Understanding διασαφέω (diasapheō) Strong’s G1285: Unveiling Divine Truth Through Clear Explanation

Pronunciation Guide: dee-ah-sah-FEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1285: διασαφέω (diasapheō) means to make thoroughly clear, to explain fully, or to declare plainly. It refers to the act of bringing complete clarity to something previously unclear or hidden. This word conveys the idea of thorough explanation that removes all ambiguity and brings full understanding to the listener or reader.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: Compound of διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) and σαφής (saphēs, “clear, distinct, plain”)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in didactic (teaching) and narrative sections of the New Testament
• Occurrences: Appears only once in the New Testament (Matthew 18:31)

διασαφέω Morphology:

• διασαφέω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I explain fully
• διασαφήσω (future active indicative, 1st person singular) – I will explain fully
• διεσάφησαν (aorist active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they explained fully
• διασαφῆσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to explain fully
• διασαφήσας (aorist active participle, nominative masculine singular) – having explained fully

Origin & History

The compound verb διασαφέω emerged from classical Greek where σαφής (saphēs) was commonly used to describe clarity of speech, thought, or understanding. The intensifying prefix διά (dia) adds the dimension of thoroughness or completeness to the action. In classical literature, this word family appears in the works of Plato, where in his “Republic” (Book IV), he discusses the importance of clear explanation (σαφήνεια) in philosophical discourse.

In the Septuagint (LXX), while the exact form διασαφέω is rare, related words from the same root appear in contexts of making divine truth clear. For example, in the LXX translation of Habakkuk 2:2, God commands the prophet to “write the vision and make it plain (διασάφησον)” upon tablets. This usage connects the word to divine revelation being made accessible and understandable to ordinary people, a theme that continues into its New Testament usage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To explain thoroughly and completely, leaving no aspect unclear
• To declare plainly so that others can fully comprehend
• To clarify something previously ambiguous or hidden
• To report in detail, providing a clear account of events witnessed
• To make manifest or reveal fully what was previously obscured

διασαφέω Translation Options:

• Explain fully – Emphasizes the thoroughness of the explanation, highlighting how the διά prefix intensifies the action
• Declare plainly – Captures the sense of clear communication that removes all ambiguity
• Report in detail – Appropriate in narrative contexts where a complete account is being given
• Clarify completely – Emphasizes the resultant understanding rather than the process
• Make thoroughly known – Highlights the revelatory aspect of bringing something from obscurity to full knowledge

Biblical Usage

The verb διασαφέω appears only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 18:31, where it describes the action of servants who witnessed another servant’s harsh treatment of a fellow debtor: “When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported [διεσάφησαν] to their master all that had taken place.” This singular appearance is significant, as it occurs in the context of Yeshua’s parable about forgiveness, suggesting the thoroughness with which matters of justice and mercy should be communicated.

While the exact form is rare in Scripture, the concept of clear explanation of divine truth appears throughout the Bible. The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes the importance of clear teaching (1 Corinthians 14:9), and Yeshua Himself was known for making truth plain to His disciples (John 16:29).

• “When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported in detail [διεσάφησαν] to their master all that had taken place.” Matthew 18:31

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Jewish educational context, the concept of clear explanation was deeply valued. The Hebrew concept of “midrash” (from darash, “to seek, inquire”) involved careful explanation of Scripture to make its meaning accessible. Jewish teachers were expected not merely to recite Torah but to explain it clearly so that even the common person could understand and apply it. This cultural expectation illuminates why διασαφέω appears in Matthew’s Gospel, which was written primarily for a Jewish audience familiar with this tradition of thorough explanation.

Additionally, in the broader Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and clear communication were highly valued skills. Professional orators and philosophers were judged by their ability to make complex ideas understandable. The appearance of διασαφέω in the New Testament reflects this cultural value while applying it to the communication of divine truth rather than merely human wisdom. Yeshua, as the master teacher, perfectly embodied this ideal of making profound spiritual truth clear to His listeners through parables, questions, and direct teaching.

