Brief overview of διαβεβαιόομαι (G1226: diabebaióomai)

Transliteration: diabebaióomai (pronounced dee-ah-beh-BYE-oh-om-ahee)
Part of Speech: Verb

The Greek verb διαβεβαιόομαι (diabebaióomai) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (diá), meaning “through” or “thoroughly,” and the verb βεβαιόω (bebaióō), meaning “to confirm” or “to establish.” The term literally means “to confirm thoroughly” or “to assert confidently.” It is often used in contexts where someone is making a strong assertion or emphasizing the truthfulness or certainty of a statement.

In the New Testament, διαβεβαιόομαι is employed to convey the act of confidently asserting or affirming something with great assurance. The word is typically associated with declarations of truth or statements that are intended to be taken as authoritative or certain.

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Scripture References

1. Titus 3:8
   “This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things (διαβεβαιόομαι, diabebaióomai), so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.”
2. Hebrews 6:16
   “For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation (διαβεβαιόομαι, diabebaióomai).”
3. Acts 12:15
   “They said to her, ‘You are out of your mind.’ But she kept insisting that it was so (διαβεβαιόομαι, diabebaióomai), and they kept saying, ‘It is his angel!'”

Detailed Lexicon Description

According to BDAG, διαβεβαιόομαι (diabebaióomai) is defined as “to confirm strongly” or “to assert emphatically.” The lexicon highlights that this verb is often used in situations where a speaker wants to emphasize the reliability or truthfulness of their statement, providing a sense of strong assurance or confidence. BDAG notes its usage in Titus 3:8, where Paul urges Titus to insist on the trustworthy message of the gospel, affirming it with confidence.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly defines διαβεβαιόομαι as “to affirm strongly” or “to assert confidently.” Thayer’s emphasizes that the term is used in contexts where the speaker wishes to leave no doubt about the truth or reliability of their words. The lexicon also notes its application in legal or formal settings, where an oath or affirmation is made with great assurance.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) provides a broader context for διαβεβαιόομαι, describing it as a term used in classical Greek to indicate the act of confirming or affirming something with strong conviction. The word is often associated with formal declarations or oaths, where the speaker seeks to convey the utmost certainty about the matter being discussed.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Polybius, Histories 4.47.6 – Polybius uses διαβεβαιόομαι in a political context to describe the act of confidently affirming the truth of a particular report or statement made during diplomatic negotiations.
2. Plato, Laws 719e – In Plato’s Laws, the term is employed in the context of legal affirmations, where individuals assert their claims or testimonies with great confidence and assurance.
3. Xenophon, Memorabilia 4.4.6 – Xenophon uses διαβεβαιόομαι to describe Socrates’ act of confidently affirming a philosophical principle during a discussion with his disciples, emphasizing the strength of his conviction.

Summary

The Greek verb διαβεβαιόομαι (diabebaióomai) is a powerful term that conveys the act of making a strong, confident assertion or affirmation. Rooted in the concepts of thorough confirmation and assurance, the word is used in the New Testament to emphasize the truthfulness or reliability of a statement, as seen in passages like Titus 3:8 and Hebrews 6:16.

In classical Greek literature, διαβεβαιόομαι was commonly used in legal, political, and philosophical contexts to describe acts of strong affirmation or confident declaration. Whether in the context of swearing an oath, affirming a truth, or asserting a claim, this word carries a sense of authority and certainty that leaves little room for doubt. The term underscores the importance of confident speech in conveying truth and reliability, both in the New Testament and in broader Greek literature.