Brief overview of διαβάλλω (G1225: diabállō)

Transliteration: diabállō (pronounced dee-ah-BAH-loh)
Part of Speech: Verb

The Greek verb διαβάλλω (diabállō) is composed of the preposition διά (diá), meaning “through” or “across,” and the verb βάλλω (bállō), meaning “to throw” or “to cast.” The word literally means “to throw across” or “to cast through.” Over time, διαβάλλω took on more figurative meanings, particularly in the sense of “slandering,” “accusing,” or “misrepresenting.” The act of “throwing across” evolved into the idea of spreading rumors, accusations, or slanderous remarks intended to harm someone’s reputation or standing.

In the New Testament, διαβάλλω is used to describe the act of slandering or accusing someone falsely. It is a term that carries a negative connotation, often associated with deceit, malice, and the intention to cause harm through speech.

Scripture References

1. Luke 16:1
   “He also said to the disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought against him (διαβάλλω, diabállō) that this man was wasting his possessions.'”
   In this verse, διαβάλλω is used to describe the act of accusing the manager of misusing his master’s resources, which forms the basis for the parable of the dishonest manager.

Detailed Lexicon Description

In BDAG, διαβάλλω (diabállō) is defined primarily as “to bring charges against” or “to accuse,” often with the connotation of doing so falsely or maliciously. The lexicon points out that the term can also imply the act of slandering or spreading false information about someone. BDAG highlights the usage of διαβάλλω in Luke 16:1, where it refers to the false accusation made against the manager in the parable.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes διαβάλλω as “to accuse” or “to slander,” with a focus on the intent to harm or discredit someone through words. Thayer’s also mentions that the word can be used in both legal and non-legal contexts, depending on the situation in which the accusation is made.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) provides a broader historical context for διαβάλλω, noting its use in classical Greek literature to describe both physical acts of throwing or casting as well as more metaphorical acts of accusation and slander. LSJ emphasizes the negative implications of the term, especially when used in the context of false accusations.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Herodotus, Histories 1.69 – Herodotus uses διαβάλλω to describe the act of slandering a person to a king, showcasing the word’s use in a context of political intrigue and manipulation.
2. Plato, Republic 361c – In Plato’s Republic, διαβάλλω is employed to describe the act of slandering or falsely accusing someone as part of a broader discussion on justice and morality.
3. Aristophanes, Frogs 1075 – Aristophanes uses διαβάλλω in a comedic context to refer to the act of making false accusations or spreading rumors, highlighting the word’s flexibility in different genres of literature.

Summary

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The Greek verb διαβάλλω (diabállō) carries the fundamental meaning of “to throw across” or “to cast through.” However, its primary usage in both biblical and classical contexts is metaphorical, where it signifies “to accuse,” “to slander,” or “to misrepresent.” This word has a strong negative connotation, often associated with deceitful or malicious intent, as seen in its use in Luke 16:1 in the New Testament.

In classical Greek literature, διαβάλλω was frequently used to describe acts of slander and false accusation, whether in political, legal, or everyday contexts. Its presence in works by authors like Herodotus, Plato, and Aristophanes attests to its significance in discussions of morality, justice, and social behavior. The term underscores the power of words to harm and the ethical considerations surrounding the act of accusing others, particularly when those accusations are unfounded or intended to deceive.