Original Word: ἐρωτάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: erótaó
Pronunciation: eh-roh-TAH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (er-o-tah'-o)
Definition: To ask, to request, to entreat
Meaning: (a) I ask (a question), question, (b) I request, make a request to, pray.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἐρῶ (erō), meaning "to ask" or "to request."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often used in similar contexts is שָׁאַל (sha'al), Strong's Hebrew 7592, which also means "to ask" or "to inquire."

Usage: The verb ἐρωτάω is used in the New Testament to denote the act of asking or requesting something, often with a sense of earnestness or urgency. It can imply a respectful or humble request, as opposed to demanding or commanding. This term is frequently used in contexts where someone is seeking information, guidance, or a favor.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the act of asking or requesting was an important social interaction, often governed by norms of politeness and respect. The use of ἐρωτάω in the New Testament reflects these cultural values, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect in communication. In Jewish culture, asking questions was a key part of learning and teaching, especially in rabbinic traditions.

2065 erōtáō (from eromai, "ask") – make an earnest request, especially by someone on "special footing," i.e. in "preferred position."

2065 /erōtáō ("to ask on special footing, intimacy") requests from a "preferred position" (E. Abbot, Johannine Grammar, 467,8). Such requesting receives special consideration because of the special relationship involved.

Word Origin
akin to eromai (to ask)
Definition
to ask, question
NASB Translation
ask (15), ask a question (1), asked (14), asking (11), asks (3), beg (1), begging (1), implored (1), imploring (1), make request (1), please (2), question (5), questioned (2), request (4), requesting (1), urging (1).

STRONGS NT 2065: ἐρωτάω

ἐρωτάω, ἐρωτῶ ((infinitive ἐρωτᾶν L T Tr, ἐρωτᾶν R G WH; see Iota); imperfect 3 person plural ἠρώτων and (in Matthew 15:23 L T Tr WH, Mark 4:10 Tdf.) ἠρώτουν, cf. Buttmann, 44 (38); (Winers Grammar, 85 (82); Tdf. Proleg., p. 122; Sophocles Lexicon, p. 41; WHs Appendix, p. 166; Mullach, Griech. Vulgarspr., p. 252); future ἐρωτήσω; 1 aorist ἠρώτησα; the Sept. for שָׁאַל; to ask, i. e.:

1. as in Greek writings from Homer down to question: absolutely, Luke 22:68; John 8:7 (R); τινα, John 9:21; John 16:19, 30; (John 18:21 where Rec. ἐπερωτᾷς), etc.; with the addition of λέγων and the words of the questioner: Matthew 16:13; Luke 19:31 (om. λέγων; T Tr WH); John 1:19, 21; John 5:12; John 9:19; John 16:5; τινα τί (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 32, 4 a.), Matthew 21:24; Mark 4:10; Luke 20:3; John 16:23 (others refer this to 2); τινα περί τίνος, Luke 9:45 (Lachmann, ἐπερωτῆσαι); John 18:19.

2. to ask i. e. to request, entreat, beg, beseech, after the Hebrew שָׁאַל, in a sense very rare in secular authors (Josephus, Antiquities 5, 1, 14 (but here the text is uncertain; substitute Antiquities 7, 8, 1; cf. Dr. Ezra Abbot in No. American Rev. for 1872, p. 173 note); Babrius fab. (42, 3); 97, 3; Apoll. synt., p. 289, 20; cf. Winer's Grammar, pp. 30 and 32): τινα, John 14:16; with the addition of λέγων and the words of the asker, Matthew 15:23; John 12:21; followed by imperative alone (Buttmann, 272f (234)), Luke 14:18; Philippians 4:3; followed by ἵνα (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 44, 8 a.; R. 237 (204)), Mark 7:26; Luke 7:36; Luke 16:27; John 4:47; John 17:15; John 19:31, 38; 2 John 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; by ὅπως, Luke 7:3; Luke 11:37; Acts 23:20; by the infinitive (Buttmann, 258 (222); cf. Winer's Grammar, 335 (315)), Luke 5:3; Luke 8:37; John 4:40; Acts 3:3; Acts 10:48; Acts 23:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; τινα περί τίνος, Luke 4:38; John 16:9, 20; 1 John 5:16; ὑπέρ τίνος (followed by εἰς with an infinitive; cf. Buttmann, 265 (228)), 2 Thessalonians 2:1f; ἐρωτᾶν τά (WH text omits τά) πρός εἰρήνην (see εἰρήνη, 1), Luke 14:32. (Synonym: see αἰτέω, at the end. Compare: διερωτάω, ἐπερωτάω.)

ask, beseech, desire, pray.

Apparently from ereo (compare ereunao); to interrogate; by implication, to request -- ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray. Compare punthanomai.

see GREEK ereo

see GREEK ereunao

see GREEK punthanomai

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