deacon
/ˈdiːkən/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
diákonos — servant, messenger, attendant
Overview
Meaning Now
- A member of the clergy ranking below a priest in Christian churches.
- A layperson appointed to assist with administrative or pastoral duties in a congregation.
Literal older meaning
servant or minister
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → Old English → English
Earliest form
diacon
Earliest period
8th century
Journey
The term originates from the Greek 'diákonos', implying someone who runs through the dust while performing errands or service. In the early Church, deacons were specifically commissioned to attend to the needs of the poor and the distribution of alms.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
diákonos
“servant or attendant”
- Ecclesiastical Latin
diaconus
“a deacon (clerical office)”
- Old English
diacon
“deacon”
- Middle English
dekene
“deacon”
- Modern English
deacon
“deacon”
Connections
Word parts
diá
prefix
through
kónos
root
dust or activity
Related across languages
French
diacre
deacon
German
Diakon
deacon
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Related to deacon
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.