Understanding διώκω (diōkō) Strong’s G1377: Pursuing with Intensity – From Persecution to Spiritual Zeal

Pronunciation Guide: dee-OH-koh (with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1377: διώκω (diōkō) fundamentally means “to put to flight” or “to pursue with earnestness and diligence.” It conveys the image of someone chasing after something or someone with intensity and determination. In biblical contexts, this word encompasses both negative pursuits (persecution, hostile chase) and positive ones (earnestly seeking after spiritual virtues or goals). The core concept always involves focused, persistent movement toward a target.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active indicative, 1st person singular)
• From a probable derivative of διώ (diō, “to flee”)
• Primary usage in narrative accounts, epistolary exhortations, and teaching passages
• Frequently appears in contexts involving persecution of believers or pursuit of spiritual virtues
• Contains connotations of speed, intensity, and persistence

διώκω Morphology:

• διώκω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I pursue/persecute
• διώκεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you pursue/persecute
• διώκει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it pursues/persecutes
• διώκομεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we pursue/persecute
• διώκετε (present active indicative, 2nd person plural) – you (plural) pursue/persecute
• διώκουσι(ν) (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they pursue/persecute
• διώκειν (present active infinitive) – to pursue/persecute
• διώκων (present active participle, nominative masculine singular) – pursuing/persecuting
• δίωκε (present active imperative, 2nd person singular) – pursue! (command)
• διώκετε (present active imperative, 2nd person plural) – pursue! (command to group)
• ἐδίωκον (imperfect active indicative, 1st person singular) – I was pursuing/persecuting
• διώξω (future active indicative, 1st person singular) – I will pursue/persecute
• ἐδίωξα (aorist active indicative, 1st person singular) – I pursued/persecuted
• δεδίωχα (perfect active indicative, 1st person singular) – I have pursued/persecuted
• διωχθήσομαι (future passive indicative, 1st person singular) – I will be pursued/persecuted
• ἐδιώχθην (aorist passive indicative, 1st person singular) – I was pursued/persecuted

Origin & History

The term διώκω has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally described physical pursuit, often in hunting or military contexts. Xenophon in his “Anabasis” uses the word to describe army units pursuing fleeing enemies. In Plato’s works, the term begins to take on more metaphorical dimensions, describing the pursuit of knowledge or virtue. By the time of Aristotle, διώκω had developed nuanced meanings including both physical chase and the pursuit of abstract goals.

In the Septuagint (LXX), διώκω appears frequently to translate Hebrew terms related to persecution (רָדַף, radaph) and pursuit. Notably, in Psalm 34:14 (LXX 33:15), it takes on positive connotations when the psalmist urges to “seek peace and pursue (διώκω) it.” This dual usage—both as persecution and earnest seeking—carried forward into New Testament Greek, creating a rich semantic field that early church fathers like Ignatius of Antioch and Clement of Alexandria would later explore in their writings. Clement particularly uses διώκω when discussing the believer’s pursuit of virtue and godliness in his “Stromata.”

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To pursue with hostile intent, to persecute, to harass
• To follow after eagerly, to earnestly endeavor to acquire
• To press on toward a goal with determination
• To run swiftly to catch a person or thing
• To pursue judgment or vengeance against someone

διώκω Translation Options:

• Persecute – When the object is a person or group and the context indicates hostile intent (Matthew 5:10-12)
• Pursue – When the object is a virtue, quality, or positive goal (Romans 14:19, 1 Timothy 6:11)
• Chase after – When emphasizing the intensity and movement aspect of the term (Philippians 3:12)
• Hunt down – When highlighting the aggressive, searching quality of the pursuit (Acts 9:4-5)
• Press toward – When focusing on the forward momentum and goal-orientation (Philippians 3:14)

Biblical Usage

Throughout the New Testament, διώκω appears approximately 45 times with a remarkable semantic range. In the Gospels, it primarily denotes persecution of Yeshua’s followers, as seen in the Beatitudes where Yeshua pronounces blessing on those who are “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10). This persecution theme continues in Acts, where Saul (later Paul) is described as “breathing threats and murder” as he “persecuted” (διώκω) the early believers (Acts 9:1-2).

