διατρίβω (G1304) — Greek Lexicon

διατρίβω

diatríbō

G1304 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To spend (time) in a place, to remain somewhere, to continue or stay for a period; more broadly, to linger, dwell, or tarry in a location or occupation. The primary sense is of passing or occupying time in a particular setting, often with the nuance of deliberate, prolonged presence rather than momentary positioning.

Semantic Range

to spend time, to stay, to remain, to linger, to tarry, to dwell, to continue (in a place or occupation), to engage (in some activity during a stay)

Root / Etymology

From the preposition διά (through) and the verb τρίβω (to rub, wear, spend). The compound literally suggests 'to wear through' (time or place), thus indicating duration or persistent presence. The base τρίβος itself refers to a path worn by treading or rubbing, hence the metaphorical extension to time spent.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, διατρίβω meant 'to pass time' or 'to spend time' and could refer generally to lingering or remaining anywhere, sometimes with a focus on leisure, discussion, or stay. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., Acts 12:19; 14:3), it regularly denotes staying or remaining in a place for a substantive period. The notion of 'abiding' underscores a purposeful stay, either for security, teaching, or association. English translations often render it 'remain,' 'stay,' 'tarry,' or 'spend time,' but these may miss the connotation of intentional, sometimes active, presence. There is overlap in meaning with μένω (to remain), but διατρίβω often includes the nuance of the manner or act of spending time, sometimes with a focus on the activity conducted while staying. Not commonly used in religious or socio-political identity contexts but may be used in narrative of movement or mission.

Translation Consistency

primary "stay" 3 occurrences

“Stay” is the most natural, versatile English verb that captures the primary SILEX sense of remaining, lingering, or spending time in a place. It covers physical presence (stay, stayed), duration (stay for a time), and the nuance of deliberate or prolonged presence (staying, tarrying, dwelling) without needing awkward auxiliaries or added nouns. Using “stay” will yield consistent, natural renderings across all forms of διατρίβω.

Alternatives (6 occurrences):

"spending time" (5x) "spent time" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διά and the base of τρίβος; to wear through (time), i.e. remain:--abide, be, continue, tarry.

Root Family

διατρίβω (diatribō) — to rub, to spend time, to remain

Root διατριβ- to rub, to spend time, to remain

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1304-04`	διέτριβον	dietribon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	stayed	they were spending time	they were spending time	3
`G1304-03`	διέτριβεν	dietriben	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	spent time	was spending time	was spending time	2
`G1304-06`	διέτριψαν	dietripsan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	they stayed	they spent time	they spent time	1
`G1304-05`	διετρίψαμεν	dietripsamen	`V AOR ACT IND 1P PL`	we stayed	we spent time	we stayed	1
`G1304-02`	διατρίψας	diatripsas	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	having stayed	having lingered	having stayed	1
`G1304-01`	διατρίβοντες	diatribontes	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	staying	remaining	staying	1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1304-03`	John 3:22	διέτριβεν	dietriben	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	spent time	was spending time	was spending time
`G1304-03`	Acts 12:19	διέτριβεν	dietriben	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	stayed	was spending time	was spending time
`G1304-06`	Acts 14:3	διέτριψαν	dietripsan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	they stayed	they spent time	they spent time
`G1304-04`	Acts 14:28	διέτριβον	dietribon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	they spent	they were spending time	they were spending time
`G1304-04`	Acts 15:35	διέτριβον	dietribon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	stayed	they were spending time	they were spending time
`G1304-01`	Acts 16:12	διατρίβοντες	diatribontes	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	staying	remaining	staying
`G1304-05`	Acts 20:6	διετρίψαμεν	dietripsamen	`V AOR ACT IND 1P PL`	we stayed	we spent time	we stayed
`G1304-02`	Acts 25:6	διατρίψας	diatripsas	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	having stayed	having lingered	having stayed
`G1304-04`	Acts 25:14	διέτριβον	dietribon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	they had stayed	they were spending time	they were spending time

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