Understanding διαστέλλω (diastello) Strong’s G1291: The Divine Command to Separate, Distinguish, and Clearly Instruct

Pronunciation Guide: dee-as-TEL-lo (δεε-ας-ΤΕΛ-λω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1291: διαστέλλω (diastello) fundamentally means “to set apart, to distinguish, to give explicit instructions or commands.” It carries the sense of separating one thing from another with clarity and authority. In the New Testament, this word often appears when someone (particularly the Messiah) gives strict orders or charges others with specific instructions, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and separation between what should and should not be done.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: Compound of διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) and στέλλω (stello, “to set, place, arrange”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections, particularly in the Gospels; instructional contexts
• Voice: Often appears in middle voice, emphasizing the subject’s personal involvement
• Tense: Typically found in aorist and present forms

διαστέλλω Morphology:

• διαστέλλω (present, active, indicative, 1st person singular) – I give explicit instructions
• διαστελῶ (future, active, indicative, 1st person singular) – I will give explicit instructions
• διεστειλάμην (aorist, middle, indicative, 1st person singular) – I gave explicit instructions
• διεστείλατο (aorist, middle, indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she gave explicit instructions
• διαστέλλεσθαι (present, middle/passive, infinitive) – to give/receive explicit instructions
• διαστειλάμενος (aorist, middle, participle, nominative, masculine, singular) – having given explicit instructions

Origin & History

The term διαστέλλω has its roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally conveyed the physical concept of separating or dividing objects. Xenophon uses it in his “Cyropaedia” to describe the arrangement of military formations, literally “setting apart” different units for strategic purposes. The semantic range evolved to include more abstract forms of separation, particularly in communication contexts.

In the Septuagint (LXX), διαστέλλω appears in several key passages. In Exodus 8:23, God uses this word when declaring He will “make a distinction” (διαστελῶ) between His people and the Egyptians during the plagues. This usage emphasizes divine separation between the holy and unholy, between those who belong to God and those who don’t. The word also appears in legal contexts in Leviticus, where it connotes the clear distinction between clean and unclean, holy and common.

By the time of the New Testament, the word had developed a specialized meaning of “giving explicit instructions” or “charging someone strictly,” often with an undertone of authority and urgency. This development shows how the concept of “setting apart” extended from physical separation to the distinct communication of commands or instructions.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To separate distinctly – Making a clear division between two things, emphasizing their differences
• To give explicit instructions – Communicating orders with clarity and authority
• To charge strictly – Commanding someone with emphasis and urgency
• To explain thoroughly – Breaking down complex ideas into distinct, understandable parts
• To warn emphatically – Issuing cautions with exceptional clarity and force

διαστέλλω Translation Options:

• “To charge strictly” – Captures the authoritative nature of the command and the urgency behind it, particularly appropriate in contexts where the Messiah is giving important instructions
• “To give explicit orders” – Emphasizes the clarity and specificity of the instructions being given, highlighting the thorough nature implied by the διά prefix
• “To distinguish clearly” – More suitable for contexts where separation or distinction is being made between groups or concepts
• “To instruct with emphasis” – Useful when the focus is on the teaching aspect rather than commanding
• “To warn solemnly” – Appropriate when the instruction carries significant consequences if not followed

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, διαστέλλω appears most prominently in the Gospels, particularly in contexts where the Messiah Jesus gives strict instructions to individuals He has healed or to His disciples. The word carries a sense of divine authority and urgent importance. It often appears when Jesus commands people not to spread news about His miracles, commonly known as the “Messianic Secret” passages.

The middle voice usage (διαστέλλομαι) is particularly significant, as it emphasizes the personal involvement and authority of the one giving the instructions. When Jesus “strictly charged” someone, He wasn’t merely passing along information but was personally invested in ensuring His instructions were followed precisely. This usage highlights both His divine authority and the critical importance of the instructions being given.

Key examples of διαστέλλω in Scripture include:

• “Then He strictly charged [διεστείλατο] the disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.” Matthew 16:20
• “And He strictly charged [διεστείλατο] him and immediately sent him away.” Mark 1:43
• “And He charged [διεστέλλετο] them strictly that no one should know this.” Mark 5:43
• “And He charged [διεστέλλετο] them to tell no one about Him.” Mark 7:36
• “And He charged [διεστείλατο] them, saying, ‘Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.'” Mark 8:15
• “But He warned [διαστελλόμενος] them and instructed them to tell this to no one.” Luke 9:21
• “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct [διαστελεῖται] Him?” 1 Corinthians 2:16

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of separation was deeply embedded in religious practice and thought. The Hebrew concept of קָדַשׁ (qadash), meaning “to be set apart” or “to be holy,” bears striking similarity to the fundamental meaning of διαστέλλω. Jewish religious life was built upon clear distinctions: clean and unclean, holy and common, Sabbath and ordinary days, Israel and the nations. The meticulous nature of Torah instructions reflects this emphasis on clarity and separation.

During the Second Temple period when Jesus walked the earth, religious teachers were greatly concerned with making these distinctions even more explicit through detailed interpretations of the Law. The Pharisees, in particular, sought to “set apart” every aspect of daily life through their traditions. Against this cultural backdrop, Jesus’ use of διαστέλλω takes on deeper significance. When He “strictly charged” His disciples or those He healed, He was exercising a divine prerogative to establish clear boundaries and expectations—not unlike יהוה (Yahweh) giving clear distinctions in Torah, but now with the authority of the incarnate Word.

Interestingly, Jesus often used διαστέλλω to command silence about His identity and miracles, particularly in Mark’s Gospel. This “Messianic Secret” served multiple purposes: preventing premature confrontation with authorities, avoiding misunderstanding of His mission as merely political, and ensuring His timeline would unfold according to divine purposes rather than human expectations. This reflects the Jewish concept of עֵת (et)—appropriate timing—showing that even in His commands for separation, Jesus operated within cultural frameworks His Jewish audience would have recognized.

