ἐκδιηγέομαι

Pronunciation Guide: ek-dee-ay-GEH-oh-my

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1555: Ἐκδιηγέομαι (ekdiēgeomai) means to narrate thoroughly, to recount completely, or to tell in full detail. It carries the sense of declaring something extensively and exhaustively, leaving nothing untold. The word emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the declaration, suggesting a thorough and complete exposition of events, works, or testimonies.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἐκ (ek, “out, fully”) + διηγέομαι (diēgeomai, “to describe in full, narrate”)
• Present in narrative and teaching sections of Scripture
• Only appears once in the New Testament (Acts 13:41)
• More common in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament)
• Primary usage relates to the proclamation of יהוה (Yahweh)’s works

Ἐκδιηγέομαι Morphology:

• ἐκδιηγέομαι (present indicative middle/passive 1st person singular) – I narrate thoroughly
• ἐκδιηγοῦμαι (present indicative middle/passive 2nd person singular) – you narrate thoroughly
• ἐκδιηγεῖται (present indicative middle/passive 3rd person singular) – he/she/it narrates thoroughly
• ἐκδιηγήσομαι (future indicative middle 1st person singular) – I will narrate thoroughly
• ἐκδιηγούμενος (present participle middle masculine nominative singular) – one who is narrating thoroughly

Origin & History

The Greek word ἐκδιηγέομαι (ekdiēgeomai) emerges from classical Greek literature as an intensified form of διηγέομαι (diēgeomai), which means “to narrate” or “to describe.” The prefix ἐκ- (ek-) adds emphasis, suggesting completeness or thoroughness. In classical Greek, the term was used by historians like Polybius in his “Histories” (2nd century BCE), where he employs it to describe detailed accounts of historical events.

The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, frequently uses ἐκδιηγέομαι in contexts relating to the proclamation of יהוה (Yahweh)’s mighty acts. For instance, in Psalm 9:1 (LXX 9:2), it translates the Hebrew verb סָפַר (saphar), meaning “to recount” or “to declare.” This usage establishes a pattern of employing the term for comprehensive testimonies about God’s works.

In early patristic literature, Church Fathers like Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata” and Origen in his homilies utilized ἐκδιηγέομαι when referring to the thorough exposition of Scripture or the complete recounting of God’s redemptive acts. This demonstrates the term’s continued theological significance in early Christian thought as a word expressing comprehensive declaration of divine truth.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A thorough and detailed narration that leaves nothing untold
• A complete declaration or exposition, especially of divine works
• An exhaustive recounting of events or testimonies
• A proclamation that fully conveys the magnitude of what is being described
• A comprehensive explanation designed to produce understanding and conviction

Ἐκδιηγέομαι Translation Options:

• “To declare fully” – Emphasizes the completeness of the telling, capturing the force of the ἐκ- prefix
• “To narrate thoroughly” – Highlights the detailed and comprehensive nature of the exposition
• “To recount completely” – Reflects the exhaustive quality of the declaration
• “To tell in full detail” – Captures both the intensiveness and extensiveness of the word’s meaning
• “To expound exhaustively” – Emphasizes the thorough exposition aspect of the term

Biblical Usage

The word ἐκδιηγέομαι appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 13:41, where Paul quotes from Habakkuk 1:5 while preaching in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia. In this context, the term is used to warn those who might scoff at God’s work—specifically the work of salvation through the Messiah Jesus. This singular usage highlights the word’s connection to the proclamation of God’s redemptive acts that might seem incredible to some hearers.

In the Septuagint, ἐκδιηγέομαι appears more frequently, particularly in the Psalms, where it describes the declaration of יהוה (Yahweh)’s wonderful works. This establishes an important continuity between Israel’s proclamation of God’s mighty acts in history and the apostolic proclamation of His ultimate redemptive work in the Messiah. The word carries connotations of awe and wonder at the grandeur of God’s works that are to be comprehensively declared.

• “Beware, therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: ‘Behold, you scoffers, marvel and perish; For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it [ἐκδιηγέομαι] to you.” Acts 13:41
• “I will praise You, O יהוה (Yahweh), with my whole heart; I will tell [ἐκδιηγέομαι] of all Your marvelous works.” Psalm 9:1 (LXX 9:2)
• “That I may tell [ἐκδιηγέομαι] of all Your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion.” Psalm 9:14 (LXX 9:15)
• “Declare [ἐκδιηγέομαι] His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.” Psalm 96:3 (LXX 95:3)
• “Declare [ἐκδιηγέομαι] His deeds among the peoples.” Isaiah 12:4 (LXX)
• “Declare [ἐκδιηγέομαι] all His praises in the gates of the daughter of Zion.” Psalm 73:28 (LXX 72:28)
• “We will not hide them from their children, Telling [ἐκδιηγέομαι] to the generation to come the praises of יהוה (Yahweh).” Psalm 78:4 (LXX 77:4)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Israelite culture, the act of recounting God’s mighty deeds was not merely informational but formational. The communities of Israel would gather for festivals where they would rehearse the stories of יהוה (Yahweh)’s deliverance, particularly the Exodus. These were not casual tellings but thorough recountings designed to impress upon each new generation the faithfulness of God. The Hebrew term זָכַר (zakar, “to remember”) often underlies this practice, which is more than mental recall but involves a full re-presentation of past events to shape present identity.

