a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb (to flee; compare the base of δειλός and διάκονος); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute:--ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διώκω (diṓkō, `{{G1377}}`) carries a rich and dynamic semantic range, rooted in the core concept of "pursuit." Its etymological connection, as noted in the base definition, traces back to a primary verb meaning "to flee," suggesting an intense, directed movement, whether away from something or, more commonly, *towards* something.
Fundamentally, διώκω signifies to follow, chase, or pursue, often with a sense of urgency or determination. This pursuit can manifest in several ways:
1. **Literal Pursuit:** To chase or run after someone or something, as in a hunt or pursuit of an enemy.
2. **Figurative Pursuit (Positive):** To eagerly strive for, press on toward, or diligently seek after a goal, virtue, or spiritual state. This implies intentional effort and focused ambition.
3. **Figurative Pursuit (Negative/Hostile):** To harass, oppress, or persecute. In this sense, the "pursuit" is malevolent, aiming to harm, afflict, or suppress. This is a common and significant usage in the New Testament.
The context is crucial for discerning the precise nuance of διώκω, as it can denote both the highest forms of Christian striving and the most severe forms of suffering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
διώκω appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
In its positive sense, διώκω describes the active, intentional pursuit of virtues and spiritual goals:
* Paul exhorts believers to "pursue peace with everyone, and holiness" ([[Hebrews 12:14]]), echoing the call in [[Romans 14:19]] to "pursue what makes for peace." This is not passive desire but active engagement.
* In his pastoral advice, Paul encourages Timothy to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness" ([[1 Timothy 6:11]]). Here, διώκω signifies a diligent, ongoing effort to embody these divine characteristics.
* Perhaps most famously, Paul uses διώκω to describe his own spiritual journey: "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on [διώκω] to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own... I press on [διώκω] toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" ([[Philippians 3:12-14]]). This vividly portrays the Christian life as a purposeful race, a focused striving towards Christlikeness and the ultimate eschatological hope.
Conversely, διώκω is widely used to describe hostile persecution:
* Jesus warned His disciples that they would be "persecuted [διώκω]" for His name's sake ([[Matthew 5:10-12]], [[John 15:20]]). This highlights persecution as an expected mark of true discipleship.
* The Apostle Paul himself, prior to his conversion, was a zealous persecutor of the church, "persecuting [διώκω] the church of God violently" ([[Galatians 1:13]]; cf. [[Acts 9:4-5]], [[Philippians 3:6]]). His encounter with the risen Christ transformed him from one who διώκω the church to one who was διώκω *for* Christ.
* Believers are consistently depicted as those who suffer διώκω ([[Romans 12:14]], [[1 Corinthians 4:12]], [[2 Timothy 3:12]]). This underscores the reality that following Christ often entails opposition from the world.
The contextual analysis reveals διώκω as a verb of intense, directed action, whether for good or ill.
### Related Words & Concepts
διώκω exists within a semantic field of words related to effort, suffering, and purpose.
* **Words of striving/effort:**
* σπουδάζω (spoudazō, `{{G4704}}`): To make haste, be diligent, eager. Similar in conveying earnest effort.
* ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnizomai, `{{G75}}`): To contend, struggle, fight. Implies a more strenuous, often adversarial, effort.
* καταρτίζω (katartizō, `{{G2722}}`): To complete, perfect, equip. While not a direct synonym, the pursuit of perfection (διώκω) is often the aim of καταρτίζω.
* **Words of suffering/persecution:**
* θλῖψις (thlipsis, `{{G2346}}`): Tribulation, affliction, distress. Often the *result* of διώκω.
* πάσχω (paschō, `{{G3958}}`): To suffer, endure. This verb describes the experience of being διώκω.
* ἐκδιώκω (ekdiōkō, `{{G1632}}`): To drive out, expel, persecute fully. An intensified form of διώκω.
* **Conceptual Links:**
* **Righteousness and Holiness:** The objects of positive pursuit.
* **Discipleship:** The active commitment to follow Christ, which involves both striving and suffering.
* **Endurance (ὑπομονή, hypomonē, `{{G5281}}`):** Necessary for those who are διώκω and for those who διώκω after spiritual goals.
* **The Cost of Discipleship:** The reality that following Christ entails opposition and suffering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διώκω is profound, encapsulating fundamental aspects of the Christian life:
1. **The Active Nature of Faith:** διώκω underscores that Christian faith is not passive. It demands active, deliberate, and sustained pursuit of God, His righteousness, and His will. This pursuit is a hallmark of spiritual vitality and growth, reflecting a heart passionately devoted to Christ. It challenges believers to be proactive in their spiritual disciplines and ethical conduct.
2. **The Reality of Persecution:** The frequent use of διώκω to describe persecution highlights a core theological truth: suffering for Christ is not an anomaly but an expected part of the Christian experience. It authenticates one's faith, aligning believers with Christ's own suffering and fulfilling His prophetic warnings. This suffering is not a sign of God's disfavor but often a testament to faithfulness in a hostile world.
3. **Transformation and Reorientation:** The dramatic example of Paul, who transitioned from being a zealous persecutor of the church to being intensely persecuted for the sake of Christ, profoundly illustrates divine grace and the transformative power of the gospel. His life became a living embodiment of διώκω in both its negative and positive senses, demonstrating how God reorients human zeal towards His purposes. His "pressing on" ([[Philippians 3:12-14]]) is a direct consequence of his conversion, redirecting his former persecuting zeal into fervent pursuit of Christ.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** The "pressing on toward the goal" ([[Philippians 3:14]]) imbues διώκω with an eschatological dimension. The Christian life is a journey with a definite end—the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This forward momentum, despite obstacles and suffering, is fueled by the ultimate hope of glorification and union with Christ.
### Summary
διώκω (diṓkō, `{{G1377}}`) is a powerful Greek verb that encapsulates both the fervent, intentional striving of the Christian life and the harsh reality of persecution endured by believers. Its core meaning of "pursuit" branches into two significant theological streams:
First, it denotes the active, diligent pursuit of spiritual virtues, righteousness, peace, and Christlikeness. This highlights the dynamic and purposeful nature of discipleship, urging believers to press on with determination toward the ultimate goal of knowing Christ more fully.
Second, διώκω frequently describes the hostile pursuit, harassment, and oppression faced by those who follow Christ. This usage underscores the inevitability of suffering for righteousness' sake, aligning believers with the experiences of Christ and the apostles.
Thus, διώκω is a verb of profound significance, painting a vivid picture of the Christian journey as one marked by both strenuous spiritual exertion and resolute endurance in the face of tribulation, all for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
TRV