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G1237 · Greek · New Testament
διαδέχομαι
Diadechomai
Verb
To Receive in Succession/Inherit After

Definition

The Greek verb diadechomai means to receive something in succession from another — to inherit or take over after a predecessor. It appears in Acts 7:45 in Stephen's speech, where he describes the tabernacle being brought in by Joshua and the succeeding generations of Israel who received it in turn.

Usage & Theological Significance

Stephen's use of diadechomai in Acts 7 traces the continuity of God's covenant purposes through successive generations. Each generation received the promises and responsibilities from those before them — the tabernacle was not abandoned when Moses died but was faithfully carried forward by Joshua and the people who came after. This succession theology is central to the New Testament: the church receives the apostolic deposit and passes it on (2 Timothy 2:2). The Great Commission is itself a diadechomai — each generation inheriting the mission and passing it to the next until Christ returns.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 7:45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David.
2 Timothy 2:2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
1 Peter 1:18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.
Exodus 33:11 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.

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