διήγησις

Pronunciation Guide: dee-ay’-gay-sis (with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1335: διήγησις (diēgēsis) refers to a detailed, orderly narrative or account that thoroughly relates events in sequence. It describes a carefully constructed exposition that aims to provide clear understanding of historical events or teachings. In the New Testament, it specifically relates to the thoughtful arrangement of the gospel accounts of the Messiah’s life and ministry.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine noun
• Root Word: Derived from διηγέομαι (diēgeomai, G1334), meaning “to narrate fully, declare, tell”
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative literature, especially in historical accounts and teaching passages
• Compound Elements: Formed from διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai, “to lead, consider”)

διήγησις Morphology:

• διήγησις (nominative singular) – a narrative, account
• διηγήσεως (genitive singular) – of a narrative
• διηγήσει (dative singular) – in/with a narrative
• διήγησιν (accusative singular) – a narrative (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term διήγησις has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was a technical term in rhetoric and historiography. In Aristotle’s Rhetoric (III.16), he discusses διήγησις as an essential component of speeches, particularly in forensic oratory, where a clear narration of events was crucial for persuading an audience. Thucydides employs similar narrative techniques in his History of the Peloponnesian War, creating carefully structured accounts that present events in logical sequence.

In the Hellenistic period, the word became increasingly associated with historical narration and biographical literature. The Jewish historian Josephus employs the concept repeatedly in his works Antiquities of the Jews and The Jewish War, emphasizing his commitment to providing accurate, sequential accounts of historical events. The term gained further significance in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), where it describes detailed accounts of historical events and divine interventions in Israel’s history, establishing a precedent for its later New Testament usage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Orderly Account – A methodical narration that presents events in logical sequence
• Historical Narrative – A detailed exposition of historical events with attention to chronology and factual accuracy
• Instructive Exposition – A thorough explanation designed to convey understanding
• Biographical Account – A carefully structured retelling of a person’s life and deeds

διήγησις Translation Options:

• Narrative – Emphasizes the storytelling aspect and flow of the account, highlighting how διά (thoroughly) combines with ἡγέομαι (to lead) to create a sense of being thoroughly led through events
• Account – Stresses the factual and reliable nature of the information being presented
• Orderly Statement – Highlights the deliberate structure and logical progression, emphasizing the careful arrangement implied in the word’s etymology
• Historical Record – Underscores the historical accuracy and documentary nature of such narratives, particularly relevant to Luke’s purpose in the gospel
• Exposition – Captures the explanatory dimension of the term, where events are not merely listed but interpreted and arranged for maximum understanding

Biblical Usage

The term διήγησις appears explicitly only once in the New Testament, in the prologue to Luke’s Gospel (Luke 1:1), where Luke states that “many have undertaken to compile a narrative (διήγησιν) of the things that have been accomplished among us.” This singular usage is significant, as it establishes the literary purpose of Luke’s gospel as a carefully researched, orderly account of the Messiah’s life and ministry. Luke employs this technical term to signal to his audience that his gospel follows the conventions of serious Hellenistic historiography.

Though the noun appears only once, its verbal form διηγέομαι (diēgeomai) occurs multiple times throughout the New Testament, particularly in contexts where detailed reporting or thorough explanation is emphasized. This verbal form helps illuminate the full meaning and significance of the noun, showing how comprehensive narration serves as a vehicle for transmitting the truth of the gospel.

Cross-reference verses using related verbal forms:

• “I will declare [διηγήσομαι] Your name to My brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You.” (Hebrews 2:12)
• “Return to your home, and declare [διηγοῦ] how much God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39)
• “And they began to relate [διηγεῖσθαι] what happened on the road, and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.” (Luke 24:35)
• “When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, and they reported [ἀνήγγειλάν – related concept] all that God had done with them.” (Acts 15:4)
• “And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 19:8) – While not using the exact term, this illustrates the concept of thorough exposition.

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, a διήγησις represented far more than a simple recounting of events. It was associated with a specific literary form recognized by educated readers as a mark of credibility and authority. When Luke employs this term in his gospel prologue, he is positioning his work within the esteemed tradition of Hellenistic historiography, signaling to his readers (particularly to “most excellent Theophilus”) that his account meets the highest standards of historical inquiry and narrative craftsmanship.

This approach resonates deeply with Jewish literary traditions as well. The Hebrew concept of סֵפֶר תּוֹלְדוֹת (sefer toledot, “book of generations/history”) found throughout the Torah presents carefully structured accounts of Israel’s history. When Jewish readers encountered Luke’s use of διήγησις, they would have recognized parallels to their own sacred historical texts. Luke’s approach thus brilliantly bridges Greco-Roman and Jewish literary conventions, making his gospel accessible and authoritative to diverse audiences across the Roman Empire—an early example of cultural contextualization in service of spreading the good news.