A profound transformation occurs in Paul’s epistles, where διώκω takes on spiritual dimensions. While acknowledging his past as a persecutor (1 Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:13), Paul redefines διώκω as a positive spiritual discipline—pursuing love (1 Corinthians 14:1), peace (Romans 14:19), and righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11). Perhaps most powerfully, in Philippians 3:12-14, Paul depicts the Christian life as an intense athletic pursuit, employing διώκω to describe his passionate chase after Christ’s purposes, capturing the same intensity that once characterized his persecution of believers now redirected toward spiritual goals.

• “[Blessed are those who are] persecuted [διωκόμενοι] for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
• “Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord…he persecuted [διώκω] this Way to the death.” Acts 9:1-2
• “I persecuted [ἐδίωκον] the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.” Galatians 1:13
• “Pursue [διώκετε] love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts.” 1 Corinthians 14:1
• “So then let us pursue [διώκωμεν] what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:19
• “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue [δίωκε] righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11
• “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on [διώκω] to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Philippians 3:12

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, διώκω carried significant legal connotations, particularly in the context of prosecution. A διώκων was a prosecutor who “pursued” justice against an accused person. This semantic background illuminates passages like 2 Timothy 3:12, where believers are warned they “will be persecuted,” suggesting not merely social ostracism but formal legal proceedings against them. Indeed, Roman historical records confirm that early Christians faced formal prosecution under various charges including “atheism” (refusing to worship Roman gods), “cannibalism” (misunderstandings about the Lord’s Supper), and “disloyalty” to the emperor.

The athletic dimension of διώκω would have resonated powerfully with first-century audiences familiar with the Isthmian and Olympic Games. In these prestigious competitions, runners would “pursue” (διώκω) the finish line with singular focus, putting aside all distractions. When Paul employs this imagery in Philippians 3:12-14, he’s drawing on a cultural reference point that would have immediately conveyed the intensity, discipline, and single-mindedness required in the spiritual race. Jewish believers would have particularly appreciated this connection, as the Hebrew concept of “kavanah” (כַּוָּנָה)—focused intention in prayer and devotion—shares this quality of concentrated pursuit toward God that διώκω captures in its positive spiritual applications.

Theological Significance

The dual nature of διώκω—as both persecution and earnest pursuit—reveals profound theological truths about redemption and spiritual transformation. In Saul/Paul’s dramatic conversion, we witness Yahweh transforming the same passionate intensity once directed at persecuting believers into a fervent pursuit of Christ and His purposes. This metamorphosis illustrates Yahweh’s redemptive power to transform not just our actions but our motivations and passions. Paul’s testimony shows that nothing is wasted in God’s economy—even misguided zeal can be reclaimed and redirected toward divine purposes.

Furthermore, διώκω illuminates the paradoxical nature of discipleship that Yeshua taught. In the Beatitudes, Yeshua pronounces blessing on those “persecuted” (διωκόμενοι) for righteousness, while elsewhere believers are commanded to “pursue” (διώκετε) righteousness. This linguistic connection suggests that the very virtues we are called to pursue may lead to our being persecuted. Yet Paul assures believers that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12), indicating that persecution is not a sign of God’s absence but often confirmation that believers are authentically pursuing Christ. The Messiah Himself modeled this path, being both the perfect pursuer of the Father’s will and the ultimate recipient of persecution, establishing a pattern His followers would continue through the ages.

Personal Application

The concept of διώκω challenges us to examine the intensity and direction of our spiritual pursuits. Paul’s radical transformation from persecutor to pursuer of Christ invites us to consider: What are we chasing with the same passion and determination? Modern life bombards us with countless potential pursuits—career advancement, financial security, social status, personal comfort—that can distract us from the divine invitation to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). When we honestly assess our daily choices, time allocations, and emotional investments, we discover what we’re truly pursuing.

