διήγεσις
diḗgesis
G1335 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A detailed narrative or account; specifically, an orderly, extended, or systematic narration, story, or exposé. It denotes a structured presentation or declaration of events or facts, often with an emphasis on completeness, clarity, and coherence. In literary, historical, or legal contexts, διήγεσις refers to a formulated account intended to inform or elucidate.
Semantic Range
detailed narrative, systematic account, exposition, declaration, recital, story, orderly presentation
Root / Etymology
From the root διηγε- (διηγέομαι), meaning 'to narrate, relate in detail.' The noun formation with the ending -σις denotes the result or process of narrating.
Historical & Contextual Notes
διήγεσις is a relatively rare noun in classical and Hellenistic Greek, appearing in literary, historiographical, and rhetorical contexts to denote an extended, structured narrative as distinct from a brief statement or summary (ἀπόφασις, περίληψις). In the New Testament, it appears in Luke 1:1, where it refers to ordered narrative accounts of past events concerning 'the things that have been fulfilled among us.' Septuagintal usage is extremely scarce or absent; classical sources often use διήγημα and διηγεύομαι for related senses. The term emphasizes the process and structure of making something known through comprehensive exposition. Standard translations as 'account,' 'narrative,' or 'recital' capture the core meaning, but may not reflect the force of orderly, full presentation implied by the term in rhetorical context, where διήγεσις is distinguished from 'argumentation' (πίστις) and 'refutation' (ἔλεγχος).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διηγέομαι; a recital:--declaration.
Root Family
διήγεσις (diēgēsis) — detailed narrative, systematic account, orderly exposition, recital
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1335-01 |
διήγησιν | diegesin | N ACC F SG |
a narrative | a detailed narrative | a detailed narrative | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1335-01 |
Luke 1:1 | διήγησιν | diegesin | N ACC F SG |
a narrative | a detailed narrative | a detailed narrative |