Understanding διαφημίζω (diaphēmizō) Strong’s G1310: The Divine Command to Proclaim Truth that Spreads Like Wildfire

Pronunciation Guide: dee-af-ay-MEE-zoh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1310: διαφημίζω (diaphēmizō) describes the act of spreading information widely, proclaiming extensively, or making something known abroad. It conveys the sense of news or information being disseminated thoroughly throughout a region. The word carries the connotation of an almost unstoppable spread of information, like wildfire, often despite attempts to contain it.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active indicative, first person singular)
• Compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia, “through, throughout”) and φημίζω (phēmizō, “to report, speak”)
• Primary usage in narrative sections of the Gospels
• Often used to describe the spread of news about Yeshua’s miracles
• Contains the root φήμη (phēmē, “fame, report”)

διαφημίζω Morphology:

• διαφημίζω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I spread abroad
• διαφημίζεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you spread abroad
• διαφημίζει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it spreads abroad
• διαφημίζομεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we spread abroad
• διαφήμισαν (aorist active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they spread abroad
• διαφημίζετε (present active imperative, 2nd person plural) – spread abroad! (command)
• διαφημισθῇ (aorist passive subjunctive, 3rd person singular) – it might be spread abroad

Origin & History

The compound word διαφημίζω developed from the combination of διά (through, throughout) and φημίζω (to report, to speak). The prefix διά intensifies the basic meaning of φημίζω, emphasizing the thorough and extensive nature of the proclamation. The root φήμη was commonly used in classical Greek literature to describe reports, rumor, or fame.

In classical Greek, as seen in the works of Thucydides and Herodotus, similar terms were used to describe the spread of information or rumors throughout a region. In the Septuagint (LXX), while διαφημίζω itself is not frequently used, related terms like φήμη appear in passages describing the spread of reputation or report, such as in the stories of Solomon’s wisdom (1 Kings 10:1-7) and Esther’s beauty (Esther 2:8-11). By the time of the New Testament, the term had developed its specific connotation of widely disseminating information, often in relation to miraculous events.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The act of spreading news or information widely throughout a region
• Proclaiming something publicly so that it becomes widely known
• Making something famous or notorious through widespread reporting
• Disseminating information extensively, often with the implication of rapid spread

διαφημίζω Translation Options:

• “To spread abroad” – Emphasizes the geographical expansion of the information
• “To proclaim widely” – Focuses on the deliberate and extensive nature of the communication
• “To make known everywhere” – Highlights the comprehensive coverage of the information
• “To publicize thoroughly” – Reflects the completeness of the dissemination process
• “To blaze abroad” (KJV) – Captures the rapid, wildfire-like spread of information

Biblical Usage

The word διαφημίζω appears primarily in the Synoptic Gospels, particularly in contexts where Yeshua performs miracles and then instructs the beneficiaries not to tell anyone—yet they proceed to “spread abroad” the news anyway. This pattern creates a fascinating tension between the Messiah’s desire for discretion and the recipients’ inability to contain their excitement and gratitude. The overwhelming nature of experiencing Yeshua’s power made containment of the news virtually impossible.

The use of διαφημίζω in these passages illustrates the unstoppable nature of good news and the natural human response to experiencing the miraculous power of God. The term conveys not just a passive spreading of information but an active, enthusiastic proclamation that influences others and creates a ripple effect of awareness about the Messiah’s activities.

• “But they went out and spread abroad His fame [διαφήμισαν] in all that country.” Matthew 9:31
• “But he went out and began to proclaim it freely [διαφημίζειν], and to spread the word, so that Yeshua could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to Him from every quarter.” Mark 1:45
• “But the more He charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed [διεφήμιζον] it.” Mark 7:36
• “And they spread the news [διαφημίσθη] about Him in all that region.” Matthew 9:26

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Jewish context, the concept of spreading news about a miracle worker carried significant cultural weight. The Jewish people had been waiting for centuries for the promised Messiah, and any sign of miraculous power would naturally generate excitement and discussion. The Pharisees and religious leaders had established protocols for validating miracles and determining their source, but the common people often bypassed these official channels in their enthusiasm.

The verb διαφημίζω captures this grassroots, person-to-person spread of information that bypassed official channels. It reflects the ancient equivalent of “going viral”—information spreading rapidly through social networks without institutional control. This phenomenon was particularly significant in an honor-shame culture where reputation and public perception were crucial. For those healed by Yeshua, the act of διαφημίζω was not merely sharing information but also a form of honor-giving, publicly acknowledging the power and authority of their healer.

