Understanding διαστολή (diastolē) Strong’s G1293: The Divine Distinction That Reveals God’s Impartial Justice

Pronunciation Guide: dee-ah-stoh-LAY

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1293: Διαστολή (diastolē) fundamentally refers to a distinction, difference, or separation between things. In biblical usage, it often indicates a clear distinction or difference that separates one thing from another, emphasizing the absence of partiality or discrimination. This term carries the sense of God’s impartial treatment of all people regardless of their background.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from διαστέλλω (diastellō, G1291), meaning “to set apart, distinguish, divide”
• Compound of διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + στέλλω (stellō, “to set, place, arrange”)
• Primary usage in teaching and doctrinal sections of the New Testament
• Used in contexts discussing God’s impartial treatment of humanity

Διαστολή Morphology:

• διαστολή (nominative singular) – distinction
• διαστολῆς (genitive singular) – of distinction
• διαστολῇ (dative singular) – in/with distinction
• διαστολήν (accusative singular) – distinction (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term διαστολή has roots in classical Greek literature where it was used in various contexts. Aristotle employed it in his philosophical works to denote clear distinctions between concepts or categories. In music theory, it referred to the expansion or dilation phase (contrasted with συστολή, “contraction”), a meaning that would later influence its adoption in medical terminology.

In the Septuagint (LXX), διαστολή appears in Exodus 8:23 where God promises to make a “distinction” between His people and the Egyptians during the plagues. This usage establishes an important theological foundation for understanding how God distinguishes between groups while maintaining His justice. The Church Fathers, particularly Origen in his “Commentary on Romans,” expanded on this concept to emphasize God’s impartial judgment regardless of ethnic background.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A clear distinction or difference that separates one thing from another
• A division or boundary that marks separation between groups
• A distinguishing mark that identifies difference
• The act of making a distinction or differentiation

Διαστολή Translation Options:

• Distinction – Captures the essence of identifying differences between things or people (Romans 3:22)
• Difference – Emphasizes the quality that distinguishes one thing from another (Romans 10:12)
• Separation – Highlights the action of dividing between groups (1 Corinthians 14:7)
• Distinction-making – Reflects the process-oriented nature of the term in certain contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, διαστολή appears just three times, all in the writings of Paul. The term takes on special theological significance as Paul uses it to emphasize the absence of distinction between Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. In Romans 3:22, its first occurrence, Paul declares that God’s righteousness comes through faith in Jesus the Messiah “to all who believe, for there is no distinction (διαστολή).” This powerfully communicates God’s impartiality and the universal availability of salvation.

In the realm of music and communication, Paul employs διαστολή in 1 Corinthians 14:7 to illustrate the necessity of clear differences in sound for musical instruments to be understood, creating an analogy for the importance of clear speech in the assembly of believers.

• “For the righteousness of God has been manifested…through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction [διαστολή].” Romans 3:22
• “For there is no distinction [διαστολή] between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.” Romans 10:12
• “If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct [διαστολή] notes, how will anyone know what is played?” 1 Corinthians 14:7

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Roman world, distinctions between people groups were deeply entrenched in society. Romans distinguished themselves from non-Romans, Jews separated themselves from Gentiles, and various social strata were clearly defined. The Roman Empire operated on a complex system of social hierarchies and distinctions that determined one’s rights, privileges, and social standing.

Against this cultural backdrop, Paul’s use of διαστολή to declare “no distinction” between Jews and Gentiles was revolutionary. For Jewish believers, this concept challenged centuries of religious separation codified in Torah practices designed to maintain Israel’s distinct identity. The declaration that God makes “no distinction” in salvation represented a radical reinterpretation of covenant theology, aligning with the Jewish concept of the Messianic Age when, according to Isaiah, God would gather people from all nations to worship Him.

Theological Significance

The concept of διαστολή in Paul’s theology reveals profound truths about God’s character and redemptive plan. By declaring “no distinction” between Jews and Gentiles in Romans 3:22 and 10:12, Paul illuminates the universal nature of both human sinfulness and divine salvation. This absence of distinction underscores יהוה’s impartiality—He does not show favoritism based on ethnicity, social status, or religious background.

This theological principle demonstrates God’s perfect justice and mercy operating in harmony. While the Torah established Israel as a distinct people, it always pointed toward the ultimate goal of blessing all nations through Abraham’s seed. In the Messiah, these distinctions find their fulfillment and transformation—not through their elimination but through their proper recontextualization. The absence of διαστολή in salvation means that God judges all people by the same standard and offers redemption to all through the same means: faith in Yeshua.

Personal Application

Understanding διαστολή challenges us to examine where we might be making improper distinctions in our own lives and communities. If God shows no partiality in offering salvation, how might we be guilty of creating divisions based on ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, or other human categories? When we recognize that “there is no distinction” in our standing before God, we are called to a radical equality in how we view and treat others.

This concept also offers tremendous comfort. No matter your background or past mistakes, God’s grace is equally available to you. The absence of διαστολή means that no one stands closer to God’s favor through heritage or social position—we all approach Him through the same door of faith in the Messiah. This truth should inspire both humility and confidence as we walk with Him, knowing we are accepted not based on our distinctions but on His grace.

Related Words

• κρίνω (krinō, pronounced “KREE-no”) – to judge, decide, determine. While διαστολή refers to distinction itself, κρίνω involves the act of making distinctions through judgment or discernment. See G2919
• διαίρεσις (diairesis, pronounced “dee-AH-ee-reh-sis”) – division, distribution, difference. Similar to διαστολή but emphasizes the act of distributing or dividing things into portions rather than simply marking distinction. See G1243
• διακρίνω (diakrinō, pronounced “dee-ah-KREE-no”) – to separate, distinguish, judge between. This intensified form of κρίνω carries the sense of thorough discrimination or discernment. See G1252
• μερισμός (merismos, pronounced “meh-ris-MOS”) – a division, partition, separation. Focuses on the result of division rather than the distinguishing characteristic itself. See G3311
• προσωποληψία (prosōpolēmpsia, pronounced “pro-so-po-LEMP-see-ah”) – partiality, favoritism. The opposite concept to Paul’s use of “no διαστολή,” as it refers to showing favor based on outward appearance or status. See G4382

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the medical term “diastole”—referring to the phase of heart relaxation between contractions—derives from the same Greek word διαστολή? Just as the heart expands to create space during diastole, the biblical concept creates space for all people in God’s salvation plan, regardless of background.
• Did you know that in ancient Greek music theory, διαστολή referred to the proper separation between musical notes or phrases? This technical usage perfectly parallels Paul’s application in 1 Corinthians 14:7, where he emphasizes that without distinct (διαστολή) notes, musical instruments produce unintelligible sound—just as unclear speech fails to communicate in the assembly of believers.
• Did you know that in rabbinic Judaism, the concept similar to διαστολή was expressed through the term הבדלה (havdalah), meaning “separation” or “distinction”? The Havdalah ceremony marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the new week by distinguishing between sacred and ordinary time. Paul’s declaration of “no διαστολή” between Jew and Gentile would have been particularly striking to Jewish believers familiar with these ritual distinctions.

Remember This

Διαστολή reminds us that in the economy of God’s grace, the only distinction that ultimately matters is not between human categories, but between those who embrace the Messiah in faith and those who don’t.