from διά and τίς; through what cause ?, i.e. why?:--wherefore, why.
Transliteration:diatí
Pronunciation:dee-at-ee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διατί (diatí), Strong's number `{{G1302}}`, is an interrogative adverb formed from the preposition διά (diá, `{{G1223}}`), meaning "through" or "on account of," and the interrogative pronoun τίς (tis, `{{G5101}}`), meaning "who," "what," or "which." Its literal sense is "through what?" or "on account of what reason?" This construction directly yields its primary meaning: "why?" or "wherefore?"
Semantically, διατί probes the cause, reason, or purpose behind an action, event, or state. It is a direct inquiry into the underlying motivation or explanation. While primarily a straightforward question, its usage in various contexts can convey nuances such as bewilderment, challenge, accusation, or a genuine desire for understanding. It seeks to uncover the rationale or justification for something observed or stated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διατί appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, often in direct speech where questions are posed. Its usage illuminates the dynamics of interaction between speakers, revealing their understanding, confusion, or intent.
In the Gospels, Jesus often uses διατί to challenge assumptions or to lead His disciples to deeper insight. For instance, in [[Matthew 8:26]], when His disciples are terrified during a storm, Jesus asks, "διατί φοβεροί ἐστε, ὀλιγόπιστοι;" ("Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?"). Here, διατί exposes their lack of trust in His presence and power. Similarly, when asked by His disciples, "διατί ἐν παραβολαῖς λαλεῖς αὐτοῖς;" ("Why do you speak to them in parables?") in [[Matthew 13:10]], Jesus' answer elaborates on the spiritual receptivity of His audience, revealing a divine purpose behind His teaching method.
Conversely, others use διατί to question Jesus' actions or teachings. The Pharisees and scribes repeatedly ask, "διατί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν;" ("Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?") in [[Matthew 9:11]]. This question, laden with criticism, highlights their rigid adherence to tradition versus Jesus' radical compassion.
In the book of Acts, διατί frequently marks moments of divine confrontation or human accountability. Peter asks Ananias in [[Acts 5:3]], "Ἀνανία, διατί ἐπλήρωσεν ὁ Σατανᾶς τὴν καρδίαν σου ψεύσασθαί σε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον;" ("Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?"). Here, διατί is a direct challenge, exposing the spiritual gravity of Ananias's deception. In [[Acts 19:32]], the crowd's confusion is evident as "ἄλλοι ἄλλο τι ἔκραζον· ἦν γὰρ ἡ ἐκκλησία συγκεχυμένη, καὶ οἱ πλείονες οὐκ ᾔδεισαν διατί συνελθόντες ἦσαν." ("some were shouting one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together."). This illustrates the human desire for understanding the cause of events.
### Related Words & Concepts
The interrogative nature of διατί connects it to other Greek interrogative particles and phrases that seek to understand cause, manner, or purpose.
* **διά** (diá, `{{G1223}}`): The preposition "through" or "on account of," which forms the basis of διατί, is crucial for understanding its causal emphasis.
* **τίς** (tis, `{{G5101}}`): The interrogative pronoun "who," "what," "which," provides the object of the inquiry.
* **ἵνα τί** (hína tí, `{{G2443}}` `{{G5101}}`): This phrase, meaning "for what purpose?" or "why?", is closely related but often carries a stronger teleological (purpose-oriented) nuance than διατί, which can be more broadly causal. For example, [[Matthew 27:46]] uses ἵνα τί in Jesus' cry from the cross, "Θεέ μου Θεέ μου, ἵνα τί με ἐγκατέλιπες;" ("My God, my God, for what purpose have you forsaken me?").
* **διό** (dió, `{{G1352}}`): While not an interrogative, this conjunction meaning "wherefore" or "therefore" signals a conclusion based on a preceding reason, demonstrating the other side of the cause-and-effect relationship that διατί probes.
Conceptually, διατί engages with themes of divine wisdom, human agency, the problem of evil, and the nature of faith. The "why" question is fundamental to human inquiry into God's ways and the meaning of existence.
### Theological Significance
The frequent appearance of διατί in the biblical text underscores the human propensity to seek understanding and explanation, especially in the face of the divine. The question "why?" is not inherently negative; it can be a sincere cry for knowledge, a challenge to injustice, or an expression of profound spiritual struggle.
When Jesus asks "διατί," He often does so to expose spiritual blindness, to call for deeper faith, or to reveal hidden motives. His "why" questions are pedagogical, designed to lead His listeners from superficial understanding to profound truth. For example, His repeated question "διατί μεριμνᾶτε;" ("Why are you anxious?") in [[Matthew 6:28]] serves to highlight the folly of worry in light of God's providential care.
Conversely, human questions of "διατί" directed at God or His representatives often reflect a struggle with God's sovereignty, a lack of faith, or a misunderstanding of divine purpose. The disciples' questions about Jesus' parables or their fear in the storm reveal their limited grasp of His identity and mission. The questioning of Jesus by His adversaries exposes their unbelief and resistance to divine truth.
Ultimately, διατί highlights the tension between human comprehension and divine mystery. While some "why" questions find clear answers in Scripture, others lead to a call for trust in God's inscrutable wisdom, as seen in passages like [[Romans 11:33-36]], which speaks of the unsearchable judgments and uninvestigable ways of God. The "why" question, therefore, serves as a crucial point of encounter between human reason and divine revelation.
### Summary
διατί (diatí, `{{G1302}}`) is a foundational Greek interrogative adverb meaning "why?" or "wherefore," formed from διά (diá, `{{G1223}}`) and τίς (tis, `{{G5101}}`). It fundamentally seeks to uncover the cause, reason, or purpose behind an action or event. In the New Testament, its usage is pivotal in dialogue, revealing the speaker's intent, understanding, or lack thereof. Jesus frequently employs διατί to teach, challenge, and expose spiritual realities, while others use it to question His authority or actions. Theologically, διατί illuminates the human search for meaning in the face of divine truth, highlighting moments of inquiry, doubt, and the ultimate call to faith in God's sovereign and often mysterious plan. It remains a potent word for understanding the dynamics of spiritual inquiry and revelation.
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