Brief Overview of διαφυλάσσω (G1314: diaphylássō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαφυλάσσω (diaphylássō) [dee-ah-fy-LAH-so]
• Etymology: Derived from the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, thoroughly, and φυλάσσω (G5442: phylássō) meaning to guard, protect, or keep. The compound form suggests the idea of thoroughly guarding or keeping something safe.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To guard or protect thoroughly: Refers to the act of vigilantly watching over or safeguarding something or someone.
• To preserve or keep safe: Implies the act of maintaining something in its original state, free from harm or corruption.
• To observe or fulfill: Indicates the careful observance of rules, commands, or duties, ensuring they are carried out or maintained properly.

Further Insights

• Person: Third person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Further Insights Explained:

• διαφυλάσσω in this form is a verb in the third person singular, present, active, indicative form. It can be translated as “he/she/it thoroughly guards” or “he/she/it preserves.” The present tense indicates ongoing or habitual action, the active voice shows that the subject is performing the action, and the indicative mood presents this as a factual statement.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above reflect the specific form of διαφυλάσσω in its present, active, indicative form. The word’s usage and meaning may vary depending on context and sentence structure.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διαφυλάσσω is defined as to guard, protect, or preserve thoroughly. It emphasizes vigilant and continuous protection or preservation of something valuable.
• Scripture References: Acts 28:16, Luke 4:10

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes διαφυλάσσω as meaning to guard or preserve thoroughly, particularly in contexts where something valuable or important is being kept safe or intact.
• Scripture References: Acts 28:16, Luke 4:10

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains that διαφυλάσσω refers to the act of thoroughly guarding or preserving something, with an emphasis on vigilance and careful attention. The term is often used to describe the protection of physical objects, people, or abstract values like laws and commands.
• Scripture References: Acts 28:16, Luke 4:10

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαφυλάσσω as to guard or protect, especially with the connotation of thoroughness and diligence. It can be used both in literal and figurative senses, such as guarding a physical space or preserving moral integrity.
• Scripture References: Acts 28:16, Luke 4:10

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαφυλάσσω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and φυλάσσω (G5442: phylássō), meaning to guard thoroughly or to preserve. It is used to describe actions that involve vigilant protection or careful maintenance of something valuable.
• Scripture References: Acts 28:16, Luke 4:10

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαφυλάσσω to describe the guarding of strategic locations during military campaigns, emphasizing the importance of thorough and constant vigilance to prevent enemy infiltration.
• Plato, Laws: Plato employs the term in discussions about the preservation of laws and moral standards within a society, suggesting that continuous and thorough protection of these values is essential for the stability of the state.
• Xenophon, Anabasis: Xenophon uses διαφυλάσσω to describe the careful guarding of supplies and resources during long journeys, highlighting the need for vigilant protection to ensure survival and success.

Summary

διαφυλάσσω (G1314: diaphylássō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to thoroughly guard, protect, or preserve. Derived from διά (through, thoroughly) and φυλάσσω (to guard, protect), the term emphasizes vigilant and continuous protection or preservation of something valuable. In the New Testament, διαφυλάσσω is used in contexts where the act of guarding or preserving is crucial, as seen in Acts 28:16 and Luke 4:10. The word is also prevalent in classical Greek literature, where it describes both literal guarding of physical spaces and the figurative preservation of moral and legal standards. Overall, διαφυλάσσω captures the concept of thorough protection and preservation, making it a significant term for understanding the importance of vigilance and care in safeguarding what is valuable, whether in physical, moral, or spiritual contexts.