Brief Overview of διαφεύγω (G1309: diapheúgō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαφεύγω (diapheúgō) [dee-ah-FYOO-go]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through and φεύγω (G5343: pheúgō) meaning to flee, to escape. The compound form suggests the idea of fleeing through something, or escaping from danger or difficulty.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To escape or flee: Refers to the act of running away or getting away from danger, captivity, or any form of threat.
• To avoid or evade: Implies successfully avoiding a situation, person, or consequence, often by means of escape.
• To survive or get away safely: Emphasizes the successful outcome of fleeing or avoiding something harmful or dangerous.

Further Insights

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

Further Insights Explained:

• The word διαφεύγω in this form is in the third person singular, present, active, indicative form. It can be translated as “he/she/it escapes” or “he/she/it flees.” 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 διαφεύγω 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):

• διαφεύγω is defined as to escape or flee, particularly in situations where someone avoids danger or imprisonment. The term is used in contexts where the act of evading a threat is emphasized.
• Scripture References: Acts 16:27, Hebrews 2:3, 2 Peter 2:18

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes διαφεύγω as meaning to flee away, escape, or avoid, with a focus on the successful avoidance of danger or difficult situations. The term is often used in contexts where escape or evasion is crucial.
• Scripture References: Acts 16:27, Hebrews 2:3, 2 Peter 2:18

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains that διαφεύγω refers to the act of escaping or fleeing, often with the implication of avoiding harm or danger. The term highlights the outcome of survival or evasion.
• Scripture References: Acts 16:27, Hebrews 2:3, 2 Peter 2:18

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαφεύγω as to flee through or escape, emphasizing the action of running away from something threatening. It is used both literally (escaping physical danger) and metaphorically (evading responsibility or consequence).
• Scripture References: Acts 16:27, Hebrews 2:3, 2 Peter 2:18

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαφεύγω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and φεύγω (G5343: pheúgō), meaning to escape or flee. It is used to describe actions where one gets away from danger, captivity, or an undesirable situation.
• Scripture References: Acts 16:27, Hebrews 2:3, 2 Peter 2:18

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαφεύγω to describe soldiers fleeing from the battlefield, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of escape in the face of overwhelming danger.
• Plato, Phaedo: Plato employs the term in a philosophical context, discussing the escape of the soul from the body, suggesting a form of spiritual or existential fleeing from the confines of physical existence.
• Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War: Thucydides uses διαφεύγω to describe citizens fleeing from their city to avoid capture or death during an invasion, highlighting the desperation and need for survival in times of war.

Summary

διαφεύγω (G1309: diapheúgō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to escape, flee, or avoid. Derived from διά (through) and φεύγω (to flee), the term emphasizes the act of getting away from danger, captivity, or undesirable situations. In the New Testament, διαφεύγω is used in contexts where escape from danger or harm is crucial, as seen in passages like Acts 16:27, Hebrews 2:3, and 2 Peter 2:18. The word is also prevalent in classical Greek literature, where it describes both literal fleeing from physical danger and metaphorical escape from existential or moral threats. Overall, διαφεύγω highlights the importance of survival, evasion, and successful escape in both ancient and biblical Greek thought, making it a key term for understanding how individuals navigate threats and challenges in various contexts.