Epizeteo describes actively pursuing something wanted, whether a sign, provisions, a future city, or a person.

The verb most often marks pursuit of a desired object, outcome, or goal: signs, material needs, further matters, a homeland or coming city, and what Israel did not obtain. In two narrative settings it marks looking for a person who is absent or being sought.

1. Pursuing a desired goal or object · dominant

   In Matthew 12:39 and Matthew 16:4, the present singular form occurs in the clause about a generation seeking a sign. Present plural forms describe people seeking worldly needs in Matthew 6:32 and Luke 12:30, while Hebrews 11:14 and Hebrews 13:14 place the pursuit toward a homeland and the city to come.

   Matthew 12:39Matthew 16:4Matthew 6:32Luke 12:30Hebrews 11:14Hebrews 13:14
2. Looking for a person · common

   In Acts 12:19, the aorist participle stands before the statement that Herod did not find the man he had sought. In Luke 4:42, the imperfect plural occurs as crowds search for Jesus, come to him, and try to prevent his departure.

   Acts 12:19Luke 4:42

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB variously presents the verb with “seek,” “seek after,” “sought to hear,” and “searched for” across the verses. These are renderings of whole translated clauses rather than definitions.