Lexical Summary diégeomai: To narrate, to recount, to describe in detail Original Word: διηγέομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance declare, show, tell. From dia and hegeomai; to relate fully -- declare, shew, tell. see GREEK dia see GREEK hegeomai HELPS Word-studies 1334 diēgéomai (from 1223 /diá, "thoroughly," which intensifies 2233 /hēgéomai, "lead") – properly, to lead (narrate) fully to make plain what has the highest priority. 1334 /diēgéomai ("thoroughly narrate") conveys what is uppermost (has priority), according to the one giving the report or description. [The high level of self-involvement (personal interest) accounts for why this "telling" is always in the Gk middle voice.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and hégeomai Definition to relate fully NASB Translation describe (1), described (3), gave an account (1), relate (2), tell (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1334: διηγέομαιδιηγέομαι, διηγοῦμαι (imperative 2 person singular διηγοῦ, participle διηγούμενος); future διηγήσομαι; 1 aorist διηγησάμην; to lead or carry a narration through to the end, (cf. the figurative use of German durchfuhren); set forth, recount, relate in full: absolutely, Hebrews 11:32; τί, describe, Acts 8:33 (see γενεά, 3); τίνι followed by indirect discourse, πῶς etc., Mark 5:16; Acts 9:27; Acts 12:17 (here T omit; Tr brackets the dative); followed by ἅ εἶδον, Mark 9:9; ὅσα ἐποίησε or ἐποίησαν, Luke 8:39; Luke 9:10. (Aristophanes, Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, others; the Sept. often for סָפַר.) (Compare: ἐκδιηγέομαι.) Topical Lexicon Overview of the Verb’s Function Strong’s Greek 1334, διηγέομαι, consistently depicts the careful, orderly recounting of events. The word is used when Scripture highlights a detailed, trustworthy narrative—whether of Christ’s works, apostolic mission, prophetic fulfillment, or the sweep of redemptive history. Every New Testament occurrence reinforces the value of precise testimony for building faith and preserving the gospel tradition. Narrative Usage in the Synoptic Gospels 1. Mark 5:16 records eyewitnesses who “described what had happened to the demon-possessed man and also to the pigs”. Their thorough report validates Jesus’ authority over demonic powers and underscores the evangelistic ripple effect that a carefully told testimony can have on an entire region. Acts: Apostolic Testimony and Mission Acts repeatedly pairs διηγέομαι with decisive moments in the church’s expansion. Hebrews 11:32: Summation of Salvation History “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson…” The author acknowledges that the full rehearsal of God’s faithfulness could fill volumes. Here διηγέομαι frames a sweeping overview of covenant history, implying that every age-old account retains instructive power for the present church. Theological Themes • Trustworthy Witness: The Spirit-inspired choice of this verb highlights accuracy. Testimony about Christ is not casual conversation but a sacred stewardship. Historical and Exegetical Notes In the first-century world, oral tradition was the primary mode of preserving events. Using a verb that emphasizes orderly, comprehensive narration fits a milieu that valued historians like Luke (Luke 1:1-4) and ancient rhetoricians who prized accuracy. The Spirit employs existing cultural forms—yet sanctifies them—to ensure that Christ’s acts are transmitted without distortion. Implications for Ministry Today • Craft Testimony Carefully: Believers should learn to recount God’s acts with clarity and completeness, avoiding exaggeration yet not omitting crucial details. The eight New Testament appearances of διηγέομαι therefore form a mosaic portraying gospel integrity, apostolic boldness, and the ever-widening circle of those who “declare the mighty deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9, allusion). Forms and Transliterations διηγείσθαι διηγείτο διηγή διήγημα διηγήματι διήγησαι διηγησάμεθα διηγησαντο διηγήσαντο διηγήσαντό διηγήσασθαι διηγήσασθε διηγησάσθω διηγησατο διηγήσατο διηγησεται διηγήσεται διηγήσεταί διηγήσησθε διηγήσομαι διηγήσονται διηγησωνται διηγήσωνται διηγου διηγού διηγοῦ διηγουμενον διηγούμενον διηγούνται διήγουνται διηγούντο diegesanto diegḗsanto diēgēsanto diēgḗsanto diegesato diegḗsato diēgēsato diēgḗsato diegesetai diegḗsetai diēgēsetai diēgḗsetai diegesontai diegḗsontai diēgēsōntai diēgḗsōntai diegou diegoû diēgou diēgoû diegoumenon diegoúmenon diēgoumenon diēgoúmenonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 5:16 V-AIM-3PGRK: καὶ διηγήσαντο αὐτοῖς οἱ NAS: who had seen it described to them how KJV: And they that saw [it] told them how INT: And related to them the [ones] Mark 9:9 V-ASM-3P Luke 8:39 V-PMM/P-2S Luke 9:10 V-AIM-3P Acts 8:33 V-FIM-3S Acts 9:27 V-AIM-3S Acts 12:17 V-AIM-3S Hebrews 11:32 V-PPM/P-AMS Strong's Greek 1334 |
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