Theological Significance

The concept embedded in διασαφέω reflects an important aspect of God’s character – His desire to communicate clearly with humanity. Throughout Scripture, we see Yahweh not as a distant deity who speaks in riddles, but as a loving Father who wants His children to understand His ways. From the detailed instructions at Sinai to the incarnation of Yeshua, God has consistently worked to make His truth clear to humanity.

This word also connects to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, whom Yeshua described as the One who “will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). The Spirit’s role includes making divine truth clear to believers, effectively “διασαφέω-ing” God’s word to our hearts and minds. This reveals God’s passion not merely to communicate with us, but to ensure we truly understand His message.

The appearance of διασαφέω in the context of a parable about forgiveness further suggests that clear understanding is particularly important in matters central to the kingdom of God. When it comes to understanding God’s mercy and our obligation to extend it to others, superficial comprehension is insufficient; we need the kind of thorough explanation that transforms our thinking and behavior.

Personal Application

In a world filled with partial truths, deliberate obscurity, and information overload, the concept of διασαφέω challenges us to value and pursue clarity in our spiritual understanding. As followers of Yeshua, we should regularly ask the Holy Spirit to clearly explain God’s Word to us, moving beyond superficial readings to thorough comprehension that transforms our lives.

Moreover, those called to teach others should emulate this divine quality by striving for clarity and thoroughness in explanation. Whether teaching Scripture in formal settings or sharing faith in everyday conversations, we honor God by communicating His truth clearly rather than impressing others with complexity or eloquence. True spiritual wisdom isn’t measured by how impressive our words sound, but by how effectively they convey divine truth in ways others can grasp and apply.

Related Words

• σαφηνίζω (saphēnizō) [sah-fay-NEE-zoh] – to make clear or manifest; focuses more on the process of clarification without the intensity implied by the διά prefix in διασαφέω. See G4626
• ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō) [her-may-NEW-oh] – to interpret or translate, especially between languages; while διασαφέω focuses on making something clear, ἑρμηνεύω emphasizes bridging linguistic or conceptual gaps. See G2059
• ἐξηγέομαι (exēgeomai) [ex-ay-GEH-oh-mai] – to lead out in narrative, explain, or expound; shares with διασαφέω the idea of thorough explanation but adds the nuance of guiding someone through a narrative or concept. See G1834
• διερμηνεύω (diermēneuō) [dee-er-may-NEW-oh] – to explain thoroughly or interpret fully; similar to διασαφέω in its thoroughness but specifically focused on interpretation of meaning rather than general explanation. See G1329
• φανερόω (phaneroō) [fah-neh-RO-oh] – to make visible or clear, to manifest; while διασαφέω emphasizes the process of explanation, φανερόω focuses on the result of something hidden becoming visible. See G5319

Did you Know?

• Divine Pedagogy: The concept behind διασαφέω reflects what early Church Fathers like Augustine called “Divine Pedagogy” – God’s method of teaching humanity gradually and clearly through history, accommodating His infinite wisdom to our finite understanding. This idea of God as the master teacher who explains truth clearly reached its pinnacle in the incarnation of Yeshua, who made the invisible God visible.
• Modern Application: In modern Greek, the derivative διασάφηση (diasáfisi) is used in legal and diplomatic contexts for “clarification” or “elucidation” of complex agreements or statements. This modern usage preserves the original sense of bringing complete clarity to something potentially ambiguous, showing how this concept remains relevant in high-stakes communication.
• Pedagogical Connection: The root of διασαφέω connects to the modern educational concept of “scaffolding” – the process by which teachers provide temporary support to help students comprehend new material, gradually removing that support as understanding develops. In first-century Jewish education, rabbis would often use a similar approach, first explaining Torah clearly (διασαφέω) and then guiding students to deeper application through questions and discussion.

Remember This

διασαφέω reminds us that our God is not a God of confusion but of clarity, who desires not just to communicate with us but to ensure we truly understand His heart and ways.