ἀκριβόω
akribóō
G198 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To determine with precision or accuracy; to make exact, to inquire or investigate closely. The verb primarily conveys the act of diligently investigating, examining closely, or ascertaining with care, often used for detailed inquiry or precise determination of facts or information.
Semantic Range
to determine accurately, to establish exactly, to inquire diligently, to make precise, to investigate with care
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ἀκριβής (akribes, 'exact, careful, precise'), itself from the root ἀκριβ-; formed with the verbal ending -όω, which forms verbs expressing action or result ('to make exact' or 'to act with precision'). The root relates to ideas of strictness or precision.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἀκριβόω is relatively rare but attested in the sense of making something precise or accurate, or acting with exactness. In Koine Greek (including the New Testament—e.g., Matthew 2:7, 2:8), it is used for careful, diligent inquiry, especially in the context of thoroughly ascertaining information, such as time or circumstances (e.g., Herod ascertaining the time of the star). The term can also refer to a formal or official investigation. Compared to the more general ζητέω ('seek, inquire'), ἀκριβόω emphasizes precision, diligence, or exactness in the process. Standard English translations (e.g., 'inquire diligently', 'ascertain') capture core aspects but may underplay the nuance of strict exactness or methodical precision inherent in the Greek.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as ἀκριβέστατος; to be exact, i.e. ascertain:--enquire diligently.
Root Family
ἀκριβόω (akribóō) — to be exact, to ascertain, to investigate carefully
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G198-01 |
ἠκρίβωσεν | ekribosen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
determined | he investigated precisely | he determined exactly | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G198-01 |
Matthew 2:7 | ἠκρίβωσεν | ekribosen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
determined | he investigated precisely | he investigated precisely |
G198-01 |
Matthew 2:16 | ἠκρίβωσεν | ekribosen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he had inquired diligently | he investigated precisely | he determined exactly |