Lexical Summary dioti: because, for, therefore Original Word: διότι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance because, for, therefore. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as -- because (that), for, therefore. see GREEK dia see GREEK hoti HELPS Word-studies 1360 dióti (a conjunction, derived from 1223 /diá, "through" and 3754 /hóti, "because") – properly, "because-through," functioning as an emphatic "because" ("on account of that") which effectively links to the necessary effect (which is often implied rather than stated in the passage). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and hoti Definition on the very account that, because, inasmuch as NASB Translation because (14), therefore (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1360: διότιδιότι, conjunction, equivalent to διά τοῦτο, ὅτι; 1. on this account that, because, (cf. Winer's Grammar, 445 (415)): Luke 2:7; Luke 21:28; Acts ( 2. for (cf. Fritzsche on Romans 1:19, vol. i., p. 57f; (per contra Meyer at the passage; Ellicott on Galatians 2:16; (cf. Jebb in Vincent and Dickson, Modern Greek etc. edition 2, Appendix, § 80, 3))): Luke 1:13; Acts 10:20 Rec.; Strong’s Greek 1360 (διότι) is a causal conjunction that introduces the reason, ground, or explanation for a preceding statement. It appears 23 times in the Greek New Testament, linking cause to effect in narratives, apostolic preaching, doctrinal exposition, and pastoral admonition. Range of Meaning in Scripture 1. Explanatory—clarifying why an action took place (Luke 2:7). Usage Across New Testament Genres Gospels: διότι frames reasons tied to God’s redemptive plan. In Luke 1:13 Gabriel reassures Zechariah, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard,” grounding the announcement of John’s birth in divine response. Luke 21:28 encourages perseverance: “Now when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Acts: The conjunction appears in apostolic proclamation and divine guidance. Paul cites Psalm Sixteen in Acts 13:35—“Therefore He says…”—to prove the resurrection, while Acts 18:10 records the Lord’s promise in Corinth: “For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city,” strengthening missionary resolve. Pauline Epistles: Paul frequently employs διότι to support theological argument. Romans 3:20 concludes humanity’s universal guilt: “Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law, because the law only brings awareness of sin.” In Romans 1:19, 1:21, and 8:7 the word explains the moral and spiritual state of fallen humanity. In 1 Corinthians 15:9 Paul underscores grace by recalling, “For I am the least of the apostles, because I persecuted the church of God.” Pastoral and Parenetic Letters: 1 Thessalonians uses διότι to reveal apostolic affection (“because you had become so dear to us,” 2:8) and to explain spiritual hindrance (“because Satan hindered us,” 2:18). James 4:3 indicts selfish motives in prayer: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” General Epistles: Hebrews and 1 Peter use the term to link Old Testament testimony to New Covenant fulfillment. Hebrews 11 repeatedly states why faith pleased God (11:5, 23). Peter grounds holiness in divine revelation: “for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:16). Theological Significance 1. Causality in Revelation: διότι underscores that biblical assertions are never arbitrary; God discloses the underlying reason, promoting confidence in His character. Ministry Application Preaching and teaching benefit from the pattern embedded in διότι—declare the truth, then supply God’s stated reason. Such exposition equips believers with convictions rather than mere assertions. Pastors can comfort (Luke 1:13), admonish (James 4:3), and motivate mission (Acts 18:10) by tracing the conjunction’s causal logic. Historical Insight Early Christian writers used διότι extensively in apologetics, mirroring the apostolic model of reasoned faith. Patristic sermons often echoed Pauline uses, reinforcing that doctrine flows from revealed causes, not speculative philosophy. Key Passages for Study Luke 2:7; Romans 3:20; Romans 8:7; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; Hebrews 11:5; 1 Peter 1:16; 1 Peter 2:6. By attending to διότι, readers perceive the rational thread binding biblical proclamation, ethical demand, and redemptive promise, enriching both doctrinal understanding and practical discipleship. Englishman's Concordance Luke 1:13 ConjGRK: φοβοῦ Ζαχαρία διότι εἰσηκούσθη ἡ KJV: not, Zacharias: for thy prayer INT: Fear Zechariah because has been heard the Luke 2:7 Conj Luke 21:28 Conj Acts 13:35 Conj Acts 18:10 Conj Acts 18:10 Conj Acts 20:26 Conj Acts 22:18 Conj Romans 1:19 Conj Romans 1:21 Conj Romans 3:20 Conj Romans 8:7 Conj 1 Corinthians 15:9 Conj Philippians 2:26 Conj 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Conj 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Conj 1 Thessalonians 4:6 Conj Hebrews 11:5 Conj Hebrews 11:23 Conj James 4:3 Conj 1 Peter 1:16 Conj 1 Peter 1:24 Conj 1 Peter 2:6 Conj |
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