1240. diadochos

Lexicon

diadochos: Successor, one who follows or takes over

Original Word: διάδοχος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: diadochos
Pronunciation: dee-AD-okh-os
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ad'-okh-os)
Definition: Successor, one who follows or takes over
Meaning: a successor.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

successor

From diadechomai; a successor in office -- room.

see GREEK diadechomai

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from diadechomai
Definition
a successor
NASB Translation
succeeded (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1240: διάδοχος

διάδοχος, διαδόχου, ὁ, ἡ (διαδέχομαι), succeeding, a successor: Acts 24:27. (Sir. 46:1; (); 2 Macc. 14:26; often in Greek writings from (Aesehyl. and) Herodotus 5, 26 down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From the Greek preposition διά (dia, meaning "through" or "across") and the verb δέχομαι (dechomai, meaning "to receive" or "to accept").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While διάδοχος does not have a direct Hebrew equivalent in Strong's Concordance, the concept of succession can be related to several Hebrew terms that denote inheritance and leadership transition, such as:
• נָחַל (nachal, Strong's Hebrew 5157) meaning "to inherit" or "to possess."
• יָרַשׁ (yarash, Strong's Hebrew 3423) meaning "to take possession" or "to inherit."
• מָלַךְ (malak, Strong's Hebrew 4427) meaning "to reign" or "to become king," often used in the context of royal succession.

These Hebrew terms, like διάδοχος, emphasize the continuity of leadership and the passing of authority from one generation to the next, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Usage: The word διάδοχος is not directly used in the New Testament of the Berean Standard Bible. However, its concept is relevant in discussions of succession, leadership, and inheritance, particularly in the context of spiritual or ecclesiastical leadership.

Context: The concept of διάδοχος, while not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, is significant in understanding the early church's structure and the transmission of authority. In the early Christian community, the idea of succession was crucial for maintaining doctrinal integrity and leadership continuity. The apostles, as the original leaders appointed by Christ, were seen as the first in a line of spiritual successors. This concept is reflected in the pastoral epistles, where Paul instructs Timothy and Titus on appointing elders and leaders to continue the work of the ministry (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).

Theologically, the idea of succession is also seen in the Old Testament, where leadership transitions are marked by divine appointment and prophetic endorsement, such as the succession of Joshua after Moses (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) and Elisha after Elijah (2 Kings 2:9-15). These transitions underscore the importance of continuity in God's covenantal promises and the faithful transmission of His word and authority.

In church history, the concept of apostolic succession became a foundational principle for many Christian traditions, emphasizing the unbroken line of spiritual authority from the apostles to contemporary church leaders. This principle is seen as a means of preserving the true faith and ensuring the church's unity and orthodoxy.

Forms and Transliterations

διάδοχοι διαδοχον διάδοχον διαδόχου διέδυ diadochon diádochon

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 24:27 N-AMS
GRK: πληρωθείσης ἔλαβεν διάδοχον ὁ Φῆλιξ
NAS: Felix was succeeded by Porcius
KJV: came into Felix' room: and Felix,
INT: having been completed received [as] successor Felix

Strong's Greek 1240
1 Occurrence

διάδοχον — 1 Occ.