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διάδοχος

diádochos

G1240 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

One who succeeds another in an official capacity, typically in a position of authority or honor; specifically, a successor, most often to a throne, office, or title. In broader historical and literary usage, may denote an inheritor, recipient, or one who follows after another in a particular role or sequence.

Semantic Range

successor to office or throne; follower in a line of succession; inheritor; recipient in a sequence

Root / Etymology

From διαδέχομαι (diadéchomai, 'to receive in succession'), itself from διά ('through, across') + δέχομαι ('to receive'). Thus, διάδοχος originally signifies 'one who receives through or after,' hence 'successor.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, διάδοχος commonly referred to a successor, especially in the context of royal succession (notably the Diadochi, generals who succeeded Alexander the Great). Usage is attested as early as the 4th century BCE. In non-political contexts, it could denote any follower or inheritor. In the Septuagint and later Greek literature, usage continues primarily in the sense of a successor, especially to an office or title. In the New Testament, the term is rare; where it does appear, it retains this semantic focus on official succession or replacement. Standard English translations as 'successor' or, less precisely, 'room' (in the sense of place/office) do not always communicate the official or dynastic implications.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διαδέχομαι; a successor in office:--room.

Root Family

διάδοχος (diadochos) — to succeed, to follow after, to receive in turn

Root διαδοχ- to succeed, to follow after, to receive in turn

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1240-01 διάδοχον diadochon N ACC M SG a successor a successor a successor 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1240-01 Acts 24:27 διάδοχον diadochon N ACC M SG a successor a successor a successor
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