"pr. to rub, wear away by friction; met. to pass or spend time, to remain, stay, tarry, continue, Jn. 3:22; 11:54; Acts 12:19; 14:3, 28"
Definition and meaning
pr. to rub, wear away by friction; met. to pass or spend time, to remain, stay, tarry, continue, Jn. 3:22; 11:54; Acts 12:19; 14:3, 28
In the original Greek the word is written: διατρίβω
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of diatribo (G1304) across the King James Bible.
After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
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Common questions
Strong's G1304 (diatribo) is a Greek word that means: pr. to rub, wear away by friction; met. to pass or spend time, to remain, stay, tarry, continue, Jn. 3:22; 11:54; Acts 12:19; 14:3, 28 It appears 10 times in the King James Bible.
The word diatribo (G1304) appears 10 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1304 is diatribo, a Greek word defined as: pr. to rub, wear away by friction; met. to pass or spend time, to remain, stay, tarry, continue, Jn. 3:22; 11:54; Acts 12:19; 14:3, 28. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
diatribo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.