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ζήτησις

zḗtēsis

G2214 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Inquiry, investigation, or examination; primarily denotes the act of searching or seeking information or understanding. In certain contexts, particularly in Hellenistic and early Christian literature, it can refer more specifically to a debate, controversial inquiry, or disputation, often concerning theological, philosophical, or legal matters.

Semantic Range

inquiry, investigation, examination, (argumentative) debate, disputation, controversial question, subject of inquiry, quarrel, theological controversy

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb ζητέω (zēteō, 'to seek, to search, to inquire'). The suffix -σις (-sis) forms a noun indicating the process or result of an action, thus ζήτησις signifies the act or process of seeking or inquiring.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ζήτησις primarily indicated investigation or examination, often connected to philosophy or legal proceedings. In Hellenistic contexts, particularly in literature of the Second Temple period and the New Testament, ζήτησις takes on a more polemical nuance, frequently referring to disputes, debates, or contentious inquiries—especially regarding religious or doctrinal issues. For example, in Paul’s Epistles and the Pastoral Epistles, the word usually carries an overtone of unproductive or speculative argumentation, reflecting a broader Hellenistic critique of sophistic or unprofitable philosophical debates. English translations as 'question' or 'controversy' often flatten the term's nuance: it is not a neutral or open-ended inquiry but tends to suggest argumentativeness or fruitlessness. ζήτησις is distinct from ἔρευνα ('earnest investigation', often with a positive connotation) and from ἀναζήτησις ('thorough search'), highlighting its more disputatious or problematic sense when used pejoratively. The semantic shift from neutral 'inquiry' to negative 'dispute' occurs especially in later Greek and Christian usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "inquiry" 4 occurrences

Most occurrences and the SILEX range emphasize searching for information or examination; “inquiry” naturally covers inquiry/investigation/examination and can extend to formal disputation or controversial question. It is common, clear, and matches typical usage in Hellenistic and early Christian contexts.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"inquiries" (3x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ζητέω; a searching (properly, the act), i.e. a dispute or its theme:--question.

Root Family

ζήτησις (zētēsis) — seeking, inquiry, investigation, examination, disputation

Root ζητ- to seek, to inquire, to search

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2214-01 ζητήσεις zeteseis N ACC F PL disputes inquiries inquiries 3
G2214-02 ζητήσεως zeteseos N GEN F SG debate of inquiry of inquiry 2
G2214-04 ζήτησις zetesis N NOM F SG a discussion inquiry inquiry 1
G2214-03 ζήτησιν zetesin N ACC F SG inquiry inquiry inquiry 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2214-04 John 3:25 ζήτησις zetesis N NOM F SG a discussion inquiry inquiry
G2214-02 Acts 15:2 ζητήσεως zeteseos N GEN F SG debate of inquiry of inquiry
G2214-02 Acts 15:7 ζητήσεως zeteseos N GEN F SG debate of inquiry of inquiry
G2214-03 Acts 25:20 ζήτησιν zetesin N ACC F SG inquiry inquiry inquiry
G2214-01 1 Timothy 6:4 ζητήσεις zeteseis N ACC F PL questions inquiries inquiries
G2214-01 2 Timothy 2:23 ζητήσεις zeteseis N ACC F PL disputes inquiries inquiries
G2214-01 Titus 3:9 ζητήσεις zeteseis N ACC F PL disputes inquiries inquiries
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