probe

Root ἐρευv- to search, to examine, to investigate

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2045-04 ἐραυνῶν eraunon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG who searches searching searching 2
G2045-03 ἐραύνησον erauneson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG search Search out for yourself search for yourself 1
G2045-05 ἐραυνῶντες eraunontes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL searching thoroughly investigating thoroughly investigating 1
G2045-01 ἐραυνᾷ erauna V PRS ACT IND 3P SG searches is thoroughly investigating investigates 1
G2045-02 ἐραυνᾶτε eraunate V PRS ACT IND 2P PL Search you are thoroughly searching you are searching 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2045-02 John 5:39 ἐραυνᾶτε eraunate V PRS ACT IND 2P PL Search you are thoroughly searching you are searching
G2045-03 John 7:52 ἐραύνησον erauneson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG search Search out for yourself search for yourself
G2045-04 Romans 8:27 ἐραυνῶν eraunon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG who searches searching searching
G2045-01 1 Corinthians 2:10 ἐραυνᾷ erauna V PRS ACT IND 3P SG searches is thoroughly investigating investigates
G2045-05 1 Peter 1:11 ἐραυνῶντες eraunontes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL searching thoroughly investigating thoroughly investigating
G2045-04 Revelation 2:23 ἐραυνῶν eraunon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG who searches searching searching
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