"a question; a subject of debate or controversy, Acts 15:2; 18:15; 23:29; 25:19; 26:3*"
Definition and meaning
a question; a subject of debate or controversy, Acts 15:2; 18:15; 23:29; 25:19; 26:3*
In the original Greek the word is written: ζήτημα
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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 zetema (G2213) across the King James Bible.
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
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Common questions
Strong's G2213 (zetema) is a Greek word that means: a question; a subject of debate or controversy, Acts 15:2; 18:15; 23:29; 25:19; 26:3* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word zetema (G2213) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2213 is zetema, a Greek word defined as: a question; a subject of debate or controversy, Acts 15:2; 18:15; 23:29; 25:19; 26:3*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
zetema is a Greek word found in the New Testament.