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διαδέχομαι

diadéchomai

G1237 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To receive in succession or in turn; to take up a position, role, or function after another. In various contexts, it can indicate receiving something (an office, inheritance, or responsibility) from a predecessor or following sequentially in a prescribed order. The core sense is of transmission or continuance from one to another, whether of persons, offices, or things.

Semantic Range

to receive in turn, to succeed (in office or lineage), to come after in succession, to inherit a position, to take over responsibilities, to follow as a successor

Root / Etymology

Formed from διά ('through, across') and δέχομαι ('to receive, accept'). The prefix intensifies or specifies the act of receiving as something handed down or passed along in succession.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb διαδέχομαι is attested in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, often denoting the succession of individuals or groups, such as successors to rulership, office, inheritance, or responsibility. In literature, it may describe heirs, later generations, or successors to teaching or tradition. Its usage focuses on the sequence or continuation rather than mere replacement. In the Septuagint and other Hellenistic texts, the term frequently appears in genealogical or historical contexts, indicating successive generations or rulers. In English translations, it is often rendered as 'succeed,' 'come after,' 'follow in succession,' or 'inherit,' but such terms may not fully convey the nuance of orderly or intentional succession inherent in the Greek term. It is distinct from simple verbs for 'following' (such as ἀκολουθέω), as it emphasizes the aspect of receiving or taking over a role or position.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διά and δέχομαι; to receive in turn, i.e. (figuratively) succeed to:--come after.

Root Family

δεχ- (dektós) — to receive, to accept, to welcome

Root δεχ- to receive, to accept
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1184 δεκτός accepted
G1523 εἰσδέχομαι I will welcome in
G1551 ἐκδέχομαι be awaiting to receive
G1926 ἐπιδέχομαι receives for himself
G3858 παραδέχομαι to receive for oneself

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1237-01 διαδεξάμενοι diadexamenoi V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL having received having succeeded in turn having received in succession 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1237-01 Acts 7:45 διαδεξάμενοι diadexamenoi V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL having received having succeeded in turn having received in succession
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