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ζήτημα

zḗtēma

G2213 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

That which is sought after or inquired about; specifically, a subject or matter of investigation, inquiry, or dispute. In broader usage, it can refer to a controversial or debated topic, a question under discussion, or a problem being addressed through dialogue or deliberation.

Semantic Range

subject of inquiry, debated issue, matter in dispute, question under discussion, controversy

Root / Etymology

From the verb ζητέω (to seek, search for, inquire about), formed as a substantive noun using the suffix -μα, which typically denotes the result or object of an action in Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ζήτημα in classical and Hellenistic Greek primarily denotes a matter or issue under inquiry or debate, especially in philosophical or rhetorical contexts (e.g., the topics of disputation among philosophers or legal parties). By the time of the New Testament and contemporaneous literature, it continues to denote 'matter of dispute' or 'question at issue,' often concerning points of law, doctrine, or practice. In Luke-Acts and Paul’s letters, ζήτημα refers not to any question, but specifically to points that are disputed or cause division, especially within judicial or communal settings (e.g., Acts 25:19; 1 Timothy 1:4). English translations often render it as 'question,' 'issue,' 'matter,' or 'dispute,' but this may understate the nuance of contention or inquiry that the term implies. ζήτημα differs from ἐρώτημα (a simple question or inquiry) by implying a more formal or persistent issue at stake.

Translation Consistency

primary "issue" 2 occurrences

ζήτημα typically denotes a subject under inquiry or dispute — a debated topic or question. “Issue” naturally covers both an item under discussion and a matter of controversy, is idiomatic English, and fits the word’s typical biblical usage better than narrower choices like “question.”

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"matters of inquiry" (2x) "matter of inquiry" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ζητέω; a search (properly concretely), i.e. (in words) a debate:--question.

Root Family

ζήτημα (zētēma) — that which is sought, subject of inquiry, debated issue, matter in dispute

Root ζητ- to seek, to inquire, to search

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2213-01 ζητήματά zetemata N NOM N PL questions matters of inquiry matters of inquiry 2
G2213-02 ζητημάτων zetematon N GEN N PL questions of debated issues of issues 2
G2213-03 ζητήματος zetematos N GEN N SG question of a matter of inquiry matter of inquiry 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2213-03 Acts 15:2 ζητήματος zetematos N GEN N SG question of a matter of inquiry matter of inquiry
G2213-01 Acts 18:15 ζητήματά zetemata N NOM N PL questions matters of inquiry matters of inquiry
G2213-02 Acts 23:29 ζητημάτων zetematon N GEN N PL questions of debated issues of issues
G2213-01 Acts 25:19 ζητήματα zetemata N ACC N PL questions matters of inquiry matters of inquiry
G2213-02 Acts 26:3 ζητημάτων zetematon N GEN N PL questions of debated issues of issues
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