Brief overview of διαβαίνω (G1224: diabaínō)

Transliteration: diabaínō (pronounced dee-ah-BYE-noh)
Part of Speech: Verb

The Greek word διαβαίνω (diabaínō) is a verb derived from the root words διά (diá), meaning “through,” and βαίνω (baínō), meaning “to go” or “to walk.” As a compound verb, διαβαίνω essentially means “to go through,” “to pass over,” or “to cross over.” It often describes physical movement from one place to another, particularly in the context of crossing boundaries such as rivers, seas, or other barriers. This verb is used in various contexts in the New Testament to indicate the act of crossing or traversing.

In the New Testament, διαβαίνω is most commonly used in narratives where movement or travel is involved, often with a sense of overcoming an obstacle or boundary. The word can also carry a metaphorical meaning, implying a transition or passage from one state to another.

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Scripture References

1. Matthew 9:1
   “And getting into a boat he crossed over (διαβαίνω, diabaínō) and came to his own city.”
   This verse illustrates the use of διαβαίνω to describe Jesus physically crossing over the Sea of Galilee.
2. John 7:1
   “After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him.”
   While the verb διαβαίνω is not directly used in this verse, the concept of crossing or passing into a different territory is implied in the narrative context.
3. Acts 21:2
   “And finding a ship crossing (διαβαίνω, diabaínō) to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.”
   This verse highlights the usage of διαβαίνω in describing the action of traveling by sea, specifically crossing from one landmass to another.

Detailed Lexicon Description

In BDAG, διαβαίνω (diabaínō) is defined as a verb that primarily means “to go across,” “to pass over,” or “to cross.” The lexicon notes its usage in various contexts where physical crossing is involved, such as crossing a body of water or a geographical boundary. BDAG also emphasizes the importance of the compound nature of the verb, combining the preposition διά with the verb βαίνω to convey the idea of passing through or over something.

Thayer’s lexicon similarly describes διαβαίνω as “to cross over,” with specific reference to its use in narratives involving travel or movement from one location to another. Thayer’s also mentions its metaphorical use in some contexts, where it may imply a transition from one state of being to another.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) highlights the classical usage of διαβαίνω, where it is frequently found in historical and epic literature to describe the crossing of rivers, seas, or other significant barriers. The lexicon notes its application in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer, Odyssey 5.157 – Homer uses διαβαίνω to describe Odysseus crossing the sea during his journey, emphasizing the physical act of moving across a vast body of water.
2. Herodotus, Histories 4.89 – Herodotus employs the verb to narrate the crossing of the Bosporus, an important geographical and strategic crossing in his historical account.
3. Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War 4.13 – Thucydides uses διαβαίνω in a military context, describing the crossing of troops over a river during a campaign, illustrating the tactical significance of crossing barriers in warfare.

Summary

The Greek verb διαβαίνω (diabaínō) is a significant term in both biblical and classical literature, conveying the idea of crossing over or passing through. It is a compound word that combines the preposition διά (diá), meaning “through,” with the verb βαίνω (baínō), meaning “to go” or “to walk.” This verb is often used in narratives involving travel, movement, or the overcoming of obstacles, whether physical or metaphorical. In the New Testament, διαβαίνω appears in contexts where crossing geographical boundaries is central to the narrative, such as Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee. The term also has a rich presence in classical Greek literature, where it is used to describe significant crossings, whether of rivers, seas, or other important barriers. Through its usage, διαβαίνω encapsulates the action of moving from one place or state to another, making it an essential verb for understanding the dynamics of movement in Greek texts.