Theological Significance

The concept of διήγησις carries profound theological implications, particularly regarding how divine revelation is communicated through human historical accounts. Luke’s use of this term in his prologue suggests that God chooses to reveal Himself through carefully constructed narratives of historical events rather than only through abstract philosophical propositions. The incarnation itself—God entering human history as the Messiah Yeshua—affirms that Yahweh is a God who acts within history and desires these acts to be carefully recorded and transmitted.

This understanding of διήγησις illuminates the character of God as both transcendent and immanent—a God who not only creates history but participates in it and ensures its accurate transmission to future generations. Luke’s emphasis on creating a reliable narrative demonstrates the high value God places on truthful testimony. It suggests that the methods of careful historical investigation can serve divine purposes, as the Holy Spirit works through human authors to preserve and communicate the record of God’s mighty deeds. This perspective celebrates Yahweh as the Lord of history who orchestrates events and their faithful retelling for the salvation and sanctification of His people.

Personal Application

Understanding the significance of διήγησις invites us to approach Scripture not merely as a collection of isolated teachings but as a cohesive, purposeful narrative of God’s redemptive work. Like Luke, we are called to be careful students of the biblical narrative, seeking to grasp the full scope of what God has done and how each part connects to the whole. This diligent study equips us to become effective narrators of God’s work in our own lives and communities.

When we share our testimonies, we follow in this tradition of διήγησις—creating ordered accounts that highlight God’s faithfulness and involvement in our lives. Rather than presenting our experiences as random or disconnected events, we can learn to discern and articulate the divine narrative thread running through our personal histories. As we grow in this practice, our lives become living testimonies that continue the grand narrative of God’s redemptive work, inviting others to recognize His hand in their own stories and join the ongoing διήγησις of His kingdom advancing in our world.

Related Words

• ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō, ap-ang-el’-lo) – to report, bring back tidings, relate; focuses on bringing news from a source or event back to others, often with an emphasis on the message’s completeness. See G518
• ἐξηγέομαι (exēgeomai, ex-ay-geh’-om-ahee) – to lead out, explain, interpret; shares the root with διήγησις but emphasizes bringing out the meaning or significance of something rather than simply narrating events. This term appears in John 1:18 where Yeshua “explains” or “exegetes” the Father. See G1834
• παραβολή (parabolē, par-ab-ol-ay’) – a placing beside, comparison, parable; while διήγησις presents straightforward historical narratives, παραβολή uses figurative stories to convey spiritual truths. See G3850
• μαρτυρία (martyria, mar-too-ree’-ah) – witness, testimony, evidence; whereas διήγησις focuses on the comprehensive narration, μαρτυρία emphasizes the attestation or verification of truth through personal witness. See G3141
• κήρυγμα (kērygma, kay’-roog-mah) – proclamation, preaching; while διήγησις presents an ordered account, κήρυγμα announces the core message derived from that account, focusing on the call to response. See G2782

Did you Know?

• Did you know that διήγησις was a technical term in ancient rhetorical handbooks? Greek and Roman orators were specifically trained in the art of narration (διήγησις) as a fundamental skill for persuasive speech. Quintilian, the famous Roman rhetorician, emphasized that a good narrative should be clear, brief, and plausible. Luke’s application of this term to his gospel suggests he was consciously employing the highest standards of Greco-Roman literary composition to communicate the truth about the Messiah.
• Did you know that Luke’s use of διήγησις in his prologue connects his gospel to the tradition of Jewish historical writing found in the books of Maccabees? 2 Maccabees begins with a similar statement about compiling a narrative of important events. This parallel would have resonated with Jewish readers, helping them recognize Luke’s gospel as a continuation of the historical record of God’s dealings with His people, now culminating in the coming of the Messiah.
• Did you know that the modern academic discipline of “diegesis” in literary and film theory derives from this ancient Greek term? In contemporary narrative theory, “diegesis” refers to the world of the story as narrated, as distinguished from “mimesis” (showing rather than telling). This scholarly usage preserves the original sense of a comprehensive narrative framework that provides context and meaning for specific events—just as Luke’s gospel provides the narrative framework that helps us understand the significance of Yeshua’s life and ministry.

Remember This

διήγησις represents the divine storytelling method—God’s chosen vehicle for communicating His redemptive work in history, inviting us to both receive and participate in the continuing narrative of His kingdom breaking into our world.