Brief Overview of διατελέω (G1300: diateléō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διατελέω (diateléō) [dee-ah-teh-LEH-oh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, thoroughly and τελέω (G5055: teléō) meaning to finish, to complete, to accomplish. The compound form suggests a continuous or thorough accomplishment or completion of an action.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

Save with code – FOG20

• To continue or persevere: Refers to the act of continuing in an activity or state without interruption, emphasizing endurance or persistence.
• To accomplish or complete thoroughly: Implies the completion or fulfillment of an action or duty, often with a sense of thoroughness or finality.
• To keep on doing: Suggests ongoing action, where an activity is repeated or sustained over time.

Further Insights

• Person: Third person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Further Insights Explained:

• The word διατελέω in this form is in the third person singular, present, active, indicative form. It can be translated as “he/she/it continues” or “he/she/it keeps on doing.” The present tense indicates ongoing or habitual action, the active voice shows that the subject is performing the action, and the indicative mood presents this as a factual statement.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above reflect the specific form of διατελέω in its present, active, indicative form. The word’s usage and meaning may vary depending on context and sentence structure.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διατελέω is defined as to continue or persist, particularly with an emphasis on ongoing action or sustained effort. The term often carries the connotation of perseverance in a task or activity.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:33, Luke 1:22

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διατελέω as meaning to accomplish, continue, or persist in doing something. The emphasis is on the continuity and thoroughness of the action, suggesting that the task is carried out without interruption.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:33, Luke 1:22

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes διατελέω as to continue or persevere, especially in the sense of carrying on with a task or duty. The term highlights the persistence and endurance required to see something through to completion.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:33, Luke 1:22

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διατελέω as to complete, accomplish, or persist, particularly in contexts where ongoing effort or perseverance is required. The term is used to describe sustained action or the completion of a task over time.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:33, Luke 1:22

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διατελέω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and τελέω (G5055: teléō), meaning to continue, accomplish, or persevere. It is used to describe the act of sustaining an effort or continuing in an action until it is fully completed.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:33, Luke 1:22

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Plato, Republic: Plato uses διατελέω to describe the persistence required by a ruler to maintain justice and order in the state, emphasizing the need for ongoing effort and endurance in governance.
• Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War: Thucydides employs the term to depict the perseverance of soldiers during long campaigns, highlighting their continued effort and endurance despite hardships.
• Xenophon, Anabasis: Xenophon uses διατελέω to describe the sustained actions of his troops as they continue marching and fighting over extended periods, underscoring their persistence and commitment to the mission.

Summary

διατελέω (G1300: diateléō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to continue, persist, or accomplish thoroughly. Derived from διά (through, thoroughly) and τελέω (to finish, to complete), the term conveys a sense of ongoing action, perseverance, or thorough accomplishment. In the New Testament, διατελέω is used in contexts where sustained effort or persistence is required, such as in Acts 27:33 and Luke 1:22, where it emphasizes ongoing action or continuity in a task. The word is also prevalent in classical Greek literature, where it is used to describe both physical and metaphorical persistence, particularly in the context of sustained effort over time. Overall, διατελέω highlights the importance of perseverance, endurance, and thoroughness in both ancient and biblical contexts, making it a significant term for understanding the concept of sustained effort and completion in Greek thought and language.