διηγέομαι (diēgeomai)
diēgeomai
to relate fully
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diēgeomai means to tell a story in full detail, carrying a narrative from beginning to end. It appears eight times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, where it describes believers sharing their experiences of Jesus’ power and mercy. Unlike a brief summary, this word implies a thorough recounting that leaves nothing out.
Its structure combines dia ("through") with hegoumai ("to lead"), suggesting a guide leading listeners through an entire account. The sources note its use when people explain how they were healed (Mark 5:16) or describe what they saw (Mark 9:9). In Acts, it often introduces detailed reports of God’s work among the early church.
Translators usually render it "tell," "recount," or "describe." This reflects its nature as a complete, ordered narrative rather than a casual remark. The word emphasizes clarity and completeness in sharing testimony, ensuring the audience receives the full picture of events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diēgeomai invites us to share our faith with clarity and completeness. It is not about giving a quick summary or a vague impression. Instead, it calls for a full account of what God has done in our lives. This kind of storytelling helps others see the whole picture of God’s work.
When we recount our experiences, we are not just sharing facts. We are leading others through a narrative that reveals God’s character. Whether it is a moment of healing or a period of guidance, telling the full story allows listeners to understand the depth of God’s mercy and power in our lives.
By sharing these accounts, we help others connect with the reality of God’s presence. This practice builds trust and encourages faith in those who hear our stories. It is a simple yet powerful way to witness to the transformative work of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- related2×
- he related2×
- will describe?1×
- they may tell1×
- telling1×
- do relate1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διηγήσατο2×
- διηγήσαντο2×
- διηγήσωνται1×
- διηγήσεται;1×
- διηγοῦ1×
- διηγούμενον1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:16
Those who saw it declared to them what happened to him who was possessed by demons, and about the pigs.
This verse shows how witnesses used this word to give a complete report of the healing, ensuring no detail was left out.
-
Luke 8:39
“Return to your house, and declare what great things God has done for you.” He went his way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
Jesus specifically commands the healed man to use this term, highlighting its role in proclaiming God's great works publicly.
-
Acts 9:27
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Barnabas uses this word to provide a detailed account of Paul’s conversion, which was crucial for the apostles' acceptance of him.