### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **diatríbō**, represented by `{{G1304}}`, means to remain, abide, continue, or tarry. Its base definition is to wear through time. It appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses**, typically describing the act of spending or passing a period of time in a specific location, often for a particular purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G1304}}` is used to mark periods of time spent by Jesus and the apostles in various places during their ministries. Jesus is described as having **tarried** with his disciples in Judaea [[John 3:22]]. After withdrawing from the public eye, he **continued** with his disciples in a city called Ephraim [[John 11:54]]. Similarly, the apostles' journeys are marked by these stays; Paul and Barnabas **continued** in Antioch, where they were teaching and preaching [[Acts 15:35]], and they **abode** for a long time with the disciples in another location [[Acts 14:28]]. The duration of the stay is sometimes specified, such as the seven days the apostles **abode** in Troas [[Acts 20:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the action of tarrying:
* `{{G1321}}` **didáskō** (to teach): This action is often the reason for tarrying. Paul and Barnabas **continued** `{{G1304}}` in Antioch for the purpose of **teaching** the word of the Lord [[Acts 15:35]].
* `{{G2097}}` **euangelízō** (to announce good news): Alongside teaching, preaching the gospel was a primary activity during these stays. In Antioch, Paul and Barnabas were **preaching** while they **continued** `{{G1304}}` there [[Acts 15:35]].
* `{{G2718}}` **katérchomai** (to come or go down): This word of movement often precedes the act of abiding. For example, Herod **went down** from Judaea to Caesarea, and there **abode** `{{G1304}}` [[Acts 12:19]].
* `{{G5550}}` **chrónos** (a space of time): This word is used to quantify the duration of the stay. In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas **abode** `{{G1304}}` for a "long **time**" [[Acts 14:3]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1304}}` highlights several key aspects of early Christian ministry:
* **Purposeful Presence:** Abiding in a place was rarely passive. It was directly linked to active ministry, such as when Paul and Barnabas **abode** for a long time, "speaking boldly in the Lord" [[Acts 14:3]].
* **Strategic Pauses:** The word often signifies a deliberate pause within a larger missionary journey. These stays in places like Philippi [[Acts 16:12]], Caesarea [[Acts 25:6]], and Troas [[Acts 20:6]] were not random stops but intentional periods of ministry and fellowship.
* **Discipleship and Fellowship:** The act of tarrying is consistently associated with being in community. Jesus **continued** "with his disciples" [[John 11:54]], and Paul and Barnabas **abode** "with the disciples" [[Acts 14:28]], underscoring the importance of time spent together.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1304}}` is more than a simple reference to staying in a place. It describes a deliberate and purposeful period of remaining, central to the advancement of the gospel. Whether for teaching, preaching, or fellowship, the act of tarrying was an essential component of the ministry of Jesus and his apostles, demonstrating the strategic importance of being present with people for a season.
TRV