neuter of a compound of διά and a derivative of an alternate of φέρω; carried through, i.e. (adverbially with εἰς and ὁ prefixed) perpetually:--+ continually, for ever.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **διηνεκής (diēnekḗs)**, represented by `{{G1336}}`, is a term meaning **carried through**, which is used adverbially to signify something done **perpetually**, **continually**, or **for ever**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, all within the book of Hebrews. This word is central to contrasting the temporary rituals of the Old Covenant with the eternal effectiveness of Christ's work.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Hebrews, `{{G1336}}` is used to draw a sharp contrast between the old and new covenants. The Mosaic **law** `{{G3551}}`, with its sacrifices offered "year by year **continually**," was a **shadow** `{{G4639}}` that could never make worshipers **perfect** `{{G5048}}` [[Hebrews 10:1]]. In stark opposition, Christ's single **sacrifice** `{{G2378}}` for **sins** `{{G266}}` was offered **for ever** [[Hebrews 10:12]]. This one act has perfected **for ever** those who are **sanctified** `{{G37}}` [[Hebrews 10:14]]. The term also describes the nature of Christ's priesthood which, like that of Melchizedek, "abideth a **priest** `{{G2409}}` **continually**" [[Hebrews 7:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the perpetual nature of Christ's work:
* `{{G5048}}` **teleióō** (to complete, make perfect): This verb highlights a key distinction. The old system could never **make perfect** `{{G5048}}` the worshipers [[Hebrews 10:1]], whereas Christ's single offering has **perfected** them for ever [[Hebrews 10:14]].
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): The continual nature of the Old Testament **sacrifices** `{{G2378}}` demonstrated their ultimate insufficiency [[Hebrews 10:1]]. Christ, however, offered one **sacrifice** that was effective for all time [[Hebrews 10:12]].
* `{{G2409}}` **hiereús** (priest): This word establishes the unending nature of Christ's role. Unlike the Levitical priests, the Son of God is a **priest** `{{G2409}}` who abides continually [[Hebrews 7:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1336}}` is significant in establishing the finality of Christ's work.
* **Insufficiency of the Law:** The sacrifices of the law were offered **continually** because they were unable to permanently perfect the people. Their repetition was a constant reminder of their own limitation [[Hebrews 10:1]].
* **Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice:** Christ's "one **offering** `{{G4376}}`" accomplishes what endless sacrifices could not. It perfects the sanctified **for ever** [[Hebrews 10:14]], ending the need for any further sacrifice for sins.
* **Eternal Priesthood:** The description of a **priest** `{{G2409}}` who abides **continually** [[Hebrews 7:3]] affirms the unending nature of Christ's intercession. After His offering, He "**sat down** `{{G2523}}` on the **right hand** `{{G1188}}` of God," showing His work is finished and perpetually effective [[Hebrews 10:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1336}}` is a pivotal term for understanding the superiority of the New Covenant as argued in the book of Hebrews. It distinguishes between the repetitive, "continually" offered sacrifices of the law that could not perfect, and the singular, "for ever" effective sacrifice of Christ. The word solidifies the theological truths of the finality of Christ's atonement and the eternal nature of his priesthood, showing how His one offering accomplished what an endless cycle of previous offerings never could.
TRV