κρούω (G2925) — Greek Lexicon

κρούω

kroúō

G2925 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To strike (a surface) with repeated or intentional motion, usually with the knuckles or a tool, often for the purpose of making one’s presence known or gaining entry; by extension, to make a request or take action to gain attention in a figurative sense. Primary use is to knock (on a door), but can also mean to strike or beat in certain contexts. Figuratively, may imply asking, requesting, or petitioning persistently.

Semantic Range

to knock (on a door), to rap, to strike, to beat lightly, to request entry, to ask or petition persistently (figurative)

Root / Etymology

Apparently a primary verb of uncertain etymology, with possible onomatopoeic origins reflecting the sound of striking or rapping.

Historical & Contextual Notes

κρούω occurs in classical Greek with the primary meaning 'to strike, knock' (as on a door, shield, or other hard surface). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, as reflected in the New Testament (e.g. Matt 7:7, Luke 11:9), it most often refers to knocking on a door to request entry. The act of κρούω can be both literal and metaphorical—the latter use is especially found in didactic sayings (as in 'knock, and it shall be opened to you'). The verb retains its core physical sense throughout Greek literature, but its metaphorical extension is particularly prominent in parabolic and instructive contexts, where it denotes persistence, request, or an approach for assistance. The term is distinct from more violent terms for striking (e.g., τύπτω) and from the general sense of calling (φωνέω). English translations typically render it as 'knock,' but the idiomatic force is sometimes broader, including 'request' or 'petition.' The Septuagint uses other verbs for physical striking, reserving κρούω primarily for the act of knocking related to doors or entry.

Translation Consistency

primary "knock" 9 occurrences

“Knock” is the most natural, common English verb that captures the primary literal sense (rap/strike a door to gain entry) and the frequent figurative sense (request or petition persistently). It is concise and will render idiomatic English across all inflected forms; rarer senses like “strike” or “beat” are covered as secondary meanings while keeping consistency.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):

"casting" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primary verb; to rap:--knock.

Root Family

κρου- (kroúō) — to strike, to knock, to beat

Root κρου- to strike, to knock, to beat

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2925-03`	κρούετε	krouete	`V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL`	knock	keep knocking	keep knocking	2
`G2925-06`	κρούοντι	krouonti	`V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG`	one knocking	to the one knocking	one knocking	2
`G2925-07`	κρούσαντος	krousantos	`V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M SG`	having knocked	of the one having knocked	of the one having knocked	2
`G2925-01`	ἀμφιβάλλοντας	amphiballontas	`V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M PL`	casting	knocking	casting	1
`G2925-02`	κρούειν	krouein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to knock	to be knocking	to knock	1
`G2925-04`	κρούω	krouo	`V PRS ACT IND 1P SG`	knock	I am knocking	I am knocking	1
`G2925-05`	κρούων	krouon	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	knocking	knocking	knocking	1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2925-03`	Matthew 7:7	κρούετε	krouete	`V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL`	Knock	keep knocking	keep knocking
`G2925-06`	Matthew 7:8	κρούοντι	krouonti	`V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG`	one knocking	to the one knocking	one knocking
`G2925-01`	Mark 1:16	ἀμφιβάλλοντας	amphiballontas	`V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M PL`	casting	knocking	casting
`G2925-03`	Luke 11:9	κρούετε	krouete	`V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL`	knock	keep knocking	keep knocking
`G2925-06`	Luke 11:10	κρούοντι	krouonti	`V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG`	one knocking	to the one knocking	one knocking
`G2925-07`	Luke 12:36	κρούσαντος	krousantos	`V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M SG`	knocks	of the one having knocked	when he knocks
`G2925-02`	Luke 13:25	κρούειν	krouein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to knock	to be knocking	to knock
`G2925-07`	Acts 12:13	κρούσαντος	krousantos	`V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M SG`	having knocked	of the one having knocked	of the one having knocked
`G2925-05`	Acts 12:16	κρούων	krouon	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	knocking	knocking	knocking
`G2925-04`	Revelation 3:20	κρούω	krouo	`V PRS ACT IND 1P SG`	knock	I am knocking	I am knocking

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