### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun διήγεσις (diḗgesis, `{{G1335}}`) is derived from the verb διηγέομαι (diēgeomai, `{{G1334}}`), meaning "to lead through," "to narrate fully," "to recount in detail," or "to describe." Consequently, διήγεσις itself signifies a "narration," "recital," "account," or "detailed report." It implies a comprehensive and often sequential unfolding of events or facts, suggesting a full and complete telling rather than a mere statement. The emphasis is on an orderly and thorough presentation of information.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διήγεσις (diḗgesis, `{{G1335}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the opening verse of Luke's Gospel:
* [[Luke 1:1]] "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration [διήγεσιν] of those things which are most surely believed among us."
In this foundational verse, Luke introduces his purpose for writing. He acknowledges that "many" others have attempted to compile an account (διήγεσις) of the events surrounding Jesus Christ. Luke's use of this word here is highly significant. It suggests that these prior works, and by extension his own Gospel, are intended to be orderly, detailed, and comprehensive accounts of the historical realities of Christ's life, ministry, death, and resurrection. This choice of word underscores the historical and factual grounding upon which the Christian faith is built, presenting the Gospel not as myth or legend, but as a verifiable and reliable record of events.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verb from which διήγεσις is derived:
* διηγέομαι (diēgeomai, `{{G1334}}`): This verb means "to narrate fully" or "to recount." It is used in the New Testament to describe the detailed telling of events, such as Jesus recounting the parable of the sower ([[Mark 5:16]], [[Luke 8:39]]), or Peter recounting his vision to the apostles ([[Acts 11:4]], though not explicit in the provided Strong's, it is related to the concept of detailed narration). Other occurrences include [[Luke 9:10]], [[Acts 8:33]], [[Acts 9:27]], [[Acts 12:17]], and [[Acts 15:12]], consistently conveying the sense of a thorough and detailed recounting.
Other Greek words related to "telling" or "speaking" include:
* λόγος (logos, `{{G3056}}`): "word," "discourse," "account." This term is much broader and can refer to a simple statement or a complex philosophical treatise.
* ἀγγελία (angelia, `{{G32}}`): "message," "report." This focuses more on the content of a message being delivered.
* ἀπόδειξις (apodeixis, `{{G585}}`): "demonstration," "proof." This implies a showing or proving rather than simply telling.
* παράδοσις (paradosis, `{{G3862}}`): "tradition," "what is handed down." While it can involve a narrative, its emphasis is on the act of transmission or the body of handed-down teaching.
The distinctiveness of διήγεσις lies in its emphasis on an orderly, detailed, and comprehensive presentation of facts or events, setting it apart from more general terms for communication or simple statements.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of διήγεσις in [[Luke 1:1]] holds profound theological weight for understanding the nature and authority of the Gospel accounts. Luke's deliberate choice of this term underscores the historical and factual bedrock of the Christian faith. It asserts that the events surrounding Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were not mythical narratives or abstract philosophical concepts, but concrete, verifiable occurrences in human history. The Gospel is presented as a reliable, orderly, and comprehensive report of "those things which are most surely believed among us," indicating a body of truth based on historical reality and eyewitness testimony.
This highlights the critical importance of accurate historical testimony in the transmission of divine truth. The Christian message is not founded on subjective experience or speculative thought alone, but on God's decisive interventions in time and space through the person of Jesus Christ. Luke's intention to provide a more "orderly" and "accurate" διήγεσις for Theophilus (and by extension, for all readers) aims to assure the certainty and reliability of the truths being taught. It grounds faith in objective, historical events, providing a firm foundation for belief.
### Summary
διήγεσις (diḗgesis, `{{G1335}}`) is a Greek noun signifying a detailed, orderly, and comprehensive narration or recital. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament, at [[Luke 1:1]], is highly significant. Here, Luke uses it to describe the "declaration" or "account" of the events concerning Jesus Christ, emphasizing the historical veracity and factual basis of the Gospel message. This term affirms that the Christian faith is rooted not in myth or legend, but in a reliable and structured recounting of God's actions in human history. It underscores the importance of accurate testimony and the objective nature of the events upon which Christian faith is founded, providing certainty for all who believe.
TRV