Strong's Lexicon diakonia: Service, ministry, office, relief, support Original Word: διακονία Word Origin: Derived from διάκονος (diakonos), meaning "servant" or "minister." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to "diakonia," the concept of service is present in terms like עֲבוֹדָה (avodah, H5656), meaning "work" or "service," often used in the context of worship and temple duties. Usage: The term "diakonia" primarily refers to the act of service or ministry. It encompasses a broad range of activities, from practical service to spiritual ministry. In the New Testament, "diakonia" is often used to describe the work of serving others, whether through providing for physical needs or through spiritual leadership and teaching. It emphasizes the role of serving within the Christian community, highlighting the importance of humility and dedication in fulfilling God's work. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, service was often associated with lower social status, yet the early Christian community redefined it as a noble and essential aspect of discipleship. The concept of "diakonia" was revolutionary in that it elevated the role of service to a divine calling, reflecting the example of Jesus Christ, who came "not to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28, BSB). This redefinition challenged societal norms and established a new paradigm for leadership and community life within the church. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1248 diakonía – ministry; active service, done with a willing (voluntary) attitude. See 1249 (diakonos). For the believer, 1248 /diakonía ("ministry") specifically refers to Spirit-empowered service guided by faith (4102 /pístis, "the Lord's inbirthed persuasion"). [Observe the close connection of faith (4102 /pístis) and 1248 (diakonía) in Ac 6:1-7,21:19,20; Ro 12:3,7; 1 Cor 16:13,15; Eph 4:12,13; 1 Tim 1:12,14; 2 Tim 4:5,7.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom diakonos Definition service, ministry NASB Translation ministries (1), ministry (19), mission (1), preparations (1), relief (1), serve (1), service (7), serving (2), support (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1248: διακονίαδιακονία, διακονίας, ἡ (διάκονος) (from Thucydides, Plato down), service, ministering, especially of those who execute the commands of others; 1. universally: 2 Timothy 4:11; Hebrews 1:14. 2. of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men; a. of the office of Moses: ἡ διακονία τοῦ θανάτου, concisely for the ministration by which the law is promulgated that threatens and brings death, 2 Corinthians 3:7; τῆς κατακρίσεως, the ministration by which condemnation is announced, ibid. 9. b. of the office of the apostles and its administration: Acts 1:17, 25; Acts 20:24; Acts 21:19; Romans 11:13; 2 Corinthians 4:1; 2 Corinthians 6:3; 1 Timothy 1:12; τοῦ λόγου, Acts 6:4; τοῦ πνεύματος, the ministry whose office it is to cause men to obtain and be governed by the Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 3:8; τῆς δικαιοσύνης, by which men are taught how they may become righteous with God, ibid. 9; τῆς καταλλαγῆς, the ministry whose work it is to induce men to embrace the offered reconciliation with God, 2 Corinthians 5:18; πρός τήν ὑμῶν διακονίαν, that by preaching the gospel I might minister unto you, 2 Corinthians 11:8. c. of the ministration or service of all who, endowed by God with powers of mind and heart peculiarly adapted to this end, endeavor zealously and laboriously to promote the cause of Christ among men, as apostles, prophets, evangelists, elders, etc.: 1 Corinthians 12:5; Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 4:5. What ministry is referred to in Colossians 4:17 is not clear. 3. the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection: 1 Corinthians 16:15; Revelation 2:19, especially of those who succor need by either collecting or bestowing benefactions (Acts 12:25); the care of the poor, the supplying or distributing of charities (Luther uses Handreichung): Acts 6:1; 2 Corinthians 9:13; ἡ διακονία ἡ εἰς τούς ἁγίους, 2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 9:1; ἡ διακονία τῆς λειτουργίας, the ministration rendered through this λειτουργία, 2 Corinthians 9:12; πέμπειν εἰς διακονίαν τίνι, to send a thing to one for the relief of his want (A. V. to send relief unto), Acts 11:29 (κομίζειν χρήματα πολλά εἰς διακονίαν τῶν χηρῶν, Acta Thomae § 56, p. 233, Tdf. edition); ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ. my ministration in bringing the money collected by me, a ministration intended for Jerusalem (Fritzsche), Romans 15:31 (here L Tr marginal reading read ἡ δωροφορία ... ἐν, etc.). 4. the office of deacon in the primitive church (see διάκονος, 2): Romans 12:7. 5. the service of those who prepare and present food: Luke 10:40 (as in Xenophon, oec. 7, 41). From diakonos; attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate) -- (ad-)minister(-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service(-ing). see GREEK diakonos Englishman's Concordance Luke 10:40 N-AFSGRK: περὶ πολλὴν διακονίαν ἐπιστᾶσα δὲ NAS: with all her preparations; and she came KJV: about much serving, and came to him, INT: about much service having come up moreover Acts 1:17 N-GFS Acts 1:25 N-GFS Acts 6:1 N-DFS Acts 6:4 N-DFS Acts 11:29 N-AFS Acts 12:25 N-AFS Acts 20:24 N-AFS Acts 21:19 N-GFS Romans 11:13 N-AFS Romans 12:7 N-AFS Romans 12:7 N-DFS Romans 15:31 N-NFS 1 Corinthians 12:5 N-GFP 1 Corinthians 16:15 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 3:7 N-NFS 2 Corinthians 3:8 N-NFS 2 Corinthians 3:9 N-NFS 2 Corinthians 3:9 N-NFS 2 Corinthians 4:1 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 5:18 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 6:3 N-NFS 2 Corinthians 8:4 N-GFS 2 Corinthians 9:1 N-GFS 2 Corinthians 9:12 N-NFS Strong's Greek 1248 |
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