### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διανυκτερεύω (dianyktereúō, `{{G1273}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition διά (dia, `{{G1223}}`), meaning "through" or "throughout," and a derivative of νύξ (nyx, `{{G3571}}`), meaning "night." The core meaning of διανυκτερεύω is "to spend the entire night" or "to continue all night." It denotes an action or state that persists uninterruptedly through the darkness hours, emphasizing completion or full duration. Unlike simply being awake at night, this term implies a sustained engagement in an activity from evening until morning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
διανυκτερεύω (dianyktereúō, `{{G1273}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 6:12]]**: "Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
This singular occurrence is profoundly significant. The context immediately precedes Jesus' selection of the twelve apostles. Luke emphasizes Jesus' intentional withdrawal to a mountain for prayer, and the use of διανυκτερεύω highlights the intensity and duration of this communion with God. It was not a brief prayer, but an entire night spent in supplication and fellowship with the Father, underscoring the gravity of the decision to be made and Jesus' utter dependence on divine wisdom and guidance. This act of "continuing all night in prayer" sets a powerful example of spiritual discipline and devotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of διανυκτερεύω (dianyktereúō, `{{G1273}}`) includes several related terms and concepts that illuminate its meaning and significance:
* **νύξ (nyx, `{{G3571}}`)**: The foundational word for "night," from which διανυκτερεύω derives its temporal aspect.
* **προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai, `{{G4336}}`)**: To pray, which is the specific activity Jesus engaged in throughout the night in [[Luke 6:12]].
* **προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō, `{{G4342}}`)**: To persevere, to continue steadfastly, often in prayer or devotion (e.g., [[Acts 1:14]]; [[Acts 2:42]]). While διανυκτερεύω specifies the *duration* (all night), προσκαρτερέω emphasizes the *steadfastness* of the activity.
* **ἀγρυπνέω (agrypneō, `{{G610}}`)**: To be sleepless, watchful, or alert. This term focuses on the state of wakefulness, whereas διανυκτερεύω specifies the full extent of that wakefulness through the night for a particular purpose.
* The broader concept of *vigil* or *watchfulness* in spiritual discipline, often associated with prayer and anticipation of divine action.
### Theological Significance
The sole use of διανυκτερεύω (dianyktereúō, `{{G1273}}`) in [[Luke 6:12]] carries immense theological weight. It reveals a crucial aspect of Jesus' prayer life and provides a model for believers:
1. **Divine Dependence:** Jesus, though divine, consistently modeled complete reliance on the Father. His all-night prayer before choosing the apostles underscores that even the Son of God sought divine counsel and strength for critical decisions.
2. **Intensity of Prayer:** The word conveys the earnestness and depth of Jesus' communion with God. It was not a casual or brief engagement but a sustained, dedicated period of seeking God's will.
3. **Preparation for Ministry:** This intense prayer precedes a foundational act of ministry – the commissioning of the twelve. It suggests that significant spiritual undertakings are best initiated through profound, dedicated prayer.
4. **Example for Discipleship:** Jesus' example challenges believers to consider the quality and duration of their own prayer lives, especially when facing momentous choices or embarking on important work for the Kingdom. It calls for a level of commitment that transcends convenience.
5. **Reverence and Humility:** The act of spending an entire night in prayer to God demonstrates profound reverence and humility before the Almighty, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of wisdom and power.
### Summary
διανυκτερεύω (dianyktereúō, `{{G1273}}`) is a rare but potent Greek verb meaning "to spend the entire night" or "to continue all night." Its singular appearance in [[Luke 6:12]] describes Jesus' all-night prayer to God before selecting His twelve apostles. This specific usage highlights Jesus' profound dependence on the Father, the intensity of His prayer life, and the critical importance of sustained spiritual communion when facing significant decisions or embarking on foundational ministry. The word serves as a powerful testament to the necessity of dedicated, unreserved prayer as a model for all who seek to follow Christ.
TRV