Brief Overview of διατί (G1302: diatí)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διατί (diatí) [dee-ah-TEE]
• Etymology: From the preposition διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, because of and τί (G5101: tí) meaning what, why, for what reason. The compound form essentially combines to ask “for what reason?” or “why?”.
• Part of Speech: Interrogative Adverb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Why? For what reason?: This is the core meaning of διατί. It is used to inquire about the reason, cause, or purpose behind an action or situation.
• Because of what?: Similar to “why,” this usage seeks to understand the motivation or cause behind something.
• How is it that?: This form of the question can imply astonishment or confusion regarding a situation or event.

Further Insights

• Morphology: As an interrogative adverb, διατί does not change form based on number, gender, or case. It is used to introduce a question or inquiry about reasons or causes.

Further Insights Explained:

• διατί is a straightforward interrogative adverb that is used in sentences to ask about reasons, causes, or purposes. Its form remains the same regardless of context, as it functions solely to pose a question.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διατί is defined as an interrogative adverb meaning why? or for what reason? It is used in the New Testament to question the motivation, cause, or purpose behind actions or events.
• Scripture References: Matthew 9:11, Mark 2:16, Luke 5:30

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

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• Thayer describes διατί as meaning why? or for what reason? It is used primarily in questions that seek to understand the underlying reason or cause for something.
• Scripture References: Matthew 9:11, Mark 2:16, Luke 5:30

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains that διατί is used to inquire about reasons, asking questions that probe into the purpose or cause of an action or event. It is often used in the Gospels to introduce questions posed by Jesus or others.
• Scripture References: Matthew 9:11, Mark 2:16, Luke 5:30

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διατί as an interrogative adverb meaning why? or for what reason? The term is used in both classical and Hellenistic Greek to ask about the rationale or cause behind a situation.
• Scripture References: Matthew 9:11, Mark 2:16, Luke 5:30

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διατί as a compound of διά (G1223: diá) and τί (G5101: tí), meaning why? or on account of what? It is used in the New Testament to introduce questions about reasons or causes.
• Scripture References: Matthew 9:11, Mark 2:16, Luke 5:30

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Aristophanes, The Clouds: Aristophanes uses διατί in the dialogue to humorously question the reasoning behind certain actions of the characters, often to highlight absurdity or irony.
• Plato, Apology: In Plato’s Apology, διατί is used in the context of Socratic questioning, where Socrates asks why certain accusations have been made against him, probing into the underlying motives of his accusers.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus employs διατί to question the rationale behind historical events or decisions made by rulers, seeking to uncover the causes of significant occurrences in history.

Summary

διατί (G1302: diatí) is an interrogative adverb that is used to ask why? or for what reason? It is a simple yet profound word that appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, where it is used to introduce questions that probe into the reasons, causes, or purposes behind actions or events. Its consistent form and function make it a key term in understanding the nature of questioning and inquiry in both biblical and classical Greek contexts. The word is also used in classical Greek literature, where it serves to delve into the motives or causes behind actions, often with an emphasis on uncovering deeper truths. Overall, διατί is a significant term in Greek, embodying the search for understanding and the desire to uncover the reasons behind the happenings of life.