Thank you for the question on the Greek word, aiteo, “Does the Greek word aiteo, as used in the Bible, generally indicate an inferior asking a superior?”
According to Expository Dictionary of New Testament words by Vine, there are two Greek words that I would like to emphasize that refers to ask. There are other verbs but the two is most commonly used.
A. The Greek verb, aiteo.
The definition associated with aiteo is asking. The context of that word would imply a person, the petitioner is in a lesser position to whom the petition is being made to. This word is used of men asking God or a child asking a parent.
In Matthew 7, one finds this concept in his words, “Ask (aiteite) and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks (ho aiton) receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “Which of you, if your son asks (aitasei) for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks (aitasei) for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask (aitousin) him! 12 So in everything, do to others” (A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages). Citations are in the New International Version.
Thus in Matthew 7, the verb and noun form is used five times of a person being in need is requesting/asking for something from a person who is able to provide it for the petitioner.
B. The Greek word, eratao.
The definition of eratao is asking. The context in which Greek scholars has noted that when Jesus petition the Father, he uses the word, eratao, not aiteo. This seems to imply that Jesus is asking from a position of equaIity or same footing, not in an inferior position. It is liken a king making a request of another king.
Jesus says this in John 14:16, “15 If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask (erotaso) the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth” (NIV).
In John 16:23–27, the disciples uses the word, aiteo while Jesus uses the word, eratao. For those who wish to do a further study in the Gospel of John on the word, ask, it will be an interesting word study.
SUMMARY: The Greek word, aiteo, implies the petitioner requests or is in need to someone who is greater in person and can meet that need of that person.
For more perspectives: