διατρίβω (diatribō)
diatribō
to remain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diatribō describes the act of spending or passing time, often with a sense of staying in one place for a duration. Its literal roots involve rubbing or wearing away, suggesting that time is something consumed or occupied as one remains in a specific location. In the New Testament, it appears nine times, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, to mark periods where Jesus or the apostles lingered rather than moved on immediately.
This word highlights intentional presence. For instance, John notes that Jesus stayed in Judea with his disciples for a time (John 3:22), while Acts records Paul spending considerable time in cities like Antioch and Corinth (Acts 14:3; 18:11). The term implies more than just waiting; it suggests an active engagement with the current moment or community. Translators typically render it as "stayed" or "remained," capturing the physical and temporal commitment involved in these biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diatribō points to the simple act of staying put. It describes remaining in a place for a set time, often with the sense of spending or passing through that duration intentionally. In the New Testament, this term appears when Jesus lingers with his disciples in Judea or when Paul settles in cities like Antioch and Corinth to teach and preach.
This word reminds us that spiritual growth rarely happens in a rush. It suggests that staying present with people, even for ordinary days, is a meaningful part of God’s work. When you find yourself in a season where you cannot move forward quickly, remember that remaining in place can be an active engagement with the community around you, rather than just waiting.
God often uses these quiet periods to deepen our faith and strengthen relationships. Instead of viewing stillness as wasted time, see it as an opportunity to engage fully with the present moment. This kind of intentional presence allows grace to take root in everyday life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were staying1×
- we stayed1×
- they were staying1×
- they stayed1×
- staying1×
- he was staying [there].1×
- They were remaining1×
- He was staying1×
- Having spent1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διέτριβον3×
- διέτριψαν1×
- διέτριβεν.1×
- διέτριβεν1×
- διετρίψαμεν1×
- διατρίψας1×
- διατρίβοντες1×
Key Verses
-
John 3:22
After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them and baptized.
This verse highlights Jesus’ intentional choice to remain in Judea with his disciples, showing that His ministry included sustained presence rather than constant movement.
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Acts 14:3
Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Here the word emphasizes a long-term commitment to speaking boldly for the Lord, linking staying in one place with the ongoing work of grace and signs.
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Acts 15:35
But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch specifically for teaching and preaching, demonstrating that remaining was a deliberate act of spiritual nourishment for others.