διακονία (diakonia)
diakonia
service
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun diakonia describes the act of serving or the ministry itself, rooted in the role of a servant who attends to the needs of others. In everyday usage, it refers to practical tasks like preparing food, as seen when Martha busied herself with household duties in Luke 10:40. However, the New Testament frequently elevates this term to describe spiritual labor and organized aid within the Christian community.
Its meaning expands significantly in contexts like Acts 6, where it distinguishes the work of distributing food from the preaching of the word, establishing a pattern for church leadership. Paul uses it powerfully in 2 Corinthians to label his apostolic mission as the "ministry of reconciliation," framing service not as menial labor but as a sacred trust entrusted by God.
Translators often render diakonia as "service," "ministry," or "relief" depending on the context. The word carries a sense of structured responsibility, whether it is the charitable collection for saints in Romans 15:31 or the specific office of deacons. It consistently points to active, tangible support that sustains the life of the church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diakonia invites us to see service not as a burden, but as a sacred trust. In everyday life, it often looks like practical help—preparing meals or organizing tasks. Yet the New Testament elevates this simple act into a profound spiritual discipline. When we serve others, we participate in the very nature of God, who came not to be served, but to serve.
This ministry extends beyond our own comfort zones. It includes sharing resources with those in need and supporting fellow believers through difficult times. Whether you are distributing food or offering a listening ear, your efforts sustain the life of the community. Such service is a tangible expression of grace, reflecting God’s love in concrete ways.
Ultimately, diakonia reminds us that no act of kindness is too small. By attending to the needs of others, we honor Christ and strengthen the bonds of faith within the church. May your hands be ready to help, and your heart open to receive the joy that comes from giving.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ministry16×
- service8×
- service,3×
- service.1×
- of services1×
- of ministry,1×
- mission,1×
- ministry,1×
- distribution1×
- [the] ministry.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διακονίαν11×
- διακονίας6×
- διακονία5×
- διακονίᾳ3×
- διακονίαν,3×
- διακονίαν.2×
- διακονίᾳ,1×
- διακονίας,1×
- διακονία,1×
- διακονιῶν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 6:4
But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
This verse distinguishes between the ministry of the word and practical service, establishing a pattern for how the early church organized its responsibilities.
-
II Corinthians 5:18
But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation;
Paul identifies his apostolic mission as the 'ministry of reconciliation,' framing service as a divine calling to restore relationships with God.
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II Corinthians 9:12
For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God,
Here, diakonia refers specifically to financial giving that meets physical needs while simultaneously producing thanksgiving to God.
-
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 serving highlights the tension between practical duties and spiritual presence, a challenge every believer faces.