The word for the asking of an inferior (Act 12:20; Act 3:2); and hence of man from God (Mat 7:7; Jam 1:5). Christ never uses the word of his own asking from the Father, but always ἐρωτῶ, as asking on equal terms. Martha shows her low conception of his person when she uses the term of his asking God (Joh 11:22).
Ask, seek, knock
“The three repetitions of the command are more than mere repetitions; since to seek is more than to ask, and to knock than to seek” (Trench, “Parables”).