Lexical Summary dióktés: Persecutor Original Word: διώκτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance persecutor. From dioko; a persecutor -- persecutor. see GREEK dioko HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1376 diṓktēs – a persecutor; one who pursues ("hunt down"), used only in 1 Tim 1:13. See 1377 (diōkō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom diókó Definition a persecutor NASB Translation persecutor (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1376: διώκτηςδιώκτης, διωκτου, ὁ (διώκω), a persecutor: 1 Timothy 1:13. Not found in secular writings. Topical Lexicon Concept Overview Strong’s 1376 designates the person who harasses or hunts down the people of God. Scripture frames such a figure as an antagonist to Christ’s body yet also as a potential trophy of divine grace. Canonical Context Persecution shadows the biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation. Cain’s hostility toward Abel inaugurates the conflict (Genesis 4:8); Pharaoh pursues Israel (Exodus 14:8); Saul seeks David’s life (1 Samuel 24:14). In the New Testament the Church inherits the mantle of the persecuted (Matthew 5:10-12; John 15:20). The appearance of διώκτην in 1 Timothy 1:13 embeds Paul’s account within that larger story. Historical Background Following the resurrection, Jerusalem’s authorities deemed the Jesus-movement a threat. Empowered by the council, Saul of Tarsus ravaged the Church, “dragging off men and women and committing them to prison” (Acts 8:3). The persecution scattered believers throughout Judea and Samaria, unintentionally advancing the gospel (Acts 11:19-21). Paul’s Personal Testimony “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy” (1 Timothy 1:13). By labeling himself διώκτην, Paul: Acts 9:4 indicates the deeper reality of persecution: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” To wound believers is to strike at Christ Himself, a truth echoing Zechariah 2:8, “He who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” Theological Themes Grace surpasses sin. The foremost persecutor becomes the foremost preacher (1 Corinthians 15:9-10). The transformation validates the gospel’s power and assures believers that no enemy is beyond redemption. Divine sovereignty redeems hostility. Persecution scatters seed and matures saints (Philippians 1:12-14; James 1:2-4). Love answers hostility. “Bless those who persecute you” (Romans 12:14) crystallizes the ethic Jesus taught (Matthew 5:44). Ecclesial and Missional Lessons 1. Pray for persecutors; they may yet become apostles. Hope for Persecutors Paul’s narrative establishes a precedent: persecutors can receive forgiveness, commissioning, and eternal life. Churches therefore labor in both evangelism and intercession for adversaries, trusting the same mercy that overtook Saul on the Damascus road. Forms and Transliterations διωκτην διώκτην diokten diōktēn diṓkten diṓktēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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