Lexical Summary katadiókó: To pursue closely, to persecute Original Word: καταδιώκω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance follow after. From kata and dioko; to hunt down, i.e. Search for -- follow after. see GREEK kata see GREEK dioko NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and diókó Definition to pursue closely NASB Translation searched (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2614: καταδιώκωκαταδιώκω: 1 aorist κατεδιωξα; the Sept. often for רָדַף; to follow after, follow up (especially of enemies (Thucydides, et al.)); in a good sense, of those in search of anyone: τινα, Mark 1:36. (τό ἔλεος σου καταδιώξεται με, Psalm 22:6 Topical Lexicon Canonical SettingStrong’s Greek 2614 appears once in Scripture, Mark 1:36: “Simon and his companions searched for Him”. The verb depicts an urgent pursuit. Mark positions the action immediately after Jesus’ predawn withdrawal to pray (Mark 1:35). The disciples’ vigorous search contrasts their anxiety with the Lord’s quiet communion, highlighting two distinct rhythms of ministry—human urgency and divine dependence. Background in Hebrew Thought Jewish readers were accustomed to verbs of pursuit in the Hebrew Scriptures. David “pursued” his enemies (2 Samuel 22:38); the psalmist “seeks” the LORD (Psalm 27:8). Such language often conveys either relentless hostility or earnest devotion. In Mark 1:36 the sense aligns with the latter: the disciples, faced with a swelling crowd and mounting needs, earnestly track down their Teacher. Their impulse reflects Israel’s covenantal instinct to seek God’s presence, yet it also exposes a lingering expectation that the Messiah should stay where the crowds are. Christological Significance Jesus answers their pursuit by redefining mission: “Let us go on to the neighboring towns so I can preach there also; for that is why I have come” (Mark 1:38). The single use of 2614 therefore becomes a hinge between the disciples’ immediate concerns and Christ’s larger redemptive agenda. Their frantic search is met by a purpose statement that governs the rest of the Gospel narrative. The word thus marks a moment when human pursuit meets divine intention. Implications for Discipleship 1. Alignment with Divine Priorities Disciples often press the Lord toward felt needs; the passage urges believers to submit urgency to vocation. Following after Jesus means tracing His priorities, not ours (Matthew 16:24). 2. Pursuit Rooted in Prayer Jesus’ solitude precedes the search. Authentic pursuit of Christ begins where He is—often in secret communion with the Father. Ministry that bypasses prayer soon devolves into mere crowd management. 3. Mission over Popularity The disciples chase Jesus to bring Him back to acclaim. Instead, He leads them outward. Pursuing Christ may result in leaving visible success for obedient obscurity (Acts 8:26-40). Pastoral and Missional Application • Pastors frequently feel pressed by urgent needs. Mark 1 invites them to pursue Christ in prayer before they pursue congregational expectations. Historical Reception Early church commentators caught the tension. Chrysostom noted that the disciples’ search—though sincere—betrayed an earthbound mindset, whereas Christ’s response lifted their vision to a universal proclamation. Medieval homilists used the text to exhort monks to balance contemplation and active ministry. Reformers saw in the verse a corrective to ecclesiastical complacency, urging continual outreach. Contemporary Reflection In an age of instant communication and relentless demand, the sense of “pursuing closely” describes ministry life more than ever. Mark 1:36 cautions that proximity to Christ is not measured by busyness but by responsiveness to His voice. When churches, families, and individuals chase after Jesus with reverent expectancy, they discover, as did the first disciples, that He is already charting the next step in the Father’s redemptive plan. Forms and Transliterations καταδίωκε καταδιώκει καταδιώκειν καταδιώκεις καταδιώκοντας καταδιώκοντες καταδιώκοντές καταδιωκόντων καταδιώκων καταδιώξαι καταδιώξατε καταδίωξατε καταδιώξει καταδιώξεις καταδιώξεται καταδιώξονται καταδιώξονταί καταδιώξω καταδολεσχήσει κατεδίωκεν κατεδίωκον κατεδιώξαν κατεδίωξαν κατεδίωξάν κατεδίωξας κατεδιωξεν κατεδίωξεν κατεδιώχθητε katedioxen katediōxen katedíoxen katedíōxenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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