Diakonos
/diˈa.ko.nos/noun
An ancient Greek term meaning a servant, attendant, or minister, especially in early Christian communities.
Did you know?In the New Testament, diakonos can mean an ordinary servant or official minister, and its deeper origin remains uncertain—despite later traditions linking it with sacred duty.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Greek
Ancient Greek
διάκονος (diákonos)
“A servant, attendant, or intermediary; the word’s ultimate pre-Greek or Indo-European origin is uncertain.”
1st Century
Koine Greek
διάκονος (diákonos)
“A servant or minister, including a person performing religious or communal duties.”
4th Century
Late Greek
διάκονος (diákonos)
“An increasingly formal title for a Christian minister serving under a bishop or presbyter.”
Old English period
Old English
diacon
“A deacon, borrowed through Latin and ecclesiastical usage.”
Middle English
Middle English
deken
“A church officer assisting clergy and carrying out charitable or administrative duties.”
Modern English
English
deacon
“A member of certain Christian churches ordained or appointed to assist clergy and serve the congregation.”