Brief Overview of διϋλίζω (G1368: diulizō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διϋλίζω (diulizō)
• Etymology: The word διϋλίζω is composed of the prefix “διά” (dia), meaning “through,” and “ἱλίζω” (ilizo), which is related to filtering or straining. Thus, the word carries the sense of “to strain through” or “to filter.”
• Part of Speech: Verb
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Primary Meanings

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• To Strain or Filter Thoroughly: The primary meaning of διϋλίζω is to strain or filter a substance thoroughly, typically used in the context of liquids. This verb is used metaphorically in the New Testament to emphasize the thoroughness of an action.
• Metaphorical Usage: In a broader, figurative sense, it can mean to scrutinize or examine something in great detail, filtering out the impurities or lesser important elements.

Further Insights

• Morphology: The word διϋλίζω is formed by the combination of the preposition “διά” (dia) and the verb “ἱλίζω” (ilizo), with the preposition emphasizing the thoroughness or completeness of the action. The verb form indicates an action of filtering or straining, and in the context of Greek morphology, it follows the typical patterns of Greek verb conjugation.
• Grammatical Agreement: As a verb, διϋλίζω must agree with its subject in number and person, and it can be used in various tenses depending on the context. The presence of the prefix “διά” (dia) suggests that the action is done with great care or intensity.
• Usage Context: While the word may be rare in everyday Greek, its usage in the New Testament is particularly notable for its metaphorical depth, as seen in Matthew 23:24 where it is used in a hyperbolic statement to critique the Pharisees’ focus on minor details while ignoring more significant matters.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG defines διϋλίζω primarily as “to strain out,” referring to the literal process of filtering or straining a liquid. The lexicon notes its use in Matthew 23:24, where it is applied metaphorically to describe the Pharisees’ meticulous observance of minor laws while neglecting the weightier aspects of the law.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:24 – “You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon concurs with the definition of διϋλίζω as “to strain through or thoroughly.” It emphasizes the thoroughness implied by the verb and notes its metaphorical usage in the New Testament to highlight the hypocrisy of focusing on trivial details while overlooking more important moral or ethical issues.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:24

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance lists διϋλίζω as “to strain thoroughly,” particularly in the context of liquids. It is used metaphorically in the New Testament to depict extreme scrutiny or selective attention to details.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:24

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s Dictionary includes διϋλίζω under the section of verbs related to cleansing or purifying, noting its specific use in religious or ritual contexts where thoroughness in filtering is emphasized. The metaphorical use in the New Testament is highlighted as an example of how language can convey deeper moral critiques.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:24

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Aristophanes’ Plays: While διϋλίζω itself might not be frequently found in surviving classical Greek texts, similar verbs were used in comedy and satire to exaggerate or criticize overly meticulous behavior. Aristophanes, for example, often employed hyperbole to mock such characters.
• Hippocrates’ Medical Texts: In the context of Greek medical literature, verbs related to filtering or purifying were commonly used to describe medical procedures or the preparation of potions and remedies.
• Plato’s Dialogues: Although διϋλίζω is not explicitly found in Plato’s works, the concept of thorough scrutiny is a recurring theme, particularly in philosophical discussions about ethics and knowledge.

Summary

The Greek verb διϋλίζω (G1368) carries the primary meaning of “to strain” or “filter thoroughly,” both in a literal and metaphorical sense. It is notably used in the New Testament, particularly in Matthew 23:24, where it serves as a metaphor for the Pharisees’ practice of focusing on minor details while ignoring more significant moral obligations. The word’s etymology and morphology highlight its emphasis on thoroughness, making it a powerful term in Greek rhetoric and literature. Through its use in classical and biblical Greek, διϋλίζω provides insight into the cultural and linguistic importance of careful examination and the potential pitfalls of overemphasis on minutiae.