### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διηγέομαι (diēgéomai `{{G1334}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia `{{G1223}}`), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verb ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai `{{G2233}}`), which can mean "to lead," "to consider," or "to relate/recount." The combination of these elements yields a core meaning of "to lead through a narrative," or more specifically, "to relate fully," "to recount in detail," or "to describe comprehensively."
Unlike more general verbs for speaking (e.g., λέγω `{{G3004}}` or λαλέω `{{G2980}}`), διηγέομαι carries the nuance of a complete and sequential narration, often implying an eyewitness account or a thorough understanding of the events being described. Its semantic range includes declaring, showing, telling, and recounting, always with an emphasis on the fullness of the report. It suggests a structured and detailed presentation of facts or experiences, rather than a mere utterance or brief mention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διηγέομαι appears eight times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, underscoring its role in conveying significant historical and theological narratives.
1. **[[Mark 5:16]]**: After Jesus casts out the legion of demons into the swine, those who witnessed it "told" (διηγήσαντο) the people arriving from the city and countryside "how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and concerning the swine." Here, διηγέομαι emphasizes a full, eyewitness report of the miraculous event and its aftermath.
2. **[[Luke 8:39]]**: Jesus commands the healed Gerasene demoniac, "Return to thine own house, and shew (διηγοῦ) how great things God hath done unto thee." The man then "published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him." This highlights the comprehensive declaration of divine action, serving as a powerful testimony.
3. **[[Luke 9:10]]**: Upon their return, the apostles "told" (διηγήσαντο) Jesus "all that they had done." This refers to their detailed account of their missionary activities, including their preaching and healing.
4. **[[Acts 8:33]]**: Quoting Isaiah 53:8 concerning the Suffering Servant, "In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare (διηγήσεται) his generation?" This rhetorical question implies that no one can fully recount or describe the unique nature and destiny of the Messiah.
5. **[[Acts 9:27]]**: Barnabas "declared" (διηγήσατο) to the apostles in Jerusalem "how he [Saul] had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus." This is a crucial, detailed account of Paul's conversion and initial ministry, serving to validate his transformation to the skeptical apostles.
6. **[[Acts 12:17]]**: After his miraculous release from prison, Peter "declared" (διηγήσατο) to the gathered believers "how the Lord had brought him out of the prison." Again, διηγέομαι underscores a full, personal testimony of divine intervention.
7. **[[Acts 15:12]]**: During the Jerusalem Council, Barnabas and Paul "declaring" (ἐξηγούμενων, a cognate form of διηγέομαι with similar meaning, often used interchangeably in Koine) "what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them." Their detailed report of God's work among the Gentiles was pivotal in the council's decision regarding Gentile inclusion.
8. **[[Hebrews 11:32]]**: The author states, "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell (διηγούμενον) of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets." Here, διηγέομαι refers to the comprehensive recounting of the faith stories of Old Testament heroes, emphasizing the vastness and richness of their testimonies.
In each instance, διηγέομαι signifies more than simple communication; it denotes a thorough, often narrative, recounting of events, especially those demonstrating divine power, personal transformation, or significant historical moments. The contexts consistently highlight the importance of the full disclosure of facts and experiences.
### Related Words & Concepts
διηγέομαι shares semantic space with several other Greek verbs related to speaking and telling, but maintains its distinct emphasis on comprehensive narration:
* λέγω (legō `{{G3004}}`): A general verb for "to say" or "to speak," often without emphasis on the content's detail or narrative form.
* λαλέω (laleō `{{G2980}}`): "To speak," often focusing on the act of uttering sounds or engaging in conversation.
* ἀναγγέλλω (anangellō `{{G312}}`): "To report" or "to announce back," often conveying news or a message. While it can imply detail, it doesn't carry the same strong sense of a full narrative as διηγέομαι.
* εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō `{{G2097}}`): "To preach good news," specifically referring to the proclamation of the Gospel.
* κηρύσσω (kērussō `{{G2784}}`): "To proclaim" or "to preach" like a herald, emphasizing public declaration.
* ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō `{{G518}}`): "To report," "to bring tidings," similar to ἀναγγέλλω.
* ἐξηγέομαι (exēgeomai `{{G1834}}`): "To explain," "to expound," or "to relate in detail." This word is very close in meaning to διηγέομαι and is sometimes used interchangeably in ancient Greek, as seen in [[Acts 15:12]]. It emphasizes a full unfolding or exposition.
The distinctiveness of διηγέομαι lies in its consistent application to situations requiring a complete, often sequential, and truthful recounting of events, particularly those that are significant or miraculous. It is the language of testimony, historical record, and comprehensive storytelling.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of διηγέομαι in the New Testament carries profound theological significance.
1. **Veracity and Testimony**: The word underscores the importance of accurate and detailed testimony, especially concerning divine acts. When individuals "declare" or "show" what God has done ([[Luke 8:39]], [[Acts 12:17]]), it is not a vague statement but a full recounting, lending credibility and power to the witness. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on reliable witness and the truthfulness of God's revelation.
2. **Proclamation of God's Mighty Deeds**: Many occurrences relate to recounting "how great things God hath done" ([[Luke 8:39]]) or "what miracles and wonders God had wrought" ([[Acts 15:12]]). This highlights the narrative nature of God's redemptive work in history. The recounting of these deeds is central to evangelism and the building up of the church, as it reveals God's character and power.
3. **The Narrative of Salvation History**: The Bible itself, particularly the Gospels and Acts, functions as a grand διηγέομαι—a full and detailed account of God's interaction with humanity, culminating in Christ. The authors are "relating fully" the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and the subsequent acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles.
4. **Edification and Faith**: Hearing a full account of God's work, whether in the life of an individual or in the broader history of the church, builds faith and encourages believers. The "telling" of the faith heroes in [[Hebrews 11:32]] serves to inspire perseverance.
5. **The Importance of Sharing Personal Experience**: The command to the healed demoniac to "shew how great things God hath done unto thee" ([[Luke 8:39]]) elevates personal testimony to a divine imperative. It suggests that our experiences of God's grace are not merely private, but are meant to be fully recounted for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
### Summary
διηγέομαι (diēgéomai `{{G1334}}`) is a potent Greek verb signifying the act of recounting, declaring, or telling something in a full, detailed, and comprehensive manner. Derived from διά (through, thoroughly) and ἡγέομαι (to lead, to relate), it emphasizes a thorough narration, often of significant events or experiences. In the New Testament, its usage consistently points to the importance of accurate and complete testimony, particularly concerning the mighty works of God, personal encounters with divine power, and the unfolding of salvation history. It underscores the value of detailed accounts for building faith, confirming truth, and proclaiming the Gospel, reflecting the biblical commitment to a truthful and comprehensive revelation of God's character and deeds.
TRV