θηρεύω
thēreúō
G2340 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To hunt, to pursue (typically of animals), with a focus on seeking, tracking, or capturing prey. In some contexts, used figuratively to refer to pursuing, seeking out, or ensnaring a person or group, often with hostile or malicious intent. Primary meaning relates to the literal act of hunting wild animals; extended metaphorical senses may include attempts to entrap others by cunning or accusation.
Semantic Range
to hunt (animals), to pursue or track down (prey), to ensnare or entrap (by stratagem), to catch, to seek out (figuratively: of hostile intent toward people)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the noun θήρα ('hunt,' 'the act of hunting,' 'prey'), which is related to θηρίον ('wild animal,' 'beast').
Historical & Contextual Notes
θηρεύω is rare in classical Greek but more common in Hellenistic and biblical Greek, especially in Jewish Greek contexts. In classical usage, it refers straightforwardly to hunting animals. In the LXX and New Testament, while the primary sense remains literal hunting, the term acquires additional figurative overtones, such as pursuing or seeking to trap or ensnare people (e.g., through deceit, plotting, or false accusation). Its figurative use often connotes hostility or predation. The related noun θήρα points exclusively to animal hunting. English translations typically render literal uses as 'hunt' or 'catch,' but the figurative sense ('to ensnare' or 'to entrap a person') is context-dependent and can be broader than some translations reflect. The verb is not as frequent as other terms for hostile pursuit (such as διώκω, 'to persecute, pursue').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from θήρα; to hunt (an animal), i.e. (figuratively) to carp at:--catch.
Root Family
θηρεύω (thēreuō) — to hunt, to pursue, to catch
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2340-01 |
θηρεῦσαί | thereusai | V AOR ACT INF |
to catch | to hunt down | to hunt down | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2340-01 |
Luke 11:54 | θηρεῦσαί | thereusai | V AOR ACT INF |
to catch | to hunt down | to hunt down |