"a seeking; an inquiry, a question; a dispute, debate, discussion, Jn. 3:25; 1 Tim. 6:4; a subject of dispute or controversy, Acts 15:2, 7; 25:20; 2 Tim. 2:23; Tit. 3:9"
Definition and meaning
a seeking; an inquiry, a question; a dispute, debate, discussion, Jn. 3:25; 1 Tim. 6:4; a subject of dispute or controversy, Acts 15:2, 7; 25:20; 2 Tim. 2:23; Tit. 3:9
In the original Greek the word is written: ζήτησις
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
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 zetesis (G2214) across the King James Bible.
Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
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Common questions
Strong's G2214 (zetesis) is a Greek word that means: a seeking; an inquiry, a question; a dispute, debate, discussion, Jn. 3:25; 1 Tim. 6:4; a subject of dispute or controversy, Acts 15:2, 7; 25:20; 2 Tim. 2:23; Tit. 3:9 It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word zetesis (G2214) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2214 is zetesis, a Greek word defined as: a seeking; an inquiry, a question; a dispute, debate, discussion, Jn. 3:25; 1 Tim. 6:4; a subject of dispute or controversy, Acts 15:2, 7; 25:20; 2 Ti. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
zetesis is a Greek word found in the New Testament.