Brief Overview of διαλύω (G1262: dialýō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαλύω (dialýō) [dee-ah-LOO-oh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and λύω (G3089: lýō) meaning to loosen, to dissolve, to release.

Word Breakdown:

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

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown reflects the word διαλύω in its present active indicative form. However, this breakdown can differ depending on the word’s use in different contexts within a sentence, where it may appear in various persons, numbers, tenses, voices, or moods.

Primary Meanings

• To dissolve or disband something, such as an assembly or organization.
• To break up or disperse a gathering.
• To dissolve or melt a substance.
• To loosen or release, particularly in a figurative sense (e.g., releasing a debt or bond).

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διαλύω is used to describe the act of dissolving or disbanding something, such as an assembly or a bond. The term can also refer to the breaking up or dispersing of a group or gathering.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:36 (conceptual use).

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διαλύω as meaning to dissolve, disband, or break up. It can apply to both physical and metaphorical contexts, such as dissolving a substance or breaking up a meeting.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:36 (conceptual use).

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Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes διαλύω as the process of dissolving or breaking up something that is united or together. It can refer to the dissolution of physical objects, social gatherings, or even abstract bonds.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:36 (conceptual use).

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαλύω as to dissolve, break up, or scatter. It is used in both literal and figurative senses in classical Greek literature, referring to the dissolution of physical entities or the dispersion of groups.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:36 (conceptual use).

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαλύω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and λύω (G3089: lýō), meaning to dissolve or break up. It is often used in contexts where something that was united is separated or dispersed.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:36 (conceptual use).

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: In Herodotus’ work, διαλύω is used to describe the breaking up of alliances or the dissolution of treaties between states, highlighting its use in political and diplomatic contexts.
• Aristophanes, Lysistrata: Aristophanes uses διαλύω in a comedic context to describe the disbanding of an assembly or gathering, often with humorous or satirical undertones.
• Plato, Phaedrus: Plato employs διαλύω in a philosophical context to describe the dissolution of abstract concepts or ideas during deep discussions and dialectical reasoning.

Summary

διαλύω (G1262: dialýō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to dissolve, disband, or break up something that was previously united. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and λύω (to loosen, to dissolve), the term carries a broad range of meanings, including the physical dissolution of substances, the breaking up of gatherings, and the figurative release of bonds or obligations. Although the word is not frequently used in the New Testament, its conceptual use reflects its broader application in classical Greek literature, where it is often employed to describe the breaking apart of alliances, assemblies, or ideas. διαλύω is a versatile term that highlights the process of separation or dissolution, whether in a literal, social, or philosophical context. Its usage underscores the importance of understanding how things that are united can be taken apart, both in the physical world and in abstract thought, making it a key term for exploring concepts of unity, dissolution, and dispersion.