UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to run after, to chase after, to pursue

Semantic entry: 15.158

Semantic domains: Linear Movement

Subdomains: Pursue, Follow

Definition: to follow with haste, and presumably with intensity of effort, in order to catch up with, for friendly or hostile purpose

Sense 2: to hasten, to run, to press forward, to press on

Semantic entry: 15.223

Semantic domains: Linear Movement

Subdomains: Goal-Oriented Movement

Definition: to move quickly and energetically toward some objective

Notes: In RV PHP 3:14 · LV PHP 3:14 · Read together PHP 3:14 διώκω is to be understood in a literal sense, though the entire context is figurative. For interpreting the expression κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω [source selector 000006] as an idiom, see 89.56: διώκω / 89.56: κατά.

Sense 3: to persecute, to harass, persecution

Semantic entry: 39.45

Semantic domains: Hostility, Strife

Subdomains: Persecution

Definition: to systematically organize a program to oppress and harass people{N:001}

Notes: In a number of languages the equivalent of ‘to persecute’ is simply ‘to cause to suffer,’ but persecution is also expressed in terms of ‘to be mean to’ or ‘to threaten’ or ‘to chase from place to place.’

Sense 4: to do with effort, to strive toward

Semantic entry: 68.66

Semantic domains: Aspect

Subdomains: Do Intensely or Extensively

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of διώκω[a] ‘to pursue,’ 15.158: διώκω) to do something with intense effort and with definite purpose or goal

Sense 5: to strive toward a goal, to press on with the purpose of

Semantic entry: 89.56

Semantic domains: Relations

Subdomains: Purpose

Definition: (an idiom, literally: to pursue to a goal, to press toward a goal) to strive energetically for some purpose

Collocations: κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω