Strong’s Greek 1934 (ἐπιζητέω, epizēteō) portrays an intensive pursuit—an active, determined quest that presses beyond casual interest. Its uses range from carnal demands for signs to the godly yearning for the heavenly city, framing two stark pathways of the human heart.

Scriptural Distribution

Matthew 6:32; 12:39; 16:4

Luke 4:42; 12:30

Acts 12:19; 13:7; 19:39

Romans 11:7

Philippians 4:17

Hebrews 11:14; 13:14

Unbelieving Demands for Miraculous Proof

Twice the Lord rebukes religious leaders who “seek for a sign” (Matthew 12:39; 16:4). Their craving is not genuine faith but an attempt to place God on trial. Jesus refuses, offering only “the sign of the prophet Jonah,” ultimately fulfilled in His death and resurrection. Such occurrences expose the heart that tests God rather than trusts Him.

Materialistic Pursuits of the Nations

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts kingdom priorities with pagan anxiety: “For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:32; cf. Luke 12:30). ἐπιζητέω here reveals restless consumption. The antidote is the next verse’s call to “seek first the kingdom of God,” using another verb (ζητέω), shifting the believer’s ambition from earth to heaven.

Judicial and Political Investigations

Herod “searched” for Peter after the prison escape (Acts 12:19). The Ephesian town clerk warns the rioters, “If you are seeking anything further, it must be settled in a legal assembly” (Acts 19:39). Sergius Paulus “sought to hear the word of God” from Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:7). In each scene, ἐπιζητέω underlines decisive action in civic or governmental contexts, whether hostile, orderly, or receptive.

Gospel Hunger and Genuine Inquiry

Luke records that the crowds “were searching for Him” at dawn (Luke 4:42). Their urgent pursuit, though partly self-interested, reflects humanity’s instinctive longing for the presence and power of Christ. Acts 13:7 moves this desire into official corridors when a Roman proconsul calls apostles to explain the gospel.

Israel’s Failed Quest versus Elect Attainment

Romans 11:7 diagnoses Israel’s spiritual dilemma: “What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did.” National striving after righteousness by works could not secure the blessing reserved for those chosen by grace. The same term that exposes futile pursuit also highlights sovereign mercy.

Apostolic Concern for Spiritual Fruit

“Not that I am seeking the gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account” (Philippians 4:17). Paul’s use dignifies material partnership in ministry. The apostle welcomes offerings not for personal enrichment but for the spiritual profit accruing to the givers—a model of financial integrity and eternal perspective.

Pilgrim Longing for the Heavenly City

Hebrews twice employs ἐπιζητέω to depict eschatological hope. Patriarchs “are seeking a homeland” (Hebrews 11:14), and believers confess, “we are seeking the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Here the verb crowns its semantic range, describing holy aspiration set on the New Jerusalem. Earthly permanence is relinquished for eternal dwelling with God.

Theological Threads

1. Direction of Desire: The verb exposes where hearts are set—on self-vindication, material security, political outcomes, gospel truth, or enduring glory.
2. Sufficiency of Christ: Illicit demands for signs contrast with God’s decisive revelation in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
3. Sovereign Grace: Human striving (Romans 11:7) meets divine electing love, underscoring salvation by grace through faith.
4. Pilgrim Ethic: Hebrews calls believers to live as sojourners who relentlessly pursue the unseen city, shaping priorities, stewardship, and endurance.

Practical Applications for the Church

• Test motives of “seeking.” Are ministries and prayers driven by spectacle, convenience, or a thirst for Christ Himself?
• Model Paul’s financial ethos—receive gifts, yet seek the giver’s spiritual fruit above personal benefit.
• Encourage congregations to exchange anxious pursuit of necessities for confidence in the Father’s care and a focus on His kingdom.
• Cultivate pilgrim identity: discipleship classes, liturgy, and preaching should feed the longing for the city to come, fortifying saints against worldly seduction.

By tracing ἐπιζητέω through Scripture, believers learn that what and whom one seeks determines destiny. Urgent pursuit finds its proper end only when fixed on the living God and His eternal kingdom.