διακονέω (diakoneō)
diakoneō
to serve
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diakoneō describes the practical act of serving others by meeting their physical needs, often through tasks like preparing food or providing care. In the New Testament, it frequently depicts women such as Mary and Martha attending to Jesus’ daily requirements (Luke 10:40; John 12:2), or angels ministering to Him after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). This usage highlights a humble, hands-on approach to helping those who are hungry, tired, or in need of support.
Jesus redefines this concept by stating that He came not to be served, but to serve (diakonēsas) and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). This statement transforms the word from a description of domestic duty into a model for leadership. Consequently, the term becomes the root for the noun used for the office of deacon, indicating that early Christian leaders were expected to manage practical matters so the apostles could focus on prayer and teaching (Acts 6:2).
While closely related to leitourgeō, which often implies public or official service, diakoneō retains a focus on personal assistance. It appears in contexts ranging from supplying necessities to the poor to the spiritual ministry of speaking God’s message (1 Peter 4:10). Translators typically render it as "serve" or "minister," preserving the sense of attentive, practical care for another person’s well-being.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diakoneō points to hands-on care for others, often in practical ways like preparing food or tending to physical needs. In the Gospels, women such as Martha and Mary served Jesus by meeting His daily requirements (Luke 10:40; John 12:2), while angels ministered to Him after His temptation (Matthew 4:11). This usage highlights a humble, attentive approach to helping those who are hungry, tired, or in need of support.
Jesus redefines this concept by stating that He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). This statement transforms the word from a description of domestic duty into a model for leadership. Consequently, the term becomes the root for the noun used for the office of deacon, indicating that early Christian leaders were expected to manage practical matters so the apostles could focus on prayer and teaching (Acts 6:2).
While closely related to leitourgeō, which often implies public or official service, diakoneō retains a focus on personal assistance. It appears in contexts ranging from supplying necessities to the poor to the spiritual ministry of speaking God’s message (1 Peter 4:10). Translators typically render it as "serve" or "minister," preserving the sense of attentive, practical care for another person’s well-being.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ministering3×
- were ministering2×
- to serve2×
- to be served2×
- they were ministering2×
- serving.2×
- was serving;1×
- was ministering1×
- to serve?1×
- to attend1×
- they were serving1×
- they should serve1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διηκόνουν5×
- διηκόνει3×
- διακονῶν.2×
- διακονῆσαι2×
- διακονῇ,2×
- διακονήσαντες2×
- διακονουμένῃ2×
- διακονηθῆναι2×
- διηκόνησεν,1×
- διηκόνει·1×
- διηκονήσαμέν1×
- διακόνει1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 10:45
For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus redefines leadership by stating He came not to be served but to serve, making this the foundational model for Christian ministry.
-
Luke 10:40
But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.”
Martha’s distraction with much serving illustrates how practical duties can sometimes become a source of anxiety rather than joy.
-
Acts 6:2
The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.
The apostles delegate this type of service to others, establishing the office of deacon to ensure both spiritual teaching and practical care are handled well.
-
Matthew 25:44
“Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn’t help you?’
This verse shows the serious consequence of failing to serve those in need, linking practical care directly to one's relationship with Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word diakoneō mean?
How is diakoneō different from leitourgeō?
Where does diakoneō appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (32 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.
Matthew 8:15He touched her hand, and the fever left her. So she got up and served him.
Matthew 20:28even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 25:44“Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick,…
Matthew 27:55Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.