Abarim Publications' online Biblical Greek Dictionary
ζητεω
The verb ζητεω (zeteo) means to seek, pretty much on a par with the English equivalent. Additionally, the Greek verb tends to also be used to describing wanting to get something done, to endeavor or strive, wish, desire or demand.
It's not clear where this verb comes from but it may relate to the verb ζεω (zeo), to be impassioned, hence the word ζηλος (zelos), zeal. Our verb ζητεω (zeteo) is used 118 times in the New Testament, see full concordance, and from it derive:
- Together with the preposition ανα (ana), meaning on, upon or again: the verb αναζητεω (anazeteo), meaning to seek diligently, continuously or repeatedly (Luke 2:44 and Acts 11:25 only).
- Together with the preposition εκ (ek), meaning out or from: the verb εξζητεω (exzeteo), meaning to seek out, implying an unraveling or intended retrieval of something found from the environment it was found in. It is used 7 times; see full concordance.
- Together with the preposition επι (epi) meaning on or upon: the verb επιζητεω (epizeteo), which appears to describe an approach to someone or something from which or whom something is sought: to strenuously seek. This verb is used 15 times; see full concordance.
- The noun ζητημα (zetema), which describes a thing sought. It occurs 5 times; see full concordance.
- The noun ζητησις (zetesis), meaning a seeking, an examination, especially of a philosophical nature. This noun is used 7 times; see full concordance.
- Together with the preposition συν (sun), meaning together or with: the verb συζητεω (suzeteo), meaning to jointly seek, to debate or discuss. This verb is used 10 times, see full concordance, and from it in turn derive:
- The noun συζητησις (suzetesis), which describes a joint seeking; a debate or discussion (Acts 15:7 and 28:29 only).
- The noun συζητησης (suzeteses), which describes someone engaged in a συζητησις (suzetesis): a debater, a discusser (1 Corinthians 1:20 only).