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G1767 · Greek · New Testament
δέον
deon
Verb (impersonal participle used as noun)
that which is needful; duty; what must be done

Definition

Deon is the neuter participle of dei (it is necessary/must), used substantively to mean 'the needful thing' or 'what is fitting.' It appears in Acts 17:29 and 1 Timothy 5:13 in the sense of what is proper. The word expresses necessity arising from the nature of things — what is morally fitting, practically required, or divinely ordained.

Usage & Theological Significance

Deon grounds Christian ethics in necessity rather than mere preference. There are things that must be done — not because of external compulsion but because of the nature of God and reality. Paul's ministry was driven by deon: 'Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!' (1 Corinthians 9:16). The church needs a recovery of duty-language: some things are not options. Love for neighbor is a deon. Justice for the oppressed is a deon. The worship of God is a deon.

Key Verses

Acts 17:29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone... [deon: it is not fitting].
1 Timothy 5:13 And they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and saying what they should not [ta me deonta].
1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Romans 13:7 Pay to all what is owed [tas opheilas] to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed.
Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Related Words

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