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διώκτης (diōktēs)

diōktēs

persecutor

G1376 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun diōktēs refers to a person who pursues someone with hostile intent, specifically translating as "persecutor." Derived from the verb diōkō, which means to chase or drive forward, this term describes an active aggressor rather than a passive observer. In the New Testament, it carries the weight of violent opposition and relentless pursuit.

This word appears only once in Scripture, in 1 Timothy 1:13. Paul uses it to describe his own past actions against the early church before his conversion. By calling himself a former diōktēs, he emphasizes the severity of his previous hostility and the magnitude of the grace that transformed him.

The term highlights a shift from active persecution to faithful service. It serves as a stark contrast between Paul’s life before and after meeting Christ, illustrating how divine mercy can redeem even the most ardent opponent of the faith.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word diōktēs describes someone who relentlessly chases another with hostile intent. It is not a passive disagreement but an active, violent pursuit. In the New Testament, this term carries significant weight, pointing to a life defined by opposition against God’s people.

Paul uses this strong language in 1 Timothy 1:13 to describe his own past. He calls himself a persecutor, a blasphemer, and insolent. This admission highlights the depth of his former rebellion. Yet, he also notes that he received mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief.

This single occurrence reveals a profound truth about grace. No matter how severe your past opposition to faith may seem, divine mercy can transform even the most ardent opponent. The shift from persecutor to apostle shows that God’s power is greater than human hostility. It offers hope that no one is beyond the reach of redemption.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • a persecutor1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • διώκτην1×

Key Verses

  • I Timothy 1:13
    although I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

    Paul identifies himself as a former persecutor to demonstrate the magnitude of God's mercy toward those who acted in ignorance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word diōktēs mean?

Diōktēs is a noun that translates to 'persecutor.' It refers to a person who actively pursues or chases someone with hostile intent, often involving violence. It implies an aggressive stance rather than mere disagreement.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

This word appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 1:13. Paul uses it to describe his own actions against the early church before his conversion experience on the road to Damascus.

Why is this word significant for understanding grace?

Its significance lies in its contrast with Paul's later life. By calling himself a former persecutor, he highlights how transformative God's mercy can be. It shows that even the most violent opposition to faith can be redeemed through divine grace.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Timothy 1 verse
I Timothy 1:13

although I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly…