ζητέω

From the study of John 7:1

Range of meaning

To seek or look for. It also means to try, strive or plot after something. With an infinitive ('seek to do'), it expresses an intention one is working toward.

Against the English

'Sought to kill' (KJV, WEB) is accurate but can sound abstract. BSB 'were trying to kill', NIV 'looking for a way to kill' and NLT 'plotting his death' bring out the active effort. Only some versions show that the effort is ongoing.

Used elsewhere in the period

John repeats the exact phrase 'the Ioudaioi were seeking to kill him' (5:18) and returns to it again and again in chapters 7–8 (7:19, 20, 25; 8:37, 40). It works like a refrain that marks the rising threat.

From the study of Luke 12:31

Range of meaning

To look for something lost; to search, investigate; to strive for, aim at, desire; to ask for or demand. With an abstract object it means to make something the goal of your efforts.

Against the English

"Seek" is a fair rendering. Modern English "seek" can sound vague or spiritual, like browsing or wondering. Here the Greek means purposeful pursuit, whatever your energy and anxiety are aimed at.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Septuagint, "seeking" God or his face means turning toward him in loyalty and obedience (e.g. Ps 105[104]:4; Zeph 2:3; Amos 5:4, "seek me and live"). Luke uses ζητέω for the anxious hunt for food (v. 29) and its compound ἐπιζητέω for what "the nations" pursue (v. 30).

From the study of John 8:37

Range of meaning

Zēteō means to look for, seek, try to obtain, aim at. With an infinitive it means 'try to, plan to, be out to.' Apokteinō is the ordinary verb 'to kill.'

Against the English

KJV/WEB/YLT 'seek to kill' and BSB 'are trying to kill' are both accurate. The present tense describes an ongoing effort, not a single moment.

Used elsewhere in the period

In John the phrase is a refrain: 5:18 'the Jews sought all the more to kill him'; 7:1, 19 ('why do you seek to kill me?'), 20, 25; 8:40. Compare Mark 11:18 and 14:1 ('seeking how to kill him').