Brief Overview of διαμαρτύρομαι (G1263: diamartýromai)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartýromai) [dee-ah-mar-TEW-ro-my]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and μαρτυρέω (G3140: martyréō) meaning to bear witness, to testify.

Word Breakdown:

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

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown reflects the word διαμαρτύρομαι in its present middle 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 bear witness or testify emphatically.
• To solemnly affirm or declare something with authority.
• To strongly urge, warn, or charge someone with a serious responsibility.
• To testify earnestly, often in a legal or moral context.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διαμαρτύρομαι is used to denote the act of bearing witness, often with a strong or solemn emphasis. It can imply a serious or authoritative testimony, where the speaker is making a significant declaration or warning.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:40, Acts 20:21, 1 Timothy 5:21, 2 Timothy 4:1

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes διαμαρτύρομαι as meaning to bear witness, to declare solemnly, or to testify earnestly. The term is used in contexts where the testimony or declaration carries weight and authority, often with a moral or legal implication.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:40, Acts 20:21, 1 Timothy 5:21, 2 Timothy 4:1

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Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains διαμαρτύρομαι as to witness thoroughly or testify earnestly, often in the sense of warning or urging someone. The word carries a sense of solemnity and seriousness in the testimony being given.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:40, Acts 20:21, 1 Timothy 5:21, 2 Timothy 4:1

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαμαρτύρομαι as to testify or bear witness, particularly in a formal or solemn context. The term is often used in legal or rhetorical settings where the testimony given is considered significant or binding.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:40, Acts 20:21, 1 Timothy 5:21, 2 Timothy 4:1

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαμαρτύρομαι as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and μαρτυρέω (G3140: martyréō), meaning to testify or bear witness earnestly. It is used to convey the idea of giving a serious or emphatic testimony, often in contexts of warning or urging.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:40, Acts 20:21, 1 Timothy 5:21, 2 Timothy 4:1

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαμαρτύρομαι to describe the formal testimony or declarations made by individuals in legal or political contexts, where the witness is expected to speak with authority and seriousness.
• Xenophon, Anabasis: In Xenophon’s work, διαμαρτύρομαι is employed in the context of military leadership, where commanders would testify or declare their orders with solemnity, ensuring that their instructions were understood as serious and binding.
• Plutarch, Lives: Plutarch uses διαμαρτύρομαι to depict the solemn oaths or declarations made by historical figures, particularly in moments of significant moral or legal consequence, where their testimony was meant to carry weight and influence.

Summary

διαμαρτύρομαι (G1263: diamartýromai) is a Greek verb that primarily means to bear witness, testify, or declare something with strong emphasis and solemnity. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and μαρτυρέω (to bear witness, to testify), the term carries the connotation of giving a serious or authoritative testimony, often in contexts of legal, moral, or spiritual significance. In the New Testament, διαμαρτύρομαι is frequently used in contexts where the apostles or early Christian leaders solemnly declare or warn their listeners about important truths or responsibilities. Its usage in classical Greek literature reflects its broader application in legal, political, and military settings, where the testimony given is meant to be taken seriously and acted upon. Overall, διαμαρτύρομαι emphasizes the importance of earnest and authoritative testimony, making it a key term for understanding the weight and seriousness of declarations in both ancient and modern contexts.