Strong's g1567

Pronunciation Guide: ek-zay-TEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1567: ἐκζητέω (ekzēteō) describes an intensive, thorough searching or seeking out with diligence and persistence. It combines the prefix ἐκ (ek, “out from”) with ζητέω (zēteō, “to seek”), creating a compound verb that emphasizes thoroughness and completeness in the search. This word conveys not merely casual looking but an exhaustive investigation or pursuit until the object is found or the search is complete.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: Compound of ἐκ (ek, “out from, thoroughly”) + ζητέω (zēteō, “to seek, search”)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative, teaching passages, and prophetic literature
• Semantic Domain: Investigation, pursuit, inquiry, requirement

ἐκζητέω Morphology:

• ἐκζητέω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I seek out thoroughly
• ἐκζητήσω (future active indicative, 1st person singular) – I will seek out thoroughly
• ἐκζητεῖ (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it seeks out thoroughly
• ἐκζητοῦσιν (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they seek out thoroughly
• ἐκζητῆσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to seek out thoroughly
• ἐκζητηθῇ (aorist passive subjunctive, 3rd person singular) – it might be sought out

Origin & History

The compound verb ἐκζητέω appears in classical Greek literature dating back to the 5th century BCE. Xenophon used it in his “Memorabilia” to describe Socrates’ thorough investigation of philosophical truths. The intensified meaning becomes particularly prominent in the Septuagint (LXX), where it translates several Hebrew terms related to seeking with diligence, especially דָּרַשׁ (darash), which connotes seeking with care and determination.

In the Septuagint, ἐκζητέω frequently describes the act of seeking God with one’s whole heart (Deuteronomy 4:29), investigating matters thoroughly (Deuteronomy 13:14), or God’s attentive search for justice (Psalm 9:12 LXX). This usage established a theological foundation that carried into New Testament writings. Early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Commentary on John,” employed ἐκζητέω when discussing the believer’s earnest search for divine truth and God’s thorough investigation of human hearts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A thorough, diligent search until the object is found
• To inquire or investigate comprehensively
• To demand or require with authority
• To seek after someone or something with special concern
• To avenge or seek retribution (particularly of God requiring blood/accountability)

ἐκζητέω Translation Options:

• Seek out diligently – Emphasizes the thoroughness and persistence of the search
• Investigate thoroughly – Highlights the comprehensive nature of the inquiry
• Require/demand – Captures the authoritative aspect when used in judicial contexts
• Search exhaustively – Stresses the completeness of the seeking process
• Pursue intently – Conveys the focused determination behind the action

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἐκζητέω appears only 7 times but in significant theological contexts. Its first appearance in Luke 11:50 occurs in a sobering pronouncement where Yeshua (Jesus) declares that the blood of all the prophets “will be required [ἐκζητέω]” from that generation. This judicial usage reveals God’s thoroughgoing pursuit of justice and accountability.

In Acts 15:17, James quotes from Amos 9:12 (LXX), stating that the Gentiles might “seek after [ἐκζητέω] the Lord,” indicating God’s expansive redemptive plan. In Romans 3:11, Paul quotes Psalm 14:2 to lament that “there is no one who understands, no one who seeks [ἐκζητέω] God,” highlighting humanity’s spiritual apathy. Hebrews employs the term several times, notably in describing how God rewards those who “diligently seek [ἐκζητέω] Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

• “So that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be required [ἐκζητηθῇ] of this generation.” Luke 11:50
• “So that the rest of mankind may seek [ἐκζητήσωσιν] the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name.” Acts 15:17
• “There is none who understands, there is none who seeks after [ἐκζητῶν] God.” Romans 3:11
• “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek [ἐκζητοῦσιν] Him.” Hebrews 11:6
• “Of this salvation the prophets have inquired [ἐξεζήτησαν] and searched diligently.” 1 Peter 1:10
• “So that the rest of mankind may seek [ἐκζητήσωσιν] the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name.” Acts 15:17
• “For He has visited [ἐπεσκέψατο] and redeemed [ἐποίησεν λύτρωσιν] His people.” Luke 1:68

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern judicial system, the concept of “requiring blood” (as in Luke 11:50) was deeply rooted in the practice of the גֹּאֵל הַדָּם (go’el ha-dam), the “blood avenger” or “redeemer of blood.” This familial role required the nearest kinsman to pursue justice when a relative was murdered. The use of ἐκζητέω in this context carries the weighty cultural understanding that blood cries out from the ground (as in Genesis 4:10) and demands a response—there is no bloodshed that goes unnoticed or unaddressed by God.

