διατελέω

I continue

Definition

διατελέω means to continue or persist through to the end. It carries the sense of an action being carried through to its completion or of a state being maintained persistently over a period of time. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 27:33, it describes the sailors and passengers on Paul's ship continuing without food. The word emphasizes not just the act of continuing, but doing so through a span of time or until a goal is reached.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:33. In this context, Paul urges everyone on the storm-tossed ship to take nourishment, 'for you have continued (διατελοῦντες) without food for fourteen days.' The usage highlights a state of persistent endurance through a prolonged and difficult circumstance, emphasizing the duration and strain of the experience.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning 'through' or 'throughout,' and the verb τελέω (teleō), meaning 'to finish,' 'to complete,' or 'to accomplish.' Thus, its core meaning is 'to finish through' or 'to bring completely through.' It implies carrying an action or state through a process to its intended end point.

Semantic Range

While used only once, διατελέω contributes to the theme of steadfast endurance in Christian life. In Acts 27:33, it describes a physical ordeal, but the concept of 'continuing through' aligns with the biblical call to perseverance in faith (e.g., Hebrews 12:1). Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting that the Christian life is not about a momentary act but about faithful persistence through trials until the end.

In a Greco-Roman context, perseverance (ὑπομονή, hypomonē) was a valued virtue. The specific term διατελέω, with its focus on seeing something through to completion, would resonate in a culture that admired endurance, especially in military, athletic, and philosophical pursuits. The scene in Acts 27 portrays a life-or-death struggle where mere survival required sustained, collective endurance.

μένω (menō, G3306) — to remain or abide, often in a place or state of being. διαμένω (diamenō, G1265) — to remain or continue through a period, similar but less emphatic on the 'end goal' aspect. ὑπομένω (hypomenō, G5278) — to endure or bear up under hardship, focusing on patient constancy under trial.

Word Details

Scripture References