Brief overview of διαγίνομαι (G1230: diaginomai)

Transliteration: diaginomai (pronounced dee-ah-GEE-noh-my)
Part of Speech: Verb

The Greek verb διαγίνομαι (diaginomai) is derived from two root words: the preposition διά (dia), meaning “through” or “across,” and the verb γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning “to become” or “to come into being.” Together, these components give diaginomai the primary meaning of “to pass through,” “to occur,” or “to transpire.” The verb is often used in contexts where events or periods of time are passing or being completed, indicating a progression or sequence of occurrences.

Scripture References

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1. Acts 25:13
   “Now when some days had passed (διαγίνομαι, diaginomai), Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.”
2. Acts 15:33
   “And after they had spent some time (διαγίνομαι, diaginomai), they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.”
3. Acts 20:3
   “There he spent three months (διαγίνομαι, diaginomai), and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.”

Detailed Lexicon Description

In BDAG, διαγίνομαι (diaginomai) is defined as “to come to pass,” “to elapse,” or “to be completed.” The lexicon emphasizes that the verb is typically used to describe the passage of time or the occurrence of events that unfold over a period. The sense of progression or transition is key to the meaning of diaginomai, often indicating that a certain period has ended or that specific events have transpired.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also aligns with this understanding, defining diaginomai as “to pass by,” “to pass through,” or “to transpire.” Thayer’s notes that the verb is used in contexts where time has elapsed or when a series of events has taken place, highlighting the progression from one state or event to another.

The LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) lexicon provides additional context, noting that in classical Greek literature, diaginomai was used to describe the passage of time, particularly in reference to the completion of specific periods or events. The term was applied both in historical and narrative contexts, emphasizing the idea of sequential development or conclusion.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Herodotus, Histories 3.14 – Herodotus uses diaginomai to describe the passage of a certain number of days during a historical event. The term is used to mark the progression of time as events unfold.
2. Plutarch, Lives 12.8 – In Plutarch’s Lives, diaginomai is employed to convey the passage of years, indicating the unfolding of events over an extended period in the life of a historical figure.
3. Xenophon, Hellenica 2.3.10 – Xenophon uses diaginomai in a military context, describing the passage of time during a campaign. The term underscores the transition from one phase of the campaign to another.

Summary

The Greek verb διαγίνομαι (diaginomai) is a verb that encapsulates the concept of time passing or events transpiring. Derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning “through,” and the verb γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning “to become,” diaginomai conveys the idea of progression, transition, and the completion of periods or events. In the New Testament, diaginomai is used to describe the passage of time or the occurrence of events, often marking the conclusion of a specific period or the unfolding of a sequence of actions.

Classical Greek literature also employs diaginomai in a variety of contexts, ranging from historical narratives to military campaigns, where it serves to highlight the passage of time and the progression of events. The term is versatile, applicable to both short intervals and extended periods, always emphasizing the movement from one stage to another. Whether in the context of historical records or scriptural accounts, diaginomai is a key term that captures the essence of time’s progression and the unfolding of events.