Lexical Summary diagó: To lead through, to pass through, to spend time Original Word: διαγώ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lead life, live. From dia and ago; to pass time or life -- lead life, living. see GREEK dia see GREEK ago NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and agó Definition to carry over, to pass NASB Translation lead (1), spending...life (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1236: διάγωδιάγω; 1. to lead through, lead across, send across. 2. with τόν βίον, τόν χρόνον, etc., added or understood, to pass: βίον, 1 Timothy 2:2 (very often in Greek writings); διάγειν ἐν τίνι, namely, τόν βίον, to live (Winers Grammar, 593 (551f); Buttmann, 144 (126)), Titus 3:3 (ἐν φιλοσοφία, Plato, Phaedr., p. 259 d.; ἐν εἰρήνη καί σχολή, Plutarch, Timol. 3). The verb rendered by Strong’s 1236 portrays the steady course of one’s life—how time is inhabited, values are expressed, and relationships are navigated. Rather than marking isolated actions, it depicts the ongoing tenor of existence under a governing principle. Occurrences in the New Testament • 1 Timothy 2:2—“for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.” These two texts form a deliberate contrast between an unredeemed, passion-driven life and the peaceful, godly life produced by grace. Ethical Trajectory: From Chaos to Tranquility Titus 3:3 catalogs the pre-conversion condition—foolishness, bondage, relational hostility. The participle “living” underscores continuous, habitual conduct. 1 Timothy 2:2 presents the redeemed counterpart: a life characterized by serenity, reverence, and honorable bearing. Paul thus maps the gospel’s transformative arc: salvation does not merely forgive; it re-orders the rhythm of life itself. Prayer, Government, and Witness The exhortation to pray “for kings and all who are in authority” frames lifestyle as mission. Peaceful social conditions enable believers to pursue godliness publicly, thereby commending “God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). The verb therefore links private piety, civic responsibility, and evangelistic credibility. Cultural Background In Greco-Roman moral discourse the “art of living” was prized. Philosophers sought a life consonant with reason; Paul answers with a life consonant with Christ. The Christian’s ordered life is not self-willed but Spirit-empowered, demonstrating a new allegiance that surpasses Stoic detachment by embodying sacrificial love. Theological Implications 1. Sanctification is holistic. The believer’s entire pattern of behavior is to be reshaped, not merely isolated habits. Connections with Other Biblical Themes • “Walk in a manner worthy” (Ephesians 4:1) and “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) parallel the call to lead a life ordered by divine presence. Ministry Applications • Discipleship training should examine life rhythms—work, family, civic engagement—under the lordship of Christ. Historical Reception Chrysostom observed that a tranquil life protects the church’s mission by removing unnecessary offense, while Augustine emphasized that true peace begins within, through grace. Reformers read 1 Timothy 2:2 as proof that Christians may serve faithfully under secular rulers yet maintain ultimate allegiance to Christ. Throughout history persecuted believers have clung to this verb’s assurance: even in turmoil, one may still “lead” a life marked by inner peace and outward integrity. Conclusion Strong’s 1236 captures the comprehensive scope of Christian existence. In two brief appearances it delineates humanity’s plight, God’s redemptive provision, and the believer’s calling to inhabit time in a manner that is peaceful, godly, and missional—an entire life reordered around the saving purposes of God in Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 2:2 V-PSA-1PGRK: ἡσύχιον βίον διάγωμεν ἐν πάσῃ NAS: so that we may lead a tranquil KJV: that we may lead a quiet INT: quiet life we might lead in all Titus 3:3 V-PPA-NMP Strong's Greek 1236 |
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