διώκω
diōkō
to pursue
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word διώκω (diōkō) is a verb that means "to pursue." It is a common term used throughout the Bible, appearing 45 times. This word is classified under the semantic domain of Movement & Travel, indicating its connection to actions that involve movement or pursuit. In its various occurrences, διώκω is used to describe a range of actions, from physical pursuit, such as chasing or following, to metaphorical pursuit, such as seeking or striving for something. Its significance lies in its ability to convey a sense of relentless effort or determination, highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication in various aspects of life. The frequency and versatility of διώκω in the Bible suggest its importance in conveying a range of themes, from the pursuit of justice and righteousness to the pursuit of spiritual goals and relationships. Its meaning and usage highlight the value of persistence and dedication in achieving one's goals, making it a significant term in the biblical narrative.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
45 total occurrences across the text
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
Matthew 5:10Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:11“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Matthew 5:12Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man has come.
Matthew 23:34Therefore behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city;
Luke 11:49Therefore also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles; and some of them they will kill and persecute,
Luke 17:23They will tell you, ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’ Don’t go away or follow after them,
Luke 21:12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake.
John 5:16For this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he did these things on the Sabbath.
John 15:20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
John 15:20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
Acts 7:52Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
Acts 9:4He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Acts 9:5He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Acts 22:4I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
Acts 22:7I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
Acts 22:8I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.’
Acts 26:11Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
Acts 26:14When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
Acts 26:15“I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Romans 9:30What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn’t follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith;
Romans 9:31but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, didn’t arrive at the law of righteousness.
Romans 12:13contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
Romans 12:14Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.
Romans 14:19So then, let’s follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.
1 Corinthians 4:12We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
1 Corinthians 14:1Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 15:9For I am the least of the apostles, who is not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the assembly of God.
2 Corinthians 4:9pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed;
Galatians 1:13For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God and ravaged it.
Galatians 1:23but they only heard: “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.”
Galatians 4:29But as then, he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.
Galatians 5:11But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.
Galatians 6:12As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised; just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
Philippians 3:6concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
Philippians 3:12Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.
1 Timothy 6:11But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:22Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 3:12Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Hebrews 12:14Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord,
1 Peter 3:11Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it.
Revelation 12:13When the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child.