Embracing διώκω in its positive sense requires both intentionality and endurance. Like a marathon runner who fixes their eyes on the finish line, we’re called to fix our gaze on Yeshua, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). This pursuit isn’t merely intellectual assent but whole-hearted, passionate devotion that shapes our priorities, decisions, and actions. When we truly pursue Christ with the intensity διώκω conveys, we paradoxically discover what Yeshua promised—that those who lose their lives for His sake will find them (Matthew 16:25). The pursuit itself becomes transformative, gradually conforming us to the image of the One we chase after with such holy determination.

Related Words

• ζητέω (zēteō, pronounced: zay-TEH-oh) – to seek, search for, desire. While διώκω emphasizes active, intense pursuit, ζητέω focuses more on searching and investigating. Where διώκω suggests movement and chase, ζητέω suggests examination and inquiry. See G2212
• καταδιώκω (katadiōkō, pronounced: ka-ta-dee-OH-koh) – to follow after, pursue closely. This intensified form of διώκω adds the prefix κατά, suggesting a more thorough or intensive pursuit, sometimes with the connotation of hunting down. Used when Peter and companions “searched for” Jesus in Mark 1:36. See G2614
• ἐκδιώκω (ekdiōkō, pronounced: ek-dee-OH-koh) – to drive out, expel, persecute utterly. This compound adds the prefix ἐκ (out of), intensifying the sense to mean driving someone completely out or thoroughly persecuting them. Used in Luke 11:49 and 1 Thessalonians 2:15. See G1559
• τρέχω (trechō, pronounced: TREH-khoh) – to run, make progress, exert oneself. While similar to διώκω in describing forward movement toward a goal, τρέχω focuses more on the speed and manner of movement rather than the intense focus on the object being pursued. See G5143
• διωγμός (diōgmos, pronounced: dee-ohg-MOSS) – persecution, the state of being pursued with hostility. This noun form is derived from διώκω and specifically denotes the result of hostile pursuit—persecution, affliction, and distress experienced by those being pursued. See G1375

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the Greek word διώκω appears in ancient papyri describing tax collectors “pursuing” debtors for payment? This sheds light on the intensity implied when Paul uses this same word for “pursuing” Christ in Philippians 3:12. Just as tax collectors would relentlessly track down those who owed money, Paul portrays the Christian life as an all-consuming chase after deeper relationship with the Messiah. This reveals that authentic discipleship is not casual or halfhearted but marked by passionate, persistent pursuit.
• Did you know that in rabbinic tradition, the phrase “to pursue peace” (רודף שלום, rodef shalom) was considered one of the highest virtues? This Hebrew concept uses the verb רָדַף (radaph), which is precisely what the Septuagint translates as διώκω in Psalm 34:14. When Paul commands believers to “pursue peace” (διώκετε εἰρήνην) in Romans 14:19, he’s drawing on this rich Jewish tradition that viewed active peacemaking not as passive avoidance of conflict but as energetic, intentional effort to establish shalom (wholeness and well-being) in community. This connection reveals how Paul’s seemingly “Christian” ethics are deeply rooted in his Jewish heritage.
• Did you know that the English word “prosecution” shares etymological connections with διώκω? Both derive from roots meaning “to pursue,” highlighting how legal systems conceptualize justice as something that must be actively pursued. This connection illuminates why early Christians like Stephen in Acts 7 and Paul in his defense speeches employ quasi-legal terminology when facing persecution (διωγμός). They recognized their trials as not merely personal vendetta but as formal prosecutions requiring formal defense (ἀπολογία, apologia) of the faith. This legal backdrop explains why 1 Peter 3:15 urges believers to “always be prepared to give a defense (ἀπολογία)” for their hope.

Remember This

διώκω reminds us that the Christian life is not passive acceptance but passionate pursuit—the same intensity that can drive persecution can be redirected by Yahweh’s grace to become the fervent chase after Christ that transforms believers into His image.