Bible Dictionary
INQUIRE
To inquire is to ask, seek information, or seek God’s direction. Scripture may use the word for consulting the Lord through prayer, priest, prophet, or oracle, but also for forbidden divination.
Definition
To inquire is to ask, seek information, search out, or seek direction. The word may refer to ordinary questioning, investigation, consultation with God, or, in a forbidden setting, consultation with a diviner.
Biblical Usage
To inquire of Yahweh means to seek direction through God, an oracle, priest, or prophet. Scripture also uses the word for seeking to expose and punish iniquity, examining a vow, and consulting the witch of Endor. Inquiring in God’s temple describes what may be learned through continual fellowship with Him.
Historical Background
The underlying Hebrew and Greek words include meanings such as ask, desire, seek, know thoroughly, search out, and seek together.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>in-kwir' (sha'al, "to ask," "desire"; zeteo, "to seek"); A form sometimes employed with reference to the practice of divination, as where Saul "inquires of" (or "consults") the witch of Endor as to the issue of the coming battle (1Sa 28:6,7) (see DIVINATION).</p><p>In Job 10:6, "to inquire (baqash) after iniquity" signifies to bring to light and punish for it, and Job asks distractedly if God's time is so short that He is in a hurry to find him guilty and to punish him as if He had only a man's few days to live.</p><p>"To inquire of Yahweh" denotes the consultation of oracle, priest, prophet or Yahweh Himself, as to a certain course of action or as to necessary supplies. (Jud 20:27 the King James Version, "to ask"; 1Ki 22:5; 1Sa 9:9 (darash); 1Sa 10:22 the King James Version; 2Sa 2:1; 5:19,23; Eze 36:37).</p><p>"To inquire (baqar) in his temple" (palace) means to find out all that constant fellowship or unbroken intercourse with God can teach (Ps 27:4).</p><p>Pr 20:25 warns against rashness in making a vow and afterward considering (baqar, "to make inquiry") as to whether it can be fulfilled or how it may be eluded.</p><p>In the King James Version, the translation of several Greek words: diaginosko, "to know thoroughly" (Ac 23:15); epizeteo, "to seek after" (Ac 19:39); suzeteo, "to seek together" (Lu 22:23); exetazo, "to search out" (Mt 10:11).</p><p>M. O. Evans</p>