"to ask, inquire, Mt. 2:4; Lk. 15:26; to investigate, examine judicially, Acts 23:20; to ascertain by inquiry, understand, Acts 23:34"
Definition and meaning
to ask, inquire, Mt. 2:4; Lk. 15:26; to investigate, examine judicially, Acts 23:20; to ascertain by inquiry, understand, Acts 23:34
In the original Greek the word is written: πυνθάνομαι
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of pynthanomai (G4441) across the King James Bible.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
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Common questions
Strong's G4441 (pynthanomai) is a Greek word that means: to ask, inquire, Mt. 2:4; Lk. 15:26; to investigate, examine judicially, Acts 23:20; to ascertain by inquiry, understand, Acts 23:34 It appears 12 times in the King James Bible.
The word pynthanomai (G4441) appears 12 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4441 is pynthanomai, a Greek word defined as: to ask, inquire, Mt. 2:4; Lk. 15:26; to investigate, examine judicially, Acts 23:20; to ascertain by inquiry, understand, Acts 23:34. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
pynthanomai is a Greek word found in the New Testament.