Original Word: ἱστορέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: historeó
Pronunciation: his-tor-eh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (his-tor-eh'-o)
KJV: see
NASB: become acquainted
Word Origin: [from a derivative of G1492 (εἴδω - To see)]

1. to be knowing (learned)
2. (by implication) to visit for information (interview)

visit, interview

From a derivative of eido; to be knowing (learned), i.e. (by implication) to visit for information (interview) -- see.

see GREEK eido

2477 historéō(from histōr) – properly, learn by inquiring (doing a personal examination); to gain knowledge by "visiting" which conducts "a full interview."

Word Origin
from histór (one learned in)
Definition
to inquire about, visit
NASB Translation
become acquainted (1).

STRONGS NT 2477: ἱστορέω

ἱστορέω: 1 aorist infinitive ἱστορῆσαι; (ἴστωρ (allied with οἶδα (ἱστῶ), videre (visus), etc.; Curtius, § 282), ἱστορος, one that has inquired into, knowing, skilled in); from Aeschylus and Herodotus down;

1. to inquire into, examine, investigate.

2. to find out, learn, by inquiry.

3. to gain knowledge of by visiting: something (worthy of being seen), τήν χώραν, Plutarch, Thes. 30; Pomp. 40; τινα, some distinguished person, to become personally acquainted with, know face to face: Galatians 1:18; so too in Josephus, Antiquities 1, 11, 4; b. j. 6, 1, 8 and often in the Clement. homilies; cf. Hilgenfeld, Galaterbrief, p. 122 note; (Ellicott on Galatians, the passage cited).

Overview

The Greek verb ἱστορῆσαι stands behind the Berean Standard Bible’s rendering “to confer with” in Galatians 1:18. The term portrays an intentional visit for the purpose of gaining firsthand knowledge. Though it occurs only here in the New Testament, its single appearance opens a window into apostolic practice, doctrinal preservation, and patterns of Christian fellowship.

Context in Galatians

Galatians 1 records Paul’s defense of his apostolic calling and of the gospel’s divine origin. After three years of independent ministry, Paul “went up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas, and [he] stayed with him fifteen days” (Galatians 1:18). His journey was not a quest for authorization; rather, it served to engage Peter personally, compare testimonies, and demonstrate that the same risen Lord commissioning Paul had also commissioned the Twelve. The choice of ἱστορῆσαι emphasizes deliberate inquiry—Paul sought historical and experiential confirmation, not mere social acquaintance.

Purpose of Paul’s Visit

1. Verification of the Gospel Message
• By placing his gospel alongside Peter’s, Paul proved its harmony with the apostolic witness (cf. Galatians 2:6–9).
2. Preservation of Church Unity
• Personal dialogue forestalled potential misunderstandings between Jerusalem and the Gentile mission field (Acts 15:1–2 anticipates this very need).
3. Establishment of Eyewitness Credibility
• Paul’s personal knowledge of Peter strengthened his later public rebuke of Peter at Antioch (Galatians 2:11–14); the confrontation carried weight because their relationship was rooted in direct acquaintance.

Theological Implications

• Divine Revelation Welcomes Scrutiny

God’s truth withstands examination. Paul, confident in his heavenly commission (Galatians 1:12), nevertheless sought confirmation. This balances spiritual experience with historical verification.
• Apostolic Authority Is Cooperative, Not Competitive

Paul’s inquiry shows that apostolic voices harmonize; their shared message underscores the unity of Scripture (Ephesians 2:20).
• Doctrine Develops in Relationship

The encounter demonstrates how theological clarity often emerges through personal, respectful engagement among leaders (Proverbs 27:17).

Historical Parallels

In classical Greek literature the cognate noun ἱστορία denoted the systematic pursuit of facts (e.g., Herodotus’ Histories). Paul’s use of the cognate verb evokes that investigative spirit, yet sanctifies it for gospel service. The Septuagint similarly employs related forms when rulers “inquire” concerning matters of state (e.g., Esther 2:23 LXX), showing that careful investigation was valued across eras.

Applications for Ministry

• Encourage Firsthand Interaction

Face-to-face visits often resolve doctrinal or relational tensions better than letters or secondhand reports.
• Ground Ministry Claims in Shared Witness

Leaders should compare their teaching with the whole counsel of God and with other faithful servants (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Pursue Humble Inquiry

Seeking information is not a sign of doubt but of responsible stewardship (Acts 17:11).

Related Biblical Themes and References

• Confirming Truth: “The Bereans were more noble-minded…examining the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11).
• Seeking Counsel: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).
• Unity of the Faith: “There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4-5).

Key Takeaways

1. Authentic Christian ministry welcomes examination that leads to greater unity and clarity.
2. Personal engagement among church leaders safeguards doctrinal fidelity.
3. The church today inherits an investigative mandate: test all things, hold fast what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

ιστόν ιστορησαι ιστορήσαι ἱστορῆσαι ιστός ισχίων ισχνόφωνος ισχνόφωνός historesai historêsai historēsai historē̂sai istoresai istorēsaiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts