συζητέω
suzēteō
to debate
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word συζητέω (suzēteō) is defined as "to debate." This verb appears 10 times in the Bible, indicating its significance in various contexts. In its core meaning, συζητέω implies a discussion or argument between two or more parties, often with a focus on exchanging ideas, perspectives, or opinions. The range of usage for συζητέω is quite broad, encompassing both formal and informal settings. It is used in the context of philosophical debates (e.g., Acts 17:17), as well as in everyday conversations (e.g., Luke 20:27). The verb often carries a sense of intensity or passion, suggesting that the discussions or debates are not merely casual but rather meaningful and potentially contentious. The significance of συζητέω lies in its emphasis on the importance of dialogue, discussion, and the exchange of ideas. In the biblical context, this verb highlights the value of engaging with others, even when disagreeing, and the potential for growth and understanding that can arise from such interactions.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
10 total occurrences across the text
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”
Mark 8:11The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, and testing him.
Mark 9:10They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the “rising from the dead” meant.
Mark 9:14Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.
Mark 9:16He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?”
Mark 12:28One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?”
Luke 24:15While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them.
Acts 6:9But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
Acts 9:29preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him.
Luke 22:23They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.