Recently, I’ve noticed that a lot of coworkers feel like I work harder than I should. I didn’t understand it. If a company is paying you to do a job, why wouldn’t you give them your best? It seemed really weird. They said plenty of things that were hurtful, but I made the decision a long time ago that I would do all that I do as unto the Lord and I will present my life to God as a living sacrifice. It was then that I realized people don’t honor diligence anymore. I mean, who even uses that word? That’s why I wanted to share what does the word diligent mean in Hebrew and Greek.
All scriptures are taken from NKJV unless otherwise marked.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
– 2 Timothy 2:5
What Does The Word ‘Diligent’ Mean In Hebrew?
charuwts- diligent, earnest.
yatab- make well.
As a verb, this word means, “to do good, be glad, do well, please, do good, pleasing, be happy, be delighted.”
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
– Genesis 4:7
Other uses of this verb include:
- “to deal well“, which is found in Exodus 1:20
- “to adorn, make beautiful“, which is used in 2 Kings 9:30
- “to inquire diligently” found in Deuteronomy 17:4
meod- very, utterly.
As an adverb, means “exceedingly; very; highly; greatly.”
As a noun, this word means “might.”
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
– Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV
mahiyr- skillful, diligent.
What Does The Word ‘Diligent’ Mean In Greek?
spoudazo- to use speed, be prompt, to make effort, earnest.
This term signifies “to hasten to do a thing, to exert oneself, give diligence, endeavor.”
It’s used in the following ways:
- “was forward” in Galatians 2:10 of remembering the poor
- “endeavoring” in Ephesians 4:3 of keeping the unity of the Spirit & in 1 Timothy 2:17 of going to see friends
- “endeavored” in 2 Peter 1:15 of enabling believers to call Scriptures into remembrance
- “do thy diligence” in 2 Timothy 4:9
- “study” in 2 Timothy 2:15
- “be diligent” in Titus 3:12 & 2 Peter 3:14 of being found in peace without fault and blameless when the Lord comes
- “let us labor” in Hebrew 4:11 of keeping continuous sabbath rest & 2 Peter 1:10 of making our calling sure
spoudaious- prompt, earnest, energetic.
spoudaioteros- (in comparative to spoudaious) more prompt, more earnest.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
– Hebrews 11:6
Conclusion
In conclusion, diligence is something that a born again believer should have. We are to seek God diligently and be earnest for the things of God. Although the world may no longer value hard work, God does. That’s what the word diligent means in Hebrew and Greek. I pray this article was helpful to you. Please, feel free to leave any thoughts in the comment section below. Also, share this content. Thanks for reading.
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