Furthermore, the Hebrew concept of “bearing witness” (עֵד, ‘ed) formed the cultural backdrop for this proclamation. In Jewish tradition, bearing witness to God’s mighty acts was considered both a privilege and a responsibility. When people spread the news about Yeshua’s miracles, they were participating in this ancient tradition of testifying to God’s intervention in human affairs.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of διαφημίζω reveal a profound tension in the Messiah’s ministry. On one hand, Yeshua often commanded silence about His miracles (the “Messianic Secret”), perhaps to prevent premature confrontation with authorities or to avoid being misunderstood as merely a wonder-worker. On the other hand, the natural outcome of His transformative power was that people could not help but proclaim what they had experienced.

This tension highlights the irresistible nature of God’s work in human lives. When people encounter the living God, silence becomes nearly impossible. The use of διαφημίζω in the Gospels demonstrates that genuine encounter with Divine power naturally leads to proclamation. This principle is foundational to the concept of evangelism—not as a forced obligation but as the natural overflow of a transformed life.

Moreover, the inability of those healed to remain silent foreshadows the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where the disciples are explicitly commanded to proclaim the gospel. What begins as spontaneous, almost uncontrollable sharing in the early ministry of Yeshua becomes a deliberate strategy for the spread of the Kingdom message after His resurrection. In both cases, διαφημίζω captures the essence of news so good that it cannot and should not be contained.

Personal Application

In our modern context, διαφημίζω challenges us to examine our response to God’s work in our lives. When we experience His healing, provision, or transformation, do we feel compelled to “spread abroad” the news? The natural response to genuine encounter with the Messiah should be proclamation. If we find ourselves reluctant to share our experiences of God’s goodness, perhaps we need to reconnect with the wonder and awe that characterized those first recipients of Yeshua’s miracles.

Additionally, διαφημίζω reminds us that the most effective proclamation often comes not from professional religious leaders but from ordinary people who have been touched by God’s power. The spread of the gospel throughout history has relied not primarily on institutional efforts but on the unstoppable witness of transformed lives. Each believer has a unique story of God’s intervention that, when shared authentically, can reach people that no formal evangelistic program ever could. Our personal testimony of God’s work, spread abroad through our social networks, remains one of the most powerful forces for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

Related Words

• κηρύσσω (kēryssō, kay-ROOS-so) – To herald, proclaim publicly like an official messenger. While διαφημίζω emphasizes the spread of information, κηρύσσω focuses on the authoritative proclamation of a message. See G2784
• εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, yoo-an-ghel-ID-zo) – To announce good news, evangelize. Whereas διαφημίζω can spread any kind of information, εὐαγγελίζω specifically refers to the proclamation of the gospel message. See G2097
• μαρτυρέω (martyreō, mar-too-REH-o) – To bear witness, testify. While διαφημίζω focuses on the spreading action, μαρτυρέω emphasizes the personal testimony aspect of sharing information. See G3140
• διαγγέλλω (diangellō, dee-ang-GHEL-lo) – To publish abroad, declare thoroughly. Similar to διαφημίζω but with more emphasis on the thoroughness of the declaration rather than its widespread nature. See G1229
• φημίζω (phēmizō, fay-MID-zo) – To report, rumor. This is the root word of διαφημίζω without the intensifying prefix, carrying a similar meaning but without the emphasis on widespread dissemination. See G5346

Did You Know?

• The word διαφημίζω in modern Greek has evolved to mean “to advertise” and is commonly used in the context of marketing and commercial advertising. This modern usage maintains the core meaning of spreading information widely but has taken on a more deliberate and strategic connotation in contemporary culture.
• In the instances where διαφημίζω appears in the Gospels, it creates what scholars call the “Messianic Secret paradox.” Yeshua commands silence, yet His miracles are so powerful that silence becomes impossible. This paradox has been the subject of extensive theological debate since Wilhelm Wrede first identified it in 1901. The tension highlights the difficulty of controlling divine revelation and the natural human response to experiencing the supernatural.
• The pattern of spreading news about Yeshua’s miracles contributed significantly to His growing fame and the increasing crowds that followed Him, which eventually led to greater scrutiny from the religious authorities. The very act of διαφημίζω, while seemingly disobedient to Yeshua’s commands for silence, actually served the divine purpose of drawing more people to hear His message before His crucifixion.
• The geographical spread of information described by διαφημίζω was particularly significant in the first century, when news traveled primarily by word of mouth. The rapid spread of information about Yeshua’s miracles throughout entire regions demonstrates the extraordinary impact of His ministry and foreshadows how the early church would later spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire without modern communication technologies.

Remember This

διαφημίζω reminds us that when we truly encounter the transformative power of the Messiah, silence is not an option—His work in our lives creates an unstoppable testimony that must be shared.