διαπονέω (diaponeō)
diaponeō
be vexed
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diaponeō describes a state of being worn out through intense labor or deep emotional distress. It combines a prefix implying thoroughness with a root related to pain or toil, suggesting that the exhaustion is complete and pervasive. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet in both instances it captures a profound sense of weariness that affects the whole person.
In Mark 14:4, the word characterizes the reaction of some present at the anointing in Bethany. They are not merely annoyed; they are deeply troubled and offended by Mary’s act, their irritation stemming from a sense that resources were being wasted. This usage highlights how the term can describe moral or social vexation rather than just physical fatigue.
The second occurrence is found in Acts 16:18, where Paul confronts a slave girl with a spirit of divination. The text says she annoyed him for many days. Here, diaponeō conveys the cumulative strain of dealing with persistent spiritual opposition. It is not a momentary irritation but a sustained burden that weighs heavily on the spirit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diaponeō captures a deep, cumulative weariness that goes beyond simple annoyance. In Acts 16:18, Paul is described as being greatly annoyed by a slave girl’s persistent spirit of divination. This was not a fleeting irritation but a sustained burden that weighed heavily on his spirit over many days. It reminds us that even the most faithful servants of God experience moments of profound strain and emotional exhaustion.
When we face persistent challenges or opposing forces in our lives, this exhaustion is real and valid. The text does not hide Paul’s frustration; it shows his humanity alongside his faith. Recognizing these feelings can help us understand that spiritual fatigue does not mean a lack of faith. Instead, it often signals the intensity of the battles we are fighting.
God sees the weight you carry when things drag on too long. You do not have to pretend everything is fine when you are worn out. Bringing your honest feelings to Him allows for rest and renewal. He understands the toll that persistent struggles take on the heart and mind.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being distressed1×
- Having been distressed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαπονούμενοι1×
- διαπονηθεὶς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 16:18
She was doing this for many days. But Paul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” It came out that very hour.
This verse shows the word describing Paul's cumulative spiritual fatigue from a persistent demonic presence, rather than a momentary anger.