This cultural practice of comprehensive storytelling helps illuminate why Paul chose to use ἐκδιηγέομαι in Acts 13:41. He stands in the tradition of Israel’s prophets who would thoroughly declare God’s works—even those that seemed too marvelous to believe. The synagogue setting of Paul’s message is significant, as it was precisely in such gathering places that Israel’s story was told and retold. Paul’s use of this intensive verb suggests he sees himself as bringing the story to its climactic conclusion in the Messiah, a declaration so complete and astonishing that it requires the force of ἐκδιηγέομαι to express it.

Theological Significance

The theological richness of ἐκδιηγέομαι lies in its connection to divine revelation. When Scripture employs this term, it conveys that God’s works are so magnificent and multifaceted that they require thorough exposition. There is an implicit recognition of the incomprehensibility of God’s ways—they are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9)—yet also an affirmation that God desires His works to be known and declared extensively. This tension between divine transcendence and revealed immanence stands at the heart of biblical theology.

In the New Testament context of Acts 13:41, ἐκδιηγέομαι takes on messianic significance. The “work” that Paul references, which would not be believed even when thoroughly declared, is the redemptive work of the Messiah Jesus. This suggests that the fullness of God’s salvation in the Messiah transcends human expectations to such a degree that even when exhaustively expounded, it might be rejected by some. Yet the word also carries hope—it implies that with thorough declaration comes the possibility of genuine understanding and faith. This reflects God’s character as One who desires all people to come to the knowledge of truth (1 Timothy 2:4), making His incredible works known through comprehensive proclamation.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἐκδιηγέομαι in Scripture, we are challenged to consider whether we have fully grasped and embraced the complete story of God’s redemptive work. Have we allowed the thorough declaration of God’s mighty acts in history—culminating in the Messiah Jesus—to transform our understanding and shape our lives? This word invites us to move beyond a superficial acquaintance with biblical truths to a comprehensive encounter with the God who acts in history.

Moreover, ἐκδιηγέομαι calls us to become thorough declarers of God’s works ourselves. In a world of sound bites and superficial communication, we are summoned to detailed, patient, and complete testimony about what God has done—both in Scripture and in our own lives. Just as Paul did not shrink from declaring “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), so we too are called to comprehensive witness, holding nothing back as we recount the marvelous deeds of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

Related Words

• διηγέομαι (diēgeomai) – to narrate, describe in detail, recount – A related word without the intensive prefix ἐκ-, meaning to narrate or explain thoroughly, but without the same level of exhaustive detail implied by ἐκδιηγέομαι. See G1334
• ἐξηγέομαι (exēgeomai) – to lead out, explain, interpret – Shares the ἐκ/ἐξ prefix, but focuses more on explanation and interpretation rather than narrative recounting. This is the word from which we get “exegesis.” See G1834
• ἀναγγέλλω (anangellō) – to announce, report, proclaim – Emphasizes the proclamation aspect of telling but without the same thoroughness implied by ἐκδιηγέομαι. See G312
• ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō) – to report, announce, declare – Focuses on bringing news from one source to another, without necessarily emphasizing exhaustive detail. See G518
• καταγγέλλω (katangellō) – to proclaim, announce, preach – Emphasizes the downward movement of proclamation and its authoritative nature, compared to the comprehensive nature of ἐκδιηγέομαι. See G2605

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the intensifying prefix ἐκ- in ἐκδιηγέομαι is the same prefix found in other New Testament terms that emphasize thoroughness and completeness? For example, ἐκζητέω (ekzēteō) means “to seek out diligently” and ἐκκαθαίρω (ekkathairō) means “to cleanse thoroughly.” This linguistic pattern highlights how the Holy Spirit inspired biblical authors to use precisely nuanced terms to communicate divine truth with exactitude and depth.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, derivatives of διηγέομαι are still used in literary contexts? The noun “διήγημα” (diēgēma) refers to a short story or narrative, while “διήγηση” (diēgēsē) means narration or storytelling. The prefix ἐκ- has largely lost its intensifying force in modern usage, showing how languages evolve while still maintaining connections to their classical roots. This evolution reminds us of the importance of understanding biblical Greek in its historical context rather than through the lens of modern usage.
• Did you know that the concept represented by ἐκδιηγέομαι was central to ancient Jewish pedagogy? In the tradition of oral Torah, rabbis were expected to transmit teachings completely and thoroughly, leaving nothing out. This is reflected in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), where Rabbi Meir is praised because he could “declare the pure to be pure and demonstrate it, and declare the impure to be impure and demonstrate it.” This cultural context helps us understand why thorough declaration was so valued in biblical times and why Paul would choose such a precise and forceful term in Acts 13:41.

Remember This

Ἐκδιηγέομαι reminds us that God’s works are so magnificent that they deserve and require thorough declaration, yet even the most complete exposition of divine truth may seem incredible to those whose hearts are hardened—a reality that calls us both to comprehensive witness and humble dependence on the Spirit’s illuminating work.