Lexical Summary dianuó: To accomplish, to complete, to finish Original Word: διανύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance finish. From dia and anuo (to effect); to accomplish thoroughly -- finish. see GREEK dia NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and anuó (to effect) Definition to accomplish fully NASB Translation finished (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1274: διανύωδιανύω: 1 aorist participle διανυσας; to accomplish fully, bring quite to an end, finish: τόν πλοῦν, Acts 21:7. (2 Macc. 12:17; from Homer down.) (Cf. Field, Otium Norv. iii., p. 85f.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 1274 portrays an action that brings something all the way through to completion. The single New Testament use describes a voyage that was not merely undertaken but fully accomplished, emphasizing perseverance until the goal is reached. New Testament Occurrence Acts 21:7: “When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, greeted the brothers, and stayed with them for one day.” Luke selects this verb to reassure readers that Paul’s party finished every leg of the Spirit-directed itinerary despite repeated dangers (Acts 20:23; Acts 21:4). The term underscores Luke’s reliability as a historian and God’s faithfulness in guiding His servants to their appointed destinations. Historical Context Tyre lay about 25 nautical miles north of Ptolemais (modern Acco). Coastal sailing demanded patience, favorable winds, and skillful seamanship. By noting that the voyage was “finished,” Luke alludes to: Theological Themes Perseverance in Mission The verb illustrates the steadfast faith required to carry gospel assignments to completion (Acts 20:24). It foreshadows Paul’s later testimony: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Luke records divine warnings (Acts 21:4) yet also depicts Paul’s determined obedience. The successful completion of the voyage balances God’s guidance with the apostle’s disciplined resolve, echoing Philippians 2:12-13. Assurance of God’s Purposes The certainty implied by the verb mirrors broader biblical confidence: John 17:4—Jesus completed the work the Father gave Him. Hebrews 12:2—Jesus is the “author and perfecter” who brings salvation to its intended end. Revelation 21:6—“It is done,” testifying that God always finishes what He begins. Ministry Application 1. Finish Every Assignment Believers are urged to imitate Paul’s doggedness, refusing to stop at partial obedience (Colossians 4:17). Just as winds and currents lay beyond Paul’s control, many ministry variables lie in God’s hands. Faith rests in His ability to see the task through (Philippians 1:6). Luke pauses to record the successful completion of this segment before moving on. Healthy ministry acknowledges God’s past faithfulness to fuel future courage (1 Samuel 7:12). Related Biblical Concepts • “Finish” (τελέω) in John 19:30—Christ’s cry “It is finished!” secures redemption. Conclusion Though appearing only once, Strong’s 1274 shines a spotlight on the certainty that God’s servants, empowered by His Spirit, can carry every God-given task to full completion. The single finished voyage from Tyre to Ptolemais stands as a microcosm of the greater journey God plots for His people—a journey He Himself guarantees to bring safely home. Forms and Transliterations διανυσαντες διανύσαντες dianusantes dianysantes dianýsantesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |