διάγω (diagō)
diagō
to live
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diagō means to live or to spend time, describing the manner in which one passes through life. Derived from dia ("through") and agō ("to lead"), it literally suggests leading one’s life through a period or space. In the New Testament, it is rare, appearing only twice, both times in the Pastoral Epistles of Paul.
Its usage highlights how believers conduct themselves within their earthly existence. In 1 Timothy 2:2, Paul prays that Christians may "live quiet and peaceable lives" in all godliness and gravity. Similarly, in Titus 3:3, he reminds readers that they once lived in folly, but now are called to a different way of being. The word emphasizes the active passage of time and the character displayed during it.
Translators often render diagō as "live" or "lead a life," capturing its sense of ongoing conduct. It is not merely about biological existence but about the quality and direction of one’s days. This term invites reflection on how time is spent and what manner of life is chosen in relation to God and others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diagō invites us to look closely at how we spend our days. It comes from roots meaning 'through' and 'lead,' suggesting that life is a journey we actively guide rather than something that simply happens to us. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both in letters written by Paul to young leaders. He uses it to describe the quality of our daily conduct, not just our biological existence.
In 1 Timothy 2:2, Paul prays for believers to live a tranquil and quiet life. This is not about isolation, but about a steady, godly presence in the world. It encourages us to find peace in our routines and interactions, allowing reverence for God to shape our ordinary moments. When we lead our lives with this kind of calm integrity, we reflect Christ’s character to those around us.
Conversely, Titus 3:3 reminds us that before knowing God, we lived in folly and malice. This contrast highlights the transformative power of grace. We are not bound by our past patterns but are called to a new way of being. By entrusting our daily path to God, we can move from chaos to peace, letting His love direct our steps forward.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we may lead1×
- living,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διάγωμεν1×
- διάγοντες,1×
Key Verses
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I Timothy 2:2
for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.
This verse shows the word used in a prayer for believers to conduct their daily lives with tranquility and godliness amidst political authority.
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Titus 3:3
For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Here the word describes the former state of the Titus readers, highlighting how they lived in malice and envy before encountering God's grace.