Brief Overview of διαστέλλω (G1291: diastéllō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαστέλλω (diastéllō) [dee-ah-STEL-loh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, thoroughly and στέλλω (G4724: stéllō) meaning to set, to arrange, to send. The compound form implies a thorough or deliberate action of setting apart, issuing a directive, or making a distinction.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To order or command: Refers to issuing a directive or instruction with authority, often expecting compliance.
• To distinguish or separate: Implies setting something apart or making a clear distinction between different elements or groups.
• To charge or instruct carefully: Emphasizes the careful and deliberate nature of the command or instruction, often with attention to detail and clarity.

Further Insights

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

Further Insights Explained:

• The word διαστέλλω is in the third person singular, present, active, indicative form, which would be translated as “he/she/it commands” or “he/she/it instructs.” The present tense indicates an ongoing or habitual action, the active voice shows that the subject is performing the action, and the indicative mood reflects that it is a statement of fact.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above reflect the specific form of διαστέλλω in its present, active, indicative form. These details may vary based on the word’s usage in different contexts and sentence structures.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διαστέλλω is described as meaning to order, command, or instruct, particularly with a focus on the authoritative nature of the directive. This term emphasizes the significance and urgency of the command, often in a context where obedience is expected.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:20, Mark 7:36, Mark 8:15

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διαστέλλω as meaning to order, charge, or give a command. The emphasis is on the careful and precise nature of the instruction, often implying that it is given with authority and should be followed closely.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:20, Mark 7:36, Mark 8:15

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes διαστέλλω as to command or direct, focusing on the idea of issuing orders or instructions that are meant to be obeyed. The term is often used in contexts where clear and unambiguous directives are given.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:20, Mark 7:36, Mark 8:15

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαστέλλω as to distinguish, separate, or set apart, particularly in contexts where a clear demarcation or distinction is needed. The term can also mean to issue commands or instructions, with an emphasis on clarity and authority.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:20, Mark 7:36, Mark 8:15

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαστέλλω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and στέλλω (G4724: stéllō), meaning to distinguish, to command, or to direct. It is often used to describe the action of giving clear and authoritative instructions or making a precise distinction.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:20, Mark 7:36, Mark 8:15

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαστέλλω to describe the act of issuing clear orders to troops before a battle, emphasizing the importance of precise instructions in military contexts.
• Plato, Republic: Plato employs the term in discussions of justice, where it is used to describe the process of distinguishing between different kinds of justice and the careful instruction of citizens in matters of law.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle uses διαστέλλω to discuss the importance of setting apart and distinguishing different virtues, emphasizing the need for clear understanding and instruction in moral education.

Summary

διαστέλλω (G1291: diastéllō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to command, order, or instruct with authority. Derived from διά (through, thoroughly) and στέλλω (to set, to arrange), the term carries the connotation of issuing clear, authoritative directives that are meant to be followed. In the New Testament, διαστέλλω is used in contexts where Jesus or other figures issue clear commands or make precise distinctions, as seen in passages such as Matthew 16:20, Mark 7:36, and Mark 8:15. The word also appears in classical Greek literature, where it is used to describe the act of giving orders, distinguishing between different elements, or setting things apart for specific purposes. Overall, διαστέλλω is a significant term in understanding both the issuance of commands and the making of distinctions in ancient and biblical contexts, highlighting the importance of clarity, authority, and precision in communication and instruction.