### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **διατί (diatí)**, represented by `{{G1302}}`, is an interrogative term that asks "why?" or "for what reason?". It appears **27 times** across **26 unique verses** in the Bible. It is formed from two words meaning "through" `{{G1223}}` and "what" `{{G5101}}`, literally questioning "through what cause?". The term is consistently used to demand an explanation or to probe the underlying motives behind an action, belief, or state of being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G1302}}` is frequently used to challenge actions and traditions. The Pharisees and scribes use it to question Jesus and his followers, asking, "**Why** eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" [[Matthew 9:11]] and "**Why** do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?" [[Matthew 15:2]]. Jesus, in turn, uses the same word to challenge their hypocrisy, asking, "**Why** do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" [[Matthew 15:3]]. The term is also used in moments of personal doubt and inquiry, as when Peter asks Jesus, "Lord, **why** cannot I follow thee now?" [[John 13:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the concept of questioning and reasoning:
* `{{G1223}}` **diá** (through): As a component of **diatí**, this preposition denotes the channel or cause of an act. It is used to explain the means by which something occurs, such as salvation **through** `{{G1223}}` faith [[Ephesians 2:8]].
* `{{G5101}}` **tís** (who, which or what): This interrogative pronoun forms the "what" part of **diatí**. It is used to ask direct questions, such as when Jesus asks, "**Which** of you convinceth me of sin?" [[John 8:46]].
* `{{G1063}}` **gár** (for, because): This particle often provides the reason or explanation that answers a question posed by **diatí**. It assigns a cause, as in [[Romans 9:32]], where a question starting with **Wherefore** `{{G1302}}` is followed by an explanation beginning with **For** `{{G1063}}`.
* `{{G4159}}` **póthen** (whence): This interrogative word asks about the origin or source of something. It functions similarly to `{{G1302}}` by seeking a foundational cause, as when religious leaders ask about the baptism of John, "**whence** was it?" [[Matthew 21:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1302}}` is significant, as it often introduces critical moments of spiritual confrontation and revelation.
* **Revealing Unbelief:** The word is used to expose a hard heart or a refusal to believe. When the religious leaders reasoned among themselves about John's baptism, their fear of Jesus' counter-question, "**Why** did ye not then believe him?" [[Matthew 21:25]], revealed their lack of faith.
* **Contrasting Divine Command and Human Tradition:** Jesus employs `{{G1302}}` to draw a sharp distinction between God's authority and man-made rules. By asking "**Why** do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" [[Matthew 15:3]], he challenges the very foundation of the Pharisees' religious practice.
* **Exposing Spiritual Blindness:** Jesus uses the question "**Why** do ye not understand my speech?" to point directly to his listeners' inability to hear his word, highlighting a deeper spiritual condition that prevents them from accepting the truth [[John 8:43]].
* **Prompting Deeper Inquiry:** The word also serves as a catalyst for greater understanding. When the disciples asked Jesus, "**Why** speakest thou unto them in parables?" [[Matthew 13:10]], it led to a profound teaching about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1302}}` is far more than a simple interrogative. It is a powerful linguistic tool in Scripture used to challenge motives, expose unbelief, and distinguish divine truth from human invention. It forces characters—and the reader—to look beyond the surface of an action and consider the foundational cause or reason. Whether uttered by a skeptical Pharisee or by Christ himself, **diatí** consistently serves to probe the heart and reveal its true condition.
TRV