Word Details

• Transliteration: διανέμω (dianémō) [dee-ah-NEH-moh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and νέμω (G3551: némō) meaning to distribute, to assign, to allot.

Word Breakdown:

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

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown reflects the word διανέμω in its present active 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 distribute or divide among several people or groups.
• To apportion or allot something to different recipients.
• To spread or disperse over an area or among individuals.
• To allocate resources, goods, or responsibilities.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διανέμω is used to describe the act of distributing or apportioning something among multiple recipients. The term often conveys the idea of careful allocation or distribution to ensure that each party receives its portion.
• Scripture References: Luke 18:22

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διανέμω as meaning to distribute or divide. It emphasizes the action of distributing goods, responsibilities, or other resources to different people or groups.
• Scripture References: Luke 18:22

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains διανέμω as to divide or distribute, particularly in contexts where something is carefully apportioned among various recipients. The term implies a sense of fairness and order in the distribution process.
• Scripture References: Luke 18:22

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διανέμω as to distribute or assign, with a focus on the systematic division of resources or responsibilities. It can be used in both literal and figurative senses, often referring to the fair distribution of assets or duties.
• Scripture References: Luke 18:22

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διανέμω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and νέμω (G3551: némō), meaning to distribute or apportion. The term is frequently used to describe the act of dividing something into portions and distributing it among different recipients.
• Scripture References: Luke 18:22

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: In Herodotus’ work, διανέμω is used to describe the distribution of land or spoils after a conquest, where the resources are divided and assigned to different people or groups based on their roles or contributions.
• Xenophon, Anabasis: Xenophon employs διανέμω in the context of distributing the spoils of war among soldiers, highlighting the importance of fair and organized allocation in maintaining unity and morale among the troops.
• Plato, Republic: Plato uses διανέμω in discussions about the division of labor within a society, where responsibilities and resources are systematically distributed according to each person’s abilities and roles.

Summary

διανέμω (G1268: dianémō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to distribute, divide, or apportion something among several people or groups. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and νέμω (to distribute, to assign), the term carries the connotation of careful and systematic allocation, ensuring that each recipient receives their due portion. In the New Testament, διανέμω is used to describe actions such as the distribution of goods, as seen in Luke 18:22, where Jesus advises the rich young ruler to distribute his wealth among the poor. Its usage in classical Greek literature reflects its broader application in various contexts, from the distribution of land and spoils in war to the division of labor within a society. Overall, διανέμω is a term that underscores the importance of fair and organized distribution, making it a key concept in understanding the dynamics of resource allocation, responsibility, and social order in both ancient and biblical contexts.