Brief overview of διαγρηγορέω (G1235: diagregoreó)

Transliteration: diagregoreó (pronounced dee-ah-grey-GOR-eh-oh)
Part of Speech: Verb

The Greek verb διαγρηγορέω (diagregoreó) is derived from the combination of the preposition διά (dia), meaning “through” or “thoroughly,” and the verb γρηγορέω (gregoreó), which means “to be awake” or “to watch.” The compound verb diagregoreó thus conveys the idea of being thoroughly awake, fully alert, or vigilantly watchful. It implies a state of continuous or heightened alertness, often in anticipation of an event or in response to a potential danger.

In the context of the New Testament and classical Greek literature, diagregoreó emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and watchful, particularly in spiritual or moral contexts. This verb underscores the need to remain alert to potential dangers or opportunities, reflecting a proactive stance rather than a passive one.

Scripture References

Mark 13:35-37 – “Therefore keep watch (diagregoreó), because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Revelation 3:2 – “Wake up (diagregoreó)! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.”

Revelation 16:15 – “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake (diagregoreó) and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

These verses highlight the use of diagregoreó in the New Testament to stress the importance of spiritual vigilance and readiness, especially in the context of eschatological expectations.

Detailed Lexicon Description

In BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich), diagregoreó is defined as “to be thoroughly awake, to be watchful, or to remain vigilant.” BDAG emphasizes that this verb is often used in contexts where there is a need for heightened alertness, whether due to impending danger, spiritual awareness, or the anticipation of significant events. The verb is closely associated with the idea of readiness, particularly in a spiritual sense, and often appears in exhortations to believers to remain spiritually vigilant.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also defines diagregoreó as “to keep awake” or “to be watchful.” Thayer’s notes that the term is used in the New Testament to encourage believers to remain spiritually alert, particularly in the face of potential dangers or challenges. The lexicon highlights that diagregoreó implies a continuous or sustained state of vigilance, rather than a momentary or sporadic one.

The LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) lexicon provides additional context, noting that diagregoreó was used in classical Greek literature to describe a state of wakefulness or alertness, often in situations requiring careful attention or anticipation. The term is closely related to military and philosophical contexts, where vigilance was considered a key virtue.

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Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Plato, Republic 520a – In Plato’s Republic, diagregoreó is used to describe the state of being fully awake and alert, particularly in the context of philosophical contemplation and the pursuit of knowledge. The term underscores the importance of maintaining a state of continuous awareness in the quest for truth.
2. Xenophon, Anabasis 4.3.10 – Xenophon employs diagregoreó in his description of soldiers keeping watch during a night march. The term conveys the necessity of remaining vigilant in order to anticipate potential dangers and ensure the safety of the group.
3. Homer, Iliad 10.4 – In the Iliad, diagregoreó is used to describe the watchfulness of guards during a critical moment in the battle. The term emphasizes the importance of staying awake and alert to prevent surprise attacks and to protect the camp.

Summary

The Greek verb διαγρηγορέω (diagregoreó) conveys the idea of being thoroughly awake and vigilantly watchful. Derived from the combination of διά (dia), meaning “through,” and γρηγορέω (gregoreó), meaning “to be awake,” this verb emphasizes a continuous state of alertness, often in anticipation of significant events or in response to potential dangers. In the New Testament, diagregoreó is used to exhort believers to remain spiritually vigilant and ready, particularly in the context of eschatological expectations.

In classical Greek literature, diagregoreó was employed in various contexts, including military and philosophical settings, to highlight the importance of vigilance and awareness. The term is closely associated with the virtues of readiness and anticipation, underscoring the value of remaining fully awake and alert in the face of challenges or opportunities.

Overall, diagregoreó serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continuous vigilance and readiness, both in spiritual and practical matters, encouraging individuals to maintain a proactive and attentive stance in all aspects of life.