διηνεκής (diēnekēs)
diēnekēs
perpetual
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective diēnekēs describes something that is unbroken or continuous in nature. Derived from roots meaning "through" and "to carry," it conveys a sense of persistent action that does not cease. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, primarily within the Epistle to the Hebrews to describe the enduring quality of Christ’s priesthood.
Its most significant usage occurs in Hebrews 7:3 and 10:12-14, where it contrasts Jesus’ permanent ministry with the temporary, repetitive sacrifices of the Old Testament priests. The text emphasizes that His single offering achieved perfect salvation for all time, highlighting a theological permanence that human rituals could not match.
Translators often render this term as "perpetual" or "continually," capturing the idea of an unceasing state. Unlike words that might imply mere frequency, diēnekēs stresses the uninterrupted continuity of the subject, affirming the stable and final nature of Christ’s work.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diēnekēs paints a picture of unbroken continuity. It is not about something that happens often, but something that simply never stops. In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, primarily to describe Jesus Christ. It assures us that His work on our behalf is complete and enduring, unlike the repetitive rituals of the past.
When you read Hebrews 7:3, you see Jesus described as remaining a priest continually. This is not a temporary role He steps into and out of. It is a permanent state. Because He lives forever, His care for you does not pause or fade. You are held by a love that is steady and unceasing.
This truth brings deep peace. You do not need to worry about whether your standing with God might slip away because it rests on His finished work. The sacrifice was offered once, yet its effect lasts forever. Rest in the stability of a priesthood that never changes and a salvation that is always secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- perpetuity1×
- continuous1×
- all time.1×
- all time1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διηνεκὲς3×
- διηνεκές.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:3
without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually.
This verse uses the word to describe Jesus’ ongoing priestly role, emphasizing that He remains in this position without interruption.
-
Hebrews 10:12
but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God,
Here the term modifies 'forever' to highlight the permanent nature of His single sacrifice, contrasting it with repeated offerings.
-
Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
The word reinforces that those sanctified by Christ’s offering are made perfect for all time, not just temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word diēnekēs mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
How is diēnekēs different from other words for 'always'?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Hebrews 4 verses
without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the…
Hebrews 10:1For the law, having a shadow of the good to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices…
Hebrews 10:12but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God,
Hebrews 10:14For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.