Brief overview of διώκω (G1377: diōkō)

Word Details

• Greek Word: διώκω (diōkō) [dee-OH-ko]
• Etymology: The root word of διώκω is δῖος (dios), which is related to pursuing or chasing. The term conveys the idea of active pursuit, which can involve both literal chasing or a metaphorical striving.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To pursue or chase: διώκω is primarily used to describe the action of pursuing or chasing something or someone, often with the intent to catch or reach the object of the pursuit.
• To persecute: In many New Testament contexts, διώκω is used to signify persecution, particularly in a religious or legal context where someone is harassed or oppressed for their beliefs.
• To strive after or endeavor to obtain: The verb also carries the meaning of striving earnestly for a goal, indicating persistent effort and determination to achieve something.
• To follow swiftly: The term is sometimes used to describe a swift or urgent pursuit, emphasizing the quickness and determination involved in the action.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: The verb διώκω is primarily found in the active voice, indicating that the subject is actively engaged in pursuing or persecuting. It is often used in the present tense, suggesting ongoing or repeated action, which aligns with its meanings of pursuit and persecution.
• Compound Formation: The verb is straightforward in form and does not appear to have complex compound formations. Its root meaning remains consistent across different uses, focusing on the idea of active pursuit or persecution.
• Lexical Range: While the word is commonly associated with physical pursuit, its use in metaphorical contexts—such as pursuing a goal or persecuting someone—demonstrates its broader lexical range.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG defines διώκω as “to move rapidly and decisively toward an objective, to hasten, to run, or to press on.” It highlights its use in both literal and figurative senses, especially in contexts of persecution.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Here, διώκω is used in the context of persecution.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon describes διώκω as “to pursue, follow after, or press forward,” emphasizing both literal pursuits and metaphorical striving for righteousness or goals.
• Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” διώκω is used here to describe striving toward a spiritual goal.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

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• Strong’s Concordance lists διώκω as “to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute,” with frequent use in the New Testament related to persecution.
• Scripture Reference: Acts 9:4 – “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” διώκω is used here to describe Saul’s actions against Christians.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s Dictionary explains διώκω’s application in both classical and New Testament Greek, noting its connotations of active pursuit, whether for positive goals like righteousness or in negative contexts like persecution.
• Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 3:12 – “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” διώκω is used here to express the inevitability of persecution for those who follow Christ.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Homer’s “Iliad”: In the Iliad, διώκω is used to describe warriors pursuing their enemies on the battlefield, highlighting the urgency and intensity of the pursuit.
• Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus uses διώκω to describe the pursuit of victory in warfare, focusing on the relentless effort and determination required to succeed.
• Plato’s “Republic”: Plato applies διώκω in the context of philosophical pursuits, particularly in seeking truth and knowledge, showing its application beyond physical pursuits.

Summary of διώκω (G1377: diōkō)

The Greek verb διώκω (diōkō) carries the core idea of pursuit, whether in a physical, metaphorical, or spiritual sense. In the New Testament, it is frequently used to describe both the pursuit of goals, such as righteousness, and the persecution of individuals for their beliefs. The term is versatile, being applicable in various contexts ranging from warfare and legal matters to philosophical and spiritual endeavors. The word’s usage in classical Greek literature further underscores its broad application, encompassing everything from battlefield chases to intellectual pursuits. Through its consistent use across different texts and contexts, διώκω conveys the determined, often intense effort involved in pursuit or persecution, making it a word rich in meaning and implication.