Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "ask" is deeply rooted in the relationship between humanity and God, emphasizing prayer, petition, and the seeking of divine wisdom and guidance. The act of asking is portrayed as a fundamental aspect of faith and reliance on God's providence and mercy.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, asking is often associated with prayer and seeking God's will. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Solomon, who, when given the opportunity to ask for anything from God, chose wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:9 , Solomon prays, "Give Your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." This request pleased God, highlighting the importance of asking for things that align with divine purposes. The Psalms frequently encourage believers to ask God for help and deliverance. Psalm 2:8 states, "Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession." This verse underscores the power and authority granted through asking in accordance with God's will. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of asking in faith. In Matthew 7:7-8 , Jesus teaches, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." This passage highlights the assurance that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people. The Apostle James also addresses the concept of asking in James 1:5-6 , where he writes, "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." Here, the emphasis is on asking with faith and confidence in God's generosity. Theological Implications Theologically, asking is an expression of dependence on God and an acknowledgment of His sovereignty. It is an act of humility, recognizing that human wisdom and strength are insufficient without divine intervention. Asking in prayer is not merely about presenting requests but is also about aligning one's desires with God's will, as seen in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus instructs His followers to pray, "Your will be done" (Matthew 6:10). Practical Application For believers, the practice of asking is integral to spiritual growth and communion with God. It involves not only presenting personal needs but also interceding for others and seeking guidance in all aspects of life. The act of asking should be accompanied by faith, patience, and a willingness to accept God's timing and answers, which may differ from human expectations. In summary, the biblical concept of asking is a multifaceted practice that encompasses prayer, faith, and submission to God's will. It is a vital component of the believer's relationship with God, reflecting trust in His goodness and provision. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To request; to seek to obtain by words; to petition; to solicit; -- often with of, in the sense of from, before the person addressed.2. (v. t.) To require, demand, claim, or expect, whether by way of remuneration or return, or as a matter of necessity; as, what price do you ask? 3. (v. t.) To interrogate or inquire of or concerning; to put a question to or about; to question. 4. (v. t.) To invite; as, to ask one to an entertainment. 5. (v. t.) To publish in church for marriage; -- said of both the banns and the persons. 6. (v. i.) To request or petition; -- usually followed by for; as, to ask for bread. 7. (v. i.) To make inquiry, or seek by request; -- sometimes followed by after. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASKask (sha'al "to inquire," "to seek for counsel," "to demand"): It is the word commonly used in the Old Testament and is equivalent to eperotao, "to request," used in the New Testament. It does not imply any inferiority on the part of the person asking (Psalm 2:8). It is the Son who is bidden to ask, and therefore the word expresses the request of an equal. It has also the meaning "to inquire": "Wherefore. ask after my name?" (Genesis 32:29) signifying, "Surely you must know who I am." "Ye shall ask me no question" (John 16:23), i.e. "about the true meaning of My words, for all will then be clear to you" (Dummelow). aiteo, is the word commonly used with reference to prayer. It means "to ask," "to implore," and presents the petitioner as an inferior asking from a superior (Matthew 6:8; Matthew 7:7, 8 Mark 10:35 John 14:13, and in many other places). It is not, however, asking in the sense of the word beg, but rather that of a child making request of its father. The petitioner asks both because of his need and of the assurance that he is welcome. He is assured before he asks that the petition will be granted, if he asks in accordance with God's will (1 John 3:22; John 5:15). Moreover the Spirit leads us to such asking in that He reveals our need and the goodness of God to us. See AMISS; PRAYER. Greek 2065. erotao -- to ask, question ... to ask, question. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: erotao Phonetic Spelling: (er-o-tah'-o) Short Definition: I ask, question, request Definition: (a) I ask ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2065.htm - 9k 523. apaiteo -- to ask back 154. aiteo -- to ask, request 1809. exaiteo -- to ask for oneself (mid.), demand 4319. prosaiteo -- to ask besides 4319a. prosaiteo -- to ask besides 1905. eperotao -- to inquire of 4441. punthanomai -- to inquire, by impl. to learn 1871. epaiteo -- to beg 3423. mnesteuo -- to espouse, betroth Strong's Hebrew 7592. shaal -- to ask, inquire... 7591, 7592. shaal. 7593 . to ask, inquire. Transliteration: shaal Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-al') Short Definition: ask. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7592.htm - 6k 1156. bea -- to ask, seek 7593. sheel -- to ask 1875. darash -- to resort to, seek 1245. baqash -- to seek 7235a. rabah -- to be or become much, many or great 7235. rabah -- to be or become much, many or great 559. amar -- to utter, say 7185. qashah -- to be hard, severe or fierce 1158. baah -- to inquire, cause to swell or boil up Library We Would Ask You, and You Above All, O Romans... And, I Ask, what Reason is There, what Unavoidable Necessity... If You Ask For I Ask, if what is not Known must not be Believed... To Ask Therefore, Why the Fallen Angels Continue in their State... Fifth Lesson. Ask, and it Shall be Given You; January 12. "Ask and it Shall be Given You" (Matt. vii. 7). Whether it is a Mortal Sin to Ask for the Debt at a Holy Time? Whether we Ought to Ask for Something Definite when we Pray? To Ask Therefore, Why the Fallen Angels were not Helped by the ... Thesaurus Ask (1255 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To require, demand, claim, or expect, whether by way of remuneration or return, or as a matter of necessity; as, what price do you ask? ...ASK. ... /a/ask.htm - 9k Demand (34 Occurrences) Petition (33 Occurrences) Questions (76 Occurrences) Whatsoever (167 Occurrences) Durst (9 Occurrences) Whatever (411 Occurrences) Consult (27 Occurrences) Hitherto (34 Occurrences) Surely (587 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of “you have not because you ask not” in James 4:2? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said, "Ask and you shall receive"? | GotQuestions.org Is it biblical to ask Jesus into your heart? | GotQuestions.org Ask: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ask (1255 Occurrences)Ask is used 1255 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms |
    |