Lexical Summary diógmos: Persecution Original Word: διωγμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance persecution. From dioko; persecution -- persecution. see GREEK dioko HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1375 diōgmós (from 1377 /diṓkō, "follow, pursue") – properly, pursuit (chase); persecution – literally, "the hunt to bring someone down like an animal," trying to suppress (punish) their convictions. See 1377 (diōkō). 1375 /diōgmós ("religious persecution") literally refers to those seeking to punish God's messengers with a vengeance – like a hunter trying to conquer (obliterate) someone as their "catch." [1375 (diōgmós) is used in ancient and biblical Greek for persecution (hostility) shown by confused, spiritual "leaders." For example, it applies to the Roman Emperor, Decius ( NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom diókó Definition persecution NASB Translation persecution (5), persecutions (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1375: διωγμόςδιωγμός, διωγμοῦ, ὁ (διώκω), persecution: Matthew 13:21; Mark 4:17; Mark 10:30; Acts 8:1; Acts 13:50; Romans 8:35; plural, 2 Corinthians 12:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:11 (from Aeschylus down). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope The word describes the hostile pursuit of believers because they follow Jesus Christ. It spans verbal harassment, social exclusion, confiscation of property, imprisonment, and martyrdom. Scripture treats such opposition not as an anomaly but as a predictable consequence of fidelity to the gospel. Occurrences and Contexts in the New Testament Matthew 13:21 and Mark 4:17 place persecution among the first obstacles confronting new converts. In Mark 10:30 it is listed alongside divine blessings, showing that suffering and reward coexist in Christian discipleship. Acts records two outbreaks (Acts 8:1; Acts 13:50) that scattered or expelled believers. The Pauline writings cite persecution as both a present hardship (Romans 8:35; 2 Corinthians 12:10) and a proof of steadfast faith (2 Thessalonians 1:4). Paul recalls specific events at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra (2 Timothy 3:11). In every setting the word highlights intentional aggression against the people of God. Teaching of Jesus on Persecution 1. Predicted reality: “When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away” (Mark 4:17). Apostolic Testimony and Theological Emphasis Paul’s catalog of hardships culminates with persecution: “I delight in … persecutions” (2 Corinthians 12:10). The Thessalonian church becomes “an example” amid “persecutions” (2 Thessalonians 1:4), demonstrating that endurance glorifies God. Romans 8:35 assures believers that persecution cannot sever them from Christ’s love, linking suffering to the larger theme of inseparable salvation. Timothy learns that persecution is neither random nor final: “those persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from them all” (2 Timothy 3:11). Persecution in the Spread of the Gospel Acts 8:1 notes, “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem,” driving disciples into Judea and Samaria and thereby fulfilling Acts 1:8. Later, expulsion from Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:50) propels Paul toward wider Gentile mission. Opposition, paradoxically, becomes an instrument for geographic and ethnic expansion of the gospel. Promises and Encouragement for the Persecuted • Present help: “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Such assurances anchor the church’s hope, reminding believers that suffering is temporary, purposeful, and bounded by God’s sovereign care. Historical Witness of the Church From Stephen’s martyrdom to contemporary situations, the church’s account is marked by persecution. Early Roman edicts, medieval restrictions, and modern totalitarian regimes confirm the continuing relevance of the New Testament pattern. The endurance of saints, often sealed with blood, authenticates the gospel’s power and calls each generation to similar faithfulness. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Discipleship training must include realistic preparation for hostility. Relationship to Eschatology Persecution intensifies as the day of Christ approaches (compare Matthew 24:9–14). It functions as a sign of the last days, refines the church, and sets the stage for final vindication when the righteous “will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). Summary Throughout the New Testament, διωγμός underscores the paradox that the church flourishes under fire. Persecution cannot obstruct God’s purposes; instead, it exposes counterfeit faith, matures true disciples, accelerates gospel proclamation, and magnifies the sufficiency of Christ. Forms and Transliterations διωγμοις διωγμοίς διωγμοῖς διωγμον διωγμόν διωγμὸν διωγμος διωγμός διωγμὸς διωγμου διωγμού διωγμοῦ διωγμους διωγμούς διωγμοὺς διωγμων διωγμών διωγμῶν διωθείσθε diogmois diogmoîs diōgmois diōgmoîs diogmon diogmòn diogmôn diōgmon diōgmòn diōgmōn diōgmō̂n diogmos diogmòs diōgmos diōgmòs diogmou diogmoû diōgmou diōgmoû diogmous diogmoùs diōgmous diōgmoùsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 13:21 N-GMSGRK: θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ διὰ τὸν NAS: or persecution arises KJV: or persecution ariseth INT: tribulation or persecution on account of the Mark 4:17 N-GMS Mark 10:30 N-GMP Acts 8:1 N-NMS Acts 13:50 N-AMS Romans 8:35 N-NMS 2 Corinthians 12:10 N-DMP 2 Thessalonians 1:4 N-DMP 2 Timothy 3:11 N-DMP 2 Timothy 3:11 N-AMP Strong's Greek 1375 |