διωγμός
diōgmos
persecution
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word διωγμός (diōgmos) is defined as persecution. Its presence in the Bible emphasizes the suffering and hardship experienced by adherents of the faith during early Christianity. The 10 occurrences of this term suggest its significance as a recurring theme in the New Testament. The word is used in various contexts to describe the intense opposition and hostility faced by early Christians. It likely encompasses physical harm, verbal abuse, and social ostracism. The significance of διωγμός lies in its portrayal of the challenges of adhering to a minority faith in a hostile environment, serving as a reminder of the resilience and dedication required to maintain one's beliefs. As a term embedded throughout the New Testament, διωγμός provides context to the experiences of early Christian communities. Its usage highlights the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity, providing a foundation for the community's self-identity and values.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
10 total occurrences across the text
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
Mark 4:17They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.
Mark 10:30but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life.
Acts 8:1Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.
Acts 13:50But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders.
Romans 8:35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
2 Corinthians 12:10Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Thessalonians 1:4so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your perseverance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.
2 Timothy 3:11persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. The Lord delivered me out of them all.
2 Timothy 3:11persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. The Lord delivered me out of them all.