1302. diati
Lexical Summary
diati: Why, for what reason

Original Word: διατί
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: diati
Pronunciation: dee-at-ee'
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-at-ee')
KJV: wherefore, why
Word Origin: [from G1223 (διά - through) and G5101 (τίς - what)]

1. through what cause ?, i.e. why?

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 Origin
another reading for dia and tis, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1302: διατί

διατί, 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).
• Prophetic rebuke: “Why have you despised the word of the LORD?” (2 Samuel 12:9).
• Interpersonal inquiry: “Why did Sarah laugh?” (Genesis 18:13).

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).
2. Call for self-examination (Jeremiah 2:5).
3. Highlight inconsistency (Matthew 6:28).
4. Lead from mere observance to understanding (Mark 7:18).

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.
2. Human questioning does not unsettle divine sovereignty. God answers Job’s multiplied “whys” with a revelation of His unsearchable wisdom (Job 38–41), drawing Job to repentance without dismissing the question itself.
3. The ultimate “why” is answered at the cross. Jesus, echoing Psalm 22, cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). In that moment every perplexity concerning justice, mercy, and redemption converged, demonstrating that God both hears and bears our deepest questions.

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.
• Frame “why” within revealed truth; Scripture supplies both boundaries and answers.
• Use questioning to cultivate discernment rather than cynicism.

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 διάτι
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