Transliteration: diakonía (pronounced dee-ak-on-EE-ah)
Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

The Greek word διακονία (diakonía) is derived from the verb διακονέω (diakonéō), meaning “to serve” or “to minister.” The noun diakonía itself generally refers to “service,” “ministry,” or “assistance,” and it is often used in the context of Christian service and the responsibilities of those who minister to others. This word is integral in understanding the role of service in the early Christian communities, emphasizing that service is both a practical and spiritual duty.

Scripture References

The term diakonía appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating the central role of service within the Christian faith. Here are three key verses:

1. Acts 6:4 (ESV): “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry (diakonía) of the word.”

• This verse highlights the apostles’ commitment to the ministry of the word, distinguishing their role from the practical service of caring for the community.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (ESV): “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry (diakonía) of reconciliation.”

• Here, the term is used to describe the ministry of reconciliation, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of service in restoring relationships between God and humanity.

1. Ephesians 4:12 (ESV): “To equip the saints for the work of ministry (diakonía), for building up the body of Christ.”

• This passage underscores the purpose of spiritual gifts, which is to equip believers for ministry, thereby strengthening the church.

Detailed Lexicon Description

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich) defines diakonía as service or ministry, often in the context of Christian service, which includes various activities such as teaching, preaching, and administering the affairs of the church. BDAG emphasizes that diakonía can refer to both spiritual and practical forms of service, with a particular focus on the work of deacons and other church leaders.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon expands on this definition, noting that diakonía can also refer to the office or function of a deacon. Thayer’s highlights the usage of diakonía in relation to the distribution of alms and the care of the poor, as well as the spiritual responsibilities of ministering the word of God.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary aligns with these definitions, emphasizing that diakonía is not limited to the work of deacons but includes all forms of service within the Christian community. Vine’s points out that diakonía is closely related to the concept of stewardship, where believers are called to manage the gifts and resources God has entrusted to them in service to others.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, diakonía was used in various contexts to describe service or assistance, often in a more secular sense than in the New Testament. Here are three examples:

1. Plato’s Laws (4th century BC): The term is used to describe the service provided by individuals in public offices, particularly those who serve the state in various capacities.
2. Xenophon’s Anabasis (4th century BC): Diakonía is employed to describe the practical service of soldiers who assist their commanders, emphasizing the importance of support roles in achieving military objectives.
3. Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics (4th century BC): The word is used to describe the concept of civic duty and the service one provides to the community, highlighting the ethical dimensions of contributing to the common good.

Summary

The noun διακονία (diakonía, G1248) is a foundational term in the New Testament, encompassing the broad concept of service and ministry within the Christian community. Derived from the verb diakonéō, meaning “to serve,” diakonía emphasizes the importance of both practical and spiritual service in the life of believers. Whether it refers to the distribution of alms, the ministry of the word, or the work of reconciliation, diakonía underscores the call to serve others as an expression of faith and obedience to God. In classical Greek literature, the term had a more secular application, referring to various forms of public service and assistance, but in the Christian context, it takes on a deeper spiritual significance. Service, as understood through diakonía, is not merely a duty but a divine calling, integral to the life and mission of the church.