διήγησις (diēgēsis)
diēgēsis
narrative
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun diēgēsis refers to a narrative or an account of events. Derived from the verb diēgeomai, which means to tell or recount, this word appears only once in the New Testament, at the beginning of Luke’s Gospel (Luke 1:1). Here, it describes the careful compilation of facts that many have undertaken before writing an orderly story for readers.
While often translated simply as "narrative," the term carries a sense of detailed reporting rather than casual storytelling. Its usage in the Septuagint and apocryphal literature, such as Sirach and 2 Maccabees, supports this understanding of a structured recounting of history or instruction. Luke uses it to ground his account in verified tradition, distinguishing his work from mere legend.
The word highlights the importance of accurate transmission in early Christian writing. By choosing diēgēsis, the author signals that his text is based on eyewitness testimony and careful research. This choice reassures the reader that the subsequent narrative rests on a foundation of reliable historical memory rather than speculation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we open the Gospel of Luke, the author begins by describing his work as a diēgēsis, or narrative. This is not a casual tale spun for entertainment, but a careful account based on what had already been witnessed and recorded. The writer wanted to ensure that those who read this story would have a solid foundation of truth, grounded in the actual events of Jesus’ life.
For your faith, this offers deep comfort. You are not reading mythology or vague legend. Instead, you are engaging with a history that was meticulously compiled from eyewitness testimony. This attention to detail shows that the Christian message is rooted in real time and place, inviting you to trust in the reliability of what God has done among us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a narration1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διήγησιν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:1
Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
This verse establishes the word's meaning by linking it to the 'many' who previously compiled accounts, highlighting the author's intent to provide an orderly and verified record of fulfilled events.