← G2064 G2066 →

ἐρωτάω

erōtáō

G2065 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To ask, inquire, or request (of someone); to pose a question for information or clarification, or to make an earnest request. In Koine and classical usage, commonly denotes personal interaction—either seeking information or expressing a gentle or polite request. The word may also carry the sense of entreating or a courteous appeal, especially in contexts involving social hierarchy or deference.

Semantic Range

to ask a question, to inquire, to request politely, to entreat, to invite, to urge gently

Root / Etymology

From ἐρέω (to speak, say), with the intensifying -άω verb ending. Cognate with forms in earlier Greek meaning 'to speak' or 'to ask.' Not to be confused with πυνθάνομαι, which emphasizes inquiry or investigation rather than simple asking. See also related terms ἐρωτηση and ἐπερωτάω.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐρωτάω often referred simply to asking a question, with emphasis on personal, direct address. It is generally distinct from αἰτέω, which stresses asking for something (especially with expectation of receiving it), and from πυνθάνομαι, which implies a search for information, often indirectly. In the New Testament and broader Koine Greek (including the Septuagint), ἐρωτάω often maintains its core sense of asking or requesting, sometimes in the form of a polite or deferential request, especially between peers or persons of equal standing. In contrast, αἰτέω frequently appears in contexts involving supplication of a superior (e.g., prayer to God). English translations may at times obscure this nuance by representing both αἰτέω and ἐρωτάω as 'ask,' but ἐρωτάω regularly implies personal interaction, polite inquiry, or a mutual relationship, especially evident in conversational or pragmatic contexts (e.g., John 14:16, where Jesus 'asks' the Father in a sense distinct from supplication). In religious contexts, ἐρωτάω is rarely used for prayer or formal petition to deity—αἰτέω is preferred for such senses. The word also appears in the sense of 'inviting' or 'beseeching' as a gentle (rather than urgent) appeal.

Translation Consistency

primary "ask" 63 occurrences

‘Ask’ is the most natural, common English verb covering the full typical range of ἐρωτάω—asking a question, making a polite request, or entreating. It matches the majority of existing renderings (asking/asked/ask) and provides a consistent, idiomatic base for all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently from ἐρέω (compare ἐρευνάω); to interrogate; by implication, to request:--ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray. Compare πυνθάνομαι.

Root Family

ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) — to ask, to inquire, to request

Root ἐρωτ- to ask, to inquire, to request

Word Forms

18 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2065-01 ἠρώτα erota V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG asks was asking was asking 11
G2065-13 ἐρωτῶ eroto V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I pray I am asking I am asking 9
G2065-15 ἠρώτων eroton V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL asked they were asking they were asking 8
G2065-05 ἠρώτησαν erotesan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they asked they asked they asked 8
G2065-08 ἠρώτησεν erotesen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG asked he asked he asked 6
G2065-10 ἐρωτήσω eroteso V FUT ACT IND 1P SG I will ask I will ask I will ask 5
G2065-14 ἐρωτῶμεν erotomen V PRS ACT IND 1P PL we request we are asking we are asking 3
G2065-04 ἐρωτῆσαι erotesai V AOR ACT INF to ask to ask to ask 2
G2065-03 ἐρωτᾷς erotas V PRS ACT IND 2P SG do you ask you are asking you are asking 2
G2065-12 ἐρωτήσωσιν erotesosin V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL ask they might ask they might ask 1

Occurrences in Scripture

63 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2065-18 Matthew 15:23 ἠρώτουν erotoun V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL begged they were asking they were asking
G2065-01 Matthew 16:13 ἠρώτα erota V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG he was asking was asking was asking
G2065-03 Matthew 19:17 ἐρωτᾷς erotas V PRS ACT IND 2P SG do you ask you are asking you are asking
G2065-10 Matthew 21:24 ἐρωτήσω eroteso V FUT ACT IND 1P SG I will ask I will ask I will ask
G2065-15 Mark 4:10 ἠρώτων eroton V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL asked they were asking they were asking
G2065-01 Mark 7:26 ἠρώτα erota V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG besought was asking was asking
G2065-01 Mark 8:5 ἠρώτα erota V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG he was asking was asking was asking
G2065-05 Luke 4:38 ἠρώτησαν erotesan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they asked they asked they asked
G2065-08 Luke 5:3 ἠρώτησεν erotesen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG asked he asked he asked
G2065-15 Luke 7:3 ἐρωτῶν eroton V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG asking they were asking they were asking
← G2064 Greek Lexicon G2066 →