Theological Significance

The recurring use of διαστέλλω in Jesus’ ministry reveals profound theological truths about divine communication and authority. When God speaks through His Son, His words are not mere suggestions but clear, authoritative instructions that establish boundaries and expectations. This reflects the character of God as One who communicates with precision and purpose, desiring His people to understand His will without ambiguity.

The “Messianic Secret” passages where διαστέλλω appears most frequently point to the Messiah’s sovereignty over His own revelation. Jesus controlled when, how, and to whom His true identity would be made known, highlighting that divine self-disclosure follows God’s perfect timing, not human demands. This sovereignty extends to how the gospel itself would unfold—first to the house of Israel, then to the ends of the earth, according to His strategic plan. The strict commands for silence were temporary measures serving the greater purpose of ensuring His message and mission would be properly understood in the fullness of time.

Moreover, the compound structure of διαστέλλω (διά + στέλλω) mirrors the theological reality that God’s communication thoroughly penetrates human understanding. The διά prefix suggests movement through barriers—God’s word cutting through confusion, misunderstanding, and spiritual blindness to establish clear distinctions. This reflects יהוה’s character as revealed throughout Scripture: He is a God who separates light from darkness, truth from falsehood, and His people from the world. In Jesus’ use of διαστέλλω, we see the continuation of this divine pattern of making things distinct for the spiritual benefit of His people.

Personal Application

Understanding διαστέλλω challenges us to consider how we receive and respond to divine instructions. When God speaks to us through His Word, are we attentive to the clear distinctions He makes between righteousness and sin, wisdom and foolishness, His ways and the world’s ways? The Messiah’s use of this word reminds us that God’s instructions are not casual suggestions but authoritative commands given for our spiritual wellbeing.

In a culture that increasingly blurs moral and spiritual boundaries, διαστέλλω calls believers to embrace the clarity that comes from divine instruction. Just as Jesus gave explicit commands with purpose and authority, the Holy Spirit continues to “set apart” truth in our hearts through the Word. We are invited to live with the same precision and intentionality that διαστέλλω implies—making clear distinctions in our values, choices, and priorities that reflect our identity as God’s set-apart people. When we recognize the authority behind God’s instructions and respond with wholehearted obedience, we experience the freedom and blessing that comes from living within the boundaries He has lovingly established.

Related Words

• ἐντέλλομαι (entellomai, “to command, give orders”) – While διαστέλλω emphasizes the clarity and distinction in commands, ἐντέλλομαι focuses more on the authority and obligation of the command itself. Both involve instruction, but ἐντέλλομαι lacks the specific nuance of separation or distinction. Often used for divine commandments. See G1781
• παραγγέλλω (paraggello, “to charge, command, instruct”) – Carries the sense of passing along authoritative instructions, often in a formal or official capacity. Unlike διαστέλλω, it doesn’t emphasize the separating or distinguishing aspect but focuses more on transmission of orders through proper channels. See G3853
• διακρίνω (diakrino, “to distinguish, discern, judge”) – Shares the prefix διά with διαστέλλω and also involves separation and distinction, but focuses more on the mental process of discernment rather than giving explicit instructions. Emphasizes evaluation and judgment. See G1252
• ἀφορίζω (aphorizo, “to separate, set apart”) – More directly emphasizes physical or social separation, particularly in setting apart people for special purposes. While διαστέλλω focuses on clear instruction and distinction in communication, ἀφορίζω emphasizes the result of being separated. See G873
• χωρίζω (chorizo, “to separate, divide, part”) – Denotes physical separation or division, often in relationships. Unlike διαστέλλω, which emphasizes clear distinction in communication, χωρίζω focuses on the act of putting distance between things previously together. See G5563

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the pattern of Jesus using διαστέλλω to command silence about His miracles (the “Messianic Secret”) appears most frequently in Mark’s Gospel? This distinctive feature suggests Mark’s particular interest in portraying Jesus as one who strategically controlled the timing and manner of His self-revelation. Some scholars believe this emphasis reflects the early church’s effort to explain why Jesus, if truly the Messiah, wasn’t more widely recognized during His ministry. The strict commands (διαστέλλω) for silence reveal a Messiah who came not to force immediate recognition through spectacle but to gradually unfold His identity through faithful obedience to the Father’s perfect timing.
• Did you know that the root word στέλλω (stello) in διαστέλλω originally referred to arranging or preparing, particularly in relation to clothing or sails? Ancient Greek sailors would “stello” (set in order) their sails before a journey. This nautical background gives us a beautiful metaphor for understanding διαστέλλω in Scripture—when Jesus “gives explicit instructions,” He is essentially “arranging” people’s understanding and actions for the journey ahead, much as a captain would prepare a ship for its voyage. His commands aren’t arbitrary restrictions but loving preparations for the spiritual journey of His followers.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, derivatives of διαστέλλω are used in scientific and medical contexts? The term διαστολή (diastole), which shares the same root, refers to the phase of heart relaxation between contractions—literally, the “setting apart” or expansion phase of the cardiac cycle. This modern usage preserves the original sense of separation and expansion. Just as the heart must properly “distinguish” between contraction and relaxation for healthy function, Jesus’ clear instructions (διαστέλλω) establish the rhythm of spiritual health by distinguishing between what should and should not be done in the life of faith.

Remember This

διαστέλλω reminds us that our God is not a God of confusion but of clarity—He speaks with divine precision, making clear distinctions between truth and falsehood, light and darkness, that we might walk confidently in His ways and purposes.