Brief Overview of Διοτρεφής (G1361: Diotrephes)

Word Details

• Transliteration: Διοτρεφής (Dee-o-TREH-fays)
• Etymology: Διοτρεφής is a compound Greek name derived from “Διός” (Dios), meaning “of Zeus,” and “τρέφω” (trepho), meaning “to nourish” or “to foster.” The name essentially means “nourished by Zeus” or “fostered by Zeus,” reflecting a connection to the chief deity of Greek mythology.
• Part of Speech: Proper noun (a personal name)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Personal Name: Διοτρεφής is primarily recognized as a personal name. In the New Testament, it refers to a specific individual mentioned in 3 John 1:9.
• Meaning and Connotation: The name carries the connotation of being under the care or protection of Zeus, which was significant in the cultural and religious context of the time.

Further Insights

• Morphology and Structure: As a proper noun, Διοτρεφής is unique in its usage within the New Testament. It is structured as a compound word, typical of Greek names that often included a reference to a deity (in this case, Zeus). The suffix “-φής” indicates a relationship or state, making the name indicative of a person under Zeus’s nurturing or protection.
• Cultural Significance: The name reflects the common practice in Greek culture of naming individuals after gods or with references to divine protection. It suggests that the person named Διοτρεφής might have been seen as someone with a special connection to Zeus or favored by the deity.
• New Testament Context: In the New Testament, Διοτρεφής is mentioned as a leader in the early Christian church who displayed a lack of hospitality and humility, seeking preeminence and rejecting the authority of the apostle John.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• BDAG identifies Διοτρεφής as the name of a person mentioned in 3 John 1:9, describing him as someone who loved to have the preeminence in the church and resisted the apostolic authority of John.
• Scripture Reference: 3 John 1:9 – “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s notes that Διοτρεφής is a proper name and emphasizes its compound nature, linking it to the divine name Zeus and the concept of nourishment or care. Thayer also highlights the negative depiction of Diotrephes in the epistle of John.
• Scripture Reference: 3 John 1:9 – This verse illustrates Diotrephes’ refusal to accept the authority of the apostles and his desire to control the church.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

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• Strong’s concordance lists Διοτρεφής as a proper name found in the New Testament, particularly in the third epistle of John. It is noted as a name indicating someone nourished by Zeus, with implications of pride and authority issues within the church context.
• Scripture Reference: 3 John 1:9 – Diotrephes is depicted as an individual who rejects John’s letter and seeks to dominate the church.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s briefly mentions Διοτρεφής in its discussion of New Testament names, focusing on the meaning “nourished by Zeus” and his problematic role within the early Christian community as mentioned in 3 John.
• Scripture Reference: 3 John 1:9 – The dictionary emphasizes the name’s cultural background and its negative association due to Diotrephes’ behavior.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus’ Histories: Although Διοτρεφής as a name does not appear in classical Greek literature, similar compound names referring to divine protection or favor were common. Names involving “Dios” were often used to indicate a connection to Zeus, reflecting the cultural importance of the deity.
• Greek Inscriptions: In various Greek inscriptions, names like Διοτρεφής might appear as dedications or names of individuals, particularly in contexts where the favor of the gods was invoked or celebrated.
• Pausanias’ Description of Greece: While Διοτρεφής is not specifically mentioned, Pausanias describes various individuals with names connected to gods, emphasizing the practice of linking personal identity with divine favor in Greek culture.

Summary

Διοτρεφής (G1361: Diotrephes) is a proper noun found in the New Testament, specifically in 3 John 1:9. The name means “nourished by Zeus” and reflects a common practice in Greek culture of naming individuals with references to gods. In the New Testament, Diotrephes is depicted as a problematic figure within the early church, known for his desire for preeminence and rejection of apostolic authority. The name itself, while culturally significant, carries a negative connotation in this context due to Diotrephes’ behavior. The mention of Διοτρεφής serves as a warning against pride and the misuse of authority within the Christian community.