ζητέω
To seek
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does ζητέω (zētéō) mean in the Bible?
ζητέω (zētéō) is a Greek word meaning "to seek". ζητέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for בּקשׁ pi. Highlights divine initiative in pursuing the lost. This term runs through the canonical themes of Revelation.
Meaning
To seek actively and intentionally, often implying desire, striving, or demanding rather than passive searching.
Why This Word Matters
Highlights divine initiative in pursuing the lost. 2 Timothy 1:15-18
Shows persistent curiosity without true repentance. Luke 15:1–7
The word emphasizes the intentional effort Onesiphorus made to locate and support Paul. Luke 9:7–9
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Indicative states a fact or reality 75×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 26×
Imperative command or strong request 12×
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 3×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 1×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 116 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain