1274. dianuó
Lexical Summary
dianuó: To accomplish, to complete, to finish

Original Word: διανύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: dianuó
Pronunciation: dee-ah-NOO-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-an-oo'-o)
KJV: finish
NASB: finished
Word Origin: [from G1223 (διά - through) and anuo "to effect"]

1. to accomplish thoroughly

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
finish.

From dia and anuo (to effect); to accomplish thoroughly -- finish.

see GREEK dia

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from dia and anuó (to effect)
Definition
to accomplish fully
NASB Translation
finished (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1274: διανύω

διανύω: 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:
• The end of the Mediterranean stretch begun at Patara (Acts 21:1).
• God’s providential oversight in navigating treacherous waters notorious for unexpected storms (compare Acts 27).
• The strategic importance of Ptolemais, a key Phoenician port where believers could resupply Paul before he pressed south toward Jerusalem.

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).
2. Trust God’s Timing

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).
3. Celebrate Milestones

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.
• “Complete” (ἐπιτελέω) in 2 Corinthians 8:11—urging believers to finish their stewardship commitments.
• “Run in such a way as to win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24)—persistence toward the goal.

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 dianýsantes
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Englishman's Concordance
Acts 21:7 V-APA-NMP
GRK: τὸν πλοῦν διανύσαντες ἀπὸ Τύρου
NAS: When we had finished the voyage
KJV: when we had finished [our] course
INT: the voyage having completed from Tyre

Strong's Greek 1274
1 Occurrence


διανύσαντες — 1 Occ.

1273
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