John 15:20

Persecuted [ε δ ι ω ξ α ν]. The verb means originally to put to flight; thence to run swiftly in order to overtake or attain, as the goal or the competitor in the race. Thus Sophocles (" Electra, "738) :" He urged his swift steeds vehemently with shouts that pierced their ears, and makes for him [δ ι ω κ ε ι]. "Compare I follow after (diwkw, Philippians 3:12). Hence to pursue with hostile intent, and, generally, to molest, harass, persecute. Persecute is from the equivalent Latin persequor, to follow up, and is used earlier, in the sense of pursue, while pursue, in turn, is used in the sense of persecute. Thus Wyc, Matthew 5:44, for men pursuing you. Sir Thomas More (" Utopia ")," Whiles their enemies rejoicing in the victory have persecuted (i. e., pursued) them. "