The Septuagint’s frequent use of ἐκζητέω to translate דָּרַשׁ (darash) connects to the Jewish concept of דְּרִישָׁה (derishah), the practice of intense Torah study and interpretation. In rabbinic Judaism, this thorough investigation of Scripture was considered essential to proper worship. When the New Testament authors employ ἐκζητέω, particularly in contexts of seeking God, they tap into this rich tradition that understood seeking as not merely intellectual curiosity but whole-person engagement with the Divine. The ancient Jewish mind would have recognized ἐκζητέω as carrying the connotation of a search that transforms the seeker.

Theological Significance

The use of ἐκζητέω reveals profound theological truths about both divine and human activity. When applied to God’s actions, as in Luke 11:50, it unveils His perfect justice—nothing escapes His notice, and He thoroughly investigates all matters to their conclusion. This demonstrates God’s righteousness and holiness, affirming that He is the ultimate Judge who ensures that justice prevails, even across generations. Yet this same thorough investigation also reveals His mercy, as He searches out the lost sheep (Luke 15:4), though a different Greek verb is used there, the theological parallel is striking.

When describing human action toward God, ἐκζητέω illuminates the quality of faith He desires. Hebrews 11:6 declares that God rewards those who “diligently seek Him,” suggesting that halfhearted religious observance is insufficient. True relationship with יהוה (Yahweh) requires wholehearted pursuit—a persistent pressing in that refuses to settle for superficial knowledge. This reciprocal seeking—God thoroughly seeking us and we thoroughly seeking Him—forms the foundation of covenant relationship. The Messiah’s sacrifice makes possible our approach to God, enabling us to seek Him with confidence rather than fear of judgment.

Personal Application

The concept of ἐκζητέω challenges us to examine the quality of our spiritual pursuit. Many believers settle for a casual relationship with God, one characterized by occasional prayer or sporadic Scripture reading. However, this word calls us to a more thorough, persistent seeking—to pursue knowledge of God with the diligence of a scholar, the passion of a lover, and the determination of a detective. What would happen if we approached our relationship with God with this level of intensity and thoroughness?

Moreover, understanding that God “requires” or “thoroughly seeks” matters of justice should transform how we live in community. If God notices and investigates every injustice, how might that change our treatment of others? How might it alter our approach to social justice or reconciliation? The diligent seeking described by ἐκζητέω isn’t just a spiritual discipline—it’s a lifestyle that mirrors God’s own thorough engagement with humanity, demonstrating His character through our actions toward others.

Related Words

• ζητέω (zēteō, “to seek”) – The simpler form without the intensifying prefix, referring to seeking or searching but without the same emphasis on thoroughness or exhaustiveness. See G2212
• ἐρευνάω (ereunaō, “to search”) – Emphasizes careful examination and scrutiny, often used of searching the Scriptures or God searching hearts. While ἐκζητέω focuses on persistent pursuit, ἐρευνάω highlights meticulous investigation. See G2045
• ἐπιζητέω (epizēteō, “to seek after”) – Another compound of ζητέω that emphasizes direction toward something rather than thoroughness. Often used of seeking signs or material needs. See G1934
• ἀναζητέω (anazēteō, “to seek up and down”) – Emphasizes the extensive nature of a search, looking in multiple places or directions. See G327
• συζητέω (suzēteō, “to seek together”) – Emphasizes joint investigation or questioning, often in the context of debate or discussion. See G4802

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the ancient practice of ἐκζήτησις (ekzētēsis) was a formal legal process in Greek courts where witnesses and evidence were thoroughly examined before judgment was rendered? This sheds light on the judicial aspects of ἐκζητέω in passages like Luke 11:50, suggesting not a hasty accusation but a meticulous divine investigation before pronouncement of judgment.
• Did you know that in the Dead Sea Scrolls, particularly in the Community Rule (1QS), the concept of “seeking God with whole heart” (parallel to ἐκζητέω in the Septuagint) was a central practice of the Qumran community? Members were required to engage in continuous study and prayer, believing that only through this thorough seeking could they prepare the way for divine intervention. This historical context enriches our understanding of what “diligently seeking” God (Hebrews 11:6) would have meant to first-century Jewish believers.
• Did you know that modern archaeological methodology uses a term derived from the same root as ἐκζητέω? “Exegetical archaeology” involves thoroughly investigating ancient sites layer by layer to extract maximum historical information—much like the word’s biblical usage of thoroughly investigating until the full truth is uncovered. This scientific approach mirrors the spiritual discipline implied by ἐκζητέω—careful, methodical, and persistent examination that leaves no stone unturned.

Remember This

ἐκζητέω reveals the beautiful paradox of faith: as we thoroughly seek God with all our heart, we discover that He has been even more thoroughly seeking us from the beginning.