Lexical Summary diati: Why, for what reason Original Word: διατί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wherefore, why. From dia and tis; through what cause ?, i.e. Why? -- wherefore, why. see GREEK dia see GREEK tis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originanother reading for dia and tis, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1302: διατίδιατί, see διά, B. II. 2 a., p. 134{b}. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope διατί introduces a question about reason or cause—“for what reason?” or “why?” It stands at the intersection of logic and emotion, inviting explanation, reflection, and accountability. Old Testament Background (Septuagint) Although the form διατί itself does not occur in the Greek New Testament, it is well attested in the Septuagint, where it often conveys the Hebrew לָמָה (lamah) or מַדּוּעַ (madduaʿ). Typical settings include: • Honest lament before God: “Why, LORD, do You stand so far away?” (Psalm 10:1). These uses show that Scripture does not forbid the believer’s “why,” but channels it toward deeper trust and obedience. Rhetorical and Teaching Function The question “why?” is frequently employed by prophets, sages, and the Lord Jesus in order to: 1. Expose hidden motives (Jonah 4:4). Even when διατί is not the specific Greek term in the New Testament, its conceptual role persists; Jesus’ questions “Why do you call Me good?” (Luke 18:19) or “Why are you afraid?” (Matthew 8:26) serve the same pedagogical end. Theological Emphases 1. God welcomes sincere inquiry. From Moses’ plea in Exodus 5:22 to the martyrs’ cry in Revelation 6:10, Scripture portrays “why?” as a doorway into covenant dialogue. Historical-Linguistic Note Classical writers used διατί in courtroom speech and philosophical debate. The Septuagint carries this forensic and logical nuance into sacred history, so that Israel’s prophets function like covenant prosecutors asking, “Why have you done this?” Early Christian apologists likewise framed the faith in rational, “why-based” argumentation, showing continuity between revelation and reason. Ministry Significance Pastoral counseling: Encouraging believers to articulate their “why” before God prevents suppressed doubt from hardening into unbelief (Psalm 73). Discipleship: Teachers can follow the Master’s pattern, using well-placed “why” questions to move learners from rote behavior to conviction (John 13:12). Evangelism: A respectful challenge—“Why do you suppose that…?” (compare Acts 17:29)—opens doors for gospel reasoning. Intercession: Asking “why?” can shape prayers that align personal longing with God’s purposes, as seen in the psalmist’s refrain, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God” (Psalm 42:11). Practical Reflections • Let lament be informed by trust; never censor legitimate sorrow. διατί, though absent from the preserved New Testament text, remains a vital biblical concept, reminding believers that the God who commands faith also invites honest inquiry, ultimately answering every “why” in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations διατι διατί διάτιLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance διατάξομαι — 1 Occ.διατεταχέναι — 1 Occ. διατεταγμένον — 2 Occ. διατεταγμένος — 1 Occ. διέταξα — 1 Occ. διεταξάμην — 1 Occ. διετάξατο — 1 Occ. διέταξεν — 2 Occ. διατελεῖτε — 1 Occ. διατηροῦντες — 1 Occ. διαθήσομαι — 2 Occ. διαθέμενος — 1 Occ. διαθεμένου — 1 Occ. διατίθεμαι — 1 Occ. διέθετό — 2 Occ. διατρίβοντες — 1 Occ. Διατρίψας — 1 Occ. διέτριβεν — 2 Occ. διέτριβον — 3 Occ. διετρίψαμεν — 1 Occ. |
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