Brief Overview of διαφέρω (G1308: diaphérō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαφέρω (diaphérō) [dee-ah-FER-oh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through and φέρω (G5342: phérō) meaning to bear, to carry. The compound form suggests the idea of carrying through or bearing something across, which can extend to concepts of difference or distinction.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To carry or bring through: Refers to the physical act of bearing or transporting something from one place to another.
• To differ or be different: Implies a state of being distinct or unlike others, often used in the context of comparisons or contrasts.
• To surpass or excel: Can also mean to be superior in some quality or characteristic, indicating excellence or preeminence.
• To endure or sustain: Suggests the ability to bear or withstand something, especially in challenging circumstances.

Further Insights

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

Further Insights Explained:

• The word διαφέρω in this form is in the third person singular, present, active, indicative form. It can be translated as “he/she/it differs” or “he/she/it surpasses.” The present tense indicates ongoing or habitual action, the active voice shows that the subject is performing the action, and the indicative mood presents this as a factual statement.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above reflect the specific form of διαφέρω in its present, active, indicative form. The word’s usage and meaning may vary depending on context and sentence structure.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διαφέρω is defined as to carry through, endure, or surpass. It emphasizes the act of bearing something across or through, as well as the concept of difference or distinction, often in the sense of excelling or being superior.
• Scripture References: Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 15:41, Philippians 1:10

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes διαφέρω as meaning to carry through, to be different, or to excel. The term can be used both literally (to bear something physically) and metaphorically (to differ or excel in quality).
• Scripture References: Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 15:41, Philippians 1:10

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains that διαφέρω refers to being different or surpassing, particularly in terms of quality or distinction. The term highlights the concept of superiority or preeminence in certain contexts.
• Scripture References: Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 15:41, Philippians 1:10

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαφέρω as to carry through, to endure, or to differ. The term is used both in physical contexts (bearing or transporting) and in abstract ones (distinction or superiority).
• Scripture References: Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 15:41, Philippians 1:10

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαφέρω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and φέρω (G5342: phérō), meaning to carry through, endure, differ, or surpass. It is used to describe actions of bearing or enduring, as well as concepts of distinction and excellence.
• Scripture References: Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 15:41, Philippians 1:10

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle uses διαφέρω to discuss the concept of virtue, where individuals who excel in moral qualities are said to “surpass” others, emphasizing the distinction between different levels of ethical behavior.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus employs the term to describe the differences between various cultures and peoples, highlighting how customs and practices can vary significantly from one group to another.
• Plato, Republic: Plato uses διαφέρω in a discussion about leadership and governance, where certain leaders are said to surpass others in wisdom and ability, thus making them more suitable to rule.

Summary

διαφέρω (G1308: diaphérō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to carry through, differ, or surpass. Derived from διά (through) and φέρω (to bear, to carry), the term conveys a range of meanings from physical bearing or transporting to abstract concepts of difference, distinction, and excellence. In the New Testament, διαφέρω is used in contexts where distinction or superiority is emphasized, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 15:41, and Philippians 1:10. The word is also prevalent in classical Greek literature, where it is used to discuss both physical endurance and moral or intellectual superiority. Overall, διαφέρω captures the idea of bearing through challenges, distinguishing oneself from others, and excelling in various aspects, making it a significant term in both ancient and biblical Greek thought.