Original Word: καταδιώκω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: katadiókó
Pronunciation: kat-ad-ee-o'-ko
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ad-ee-o'-ko)
Definition: To pursue closely, to persecute
Meaning: I hunt down, follow closely.

Word Origin: From the Greek words κατά (kata, meaning "down" or "against") and διώκω (dioko, meaning "to pursue" or "to persecute").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of persecution is רָדַף (radaph, Strong's H7291), which means "to pursue" or "to chase." This term is used in the Old Testament to describe the pursuit of enemies or the righteous being pursued by the wicked (e.g., Psalm 7:1, Psalm 31:15).

Usage: The verb καταδιώκω (katadiókó) is used in the New Testament to describe the act of pursuing someone with the intent to oppress or persecute. It conveys a sense of aggressive pursuit, often with hostile intent. This term is typically used in contexts where individuals or groups are being pursued for their beliefs or actions, particularly in relation to the early Christian community facing persecution.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, persecution was a common experience for minority groups, including early Christians. The Roman Empire, with its pantheon of gods and emperor worship, often viewed the monotheistic and exclusive claims of Christianity as subversive. As a result, Christians were frequently subjected to social ostracism, legal penalties, and even violent persecution. The use of καταδιώκω reflects the intense pressure and danger faced by early believers as they sought to live out their faith in a hostile environment.

Word Origin
from kata and diókó
Definition
to pursue closely
NASB Translation
searched (1).

STRONGS NT 2614: καταδιώκω

καταδιώκω: 1 aorist κατεδιωξα; the Sept. often for רָדַף; to follow after, follow up (especially of enemies (Thucydides, et al.)); in a good sense, of those in search of anyone: τινα, Mark 1:36. (τό ἔλεος σου καταδιώξεται με, Psalm 22:6 (); οὐ κατεδίωξαν μεθ' ἡμῶν, 1 Samuel 30:22; ὀπίσω τίνος, to follow after one in order to gain his favor, Sir. 27:17.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

follow after.

From kata and dioko; to hunt down, i.e. Search for -- follow after.

see GREEK kata

see GREEK dioko

Forms and Transliterations

καταδίωκε καταδιώκει καταδιώκειν καταδιώκεις καταδιώκοντας καταδιώκοντες καταδιώκοντές καταδιωκόντων καταδιώκων καταδιώξαι καταδιώξατε καταδίωξατε καταδιώξει καταδιώξεις καταδιώξεται καταδιώξονται καταδιώξονταί καταδιώξω καταδολεσχήσει κατεδίωκεν κατεδίωκον κατεδιώξαν κατεδίωξαν κατεδίωξάν κατεδίωξας κατεδιωξεν κατεδίωξεν κατεδιώχθητε katedioxen katediōxen katedíoxen katedíōxen

Links

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