Brief Overview of διαδίδωμι (G1239: diadídōmi)

Transliteration: diadídōmi (pronounced dee-ah-DEE-doh-mee)
Part of Speech: Verb

The Greek word διαδίδωμι (diadídōmi) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (diá, meaning “through” or “across”) and the verb δίδωμι (dídōmi, meaning “to give”). This verb conveys the idea of “giving through,” “handing over,” or “distributing” something, typically from one person to another or across a group. Diadídōmi thus emphasizes the action of passing something along, whether it be an object, responsibility, or authority.

In the context of the New Testament, diadídōmi is often used to describe the act of distributing or giving something, frequently in the sense of sharing or apportioning. It can refer to the giving of physical objects, but also to the transfer of spiritual or metaphorical things, such as authority or responsibility.

Scripture References

Mark 6:41 – “And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave (diadídōmi) them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.”

Luke 9:16 – “Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave (diadídōmi) to the disciples to set before the multitude.”

Acts 4:35 – “And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution (diadídōmi) was made unto every man according as he had need.”

In these verses, diadídōmi is used to describe the physical act of giving or distributing, whether it be the loaves and fishes in the feeding of the multitude or the distribution of resources among the believers in the early church.

Detailed Lexicon Description

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich) describes diadídōmi as a verb meaning “to distribute, to give out, or to hand over.” It often carries the connotation of giving something from one to another, whether it be an object or a responsibility. BDAG emphasizes the use of the word in the New Testament, particularly in contexts where something is being shared among a group or passed from one person to another.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly defines diadídōmi as “to give, to distribute, to divide among several.” Thayer’s further explains that the word is used to denote the act of handing over or delivering something, often with the implication of responsibility or stewardship.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) offers additional insights, noting that diadídōmi can also mean “to grant” or “to concede,” especially in classical literature. This suggests that the word can also carry a sense of formal or official giving, such as the granting of authority or rights.

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Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Plato, Republic 5.462c – Plato uses diadídōmi in the context of distributing resources and responsibilities within the ideal city-state, emphasizing the importance of fair and just distribution.
2. Herodotus, Histories 3.89 – In this passage, Herodotus uses diadídōmi to describe the act of distributing wealth and gifts among allies and subordinates, highlighting the role of the leader in ensuring equitable distribution.
3. Aristotle, Politics 3.10 – Aristotle employs diadídōmi to discuss the allocation of political power and offices within a state, underlining the concept of distributing authority according to merit and ability.

Summary

The Greek word διαδίδωμι (diadídōmi) is a versatile verb that primarily means “to give out,” “to distribute,” or “to hand over.” Rooted in the concepts of passing something through or across, diadídōmi is used in the New Testament to describe actions where something is being given or distributed, whether it be food, resources, or authority. This word is often employed in contexts where the act of giving is not merely about the transfer of physical objects but also about the sharing of responsibilities and the distribution of resources within a community.

In classical Greek literature, diadídōmi is similarly used to describe the allocation of wealth, power, and responsibilities, reflecting its broader connotations of fairness, justice, and stewardship. Whether in a biblical or classical context, diadídōmi is a word that conveys the importance of distribution and the ethical implications of how things are given and shared among people.