Understanding διϊσχυρίζομαι (diischurizomai) Strong’s G1340: The Emphatic Assertion That Revealed Peter’s Denial

Pronunciation Guide: dee-is-khoo-RID-zom-ahee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1340: διϊσχυρίζομαι (diischurizomai) is a Greek verb that means “to affirm vehemently,” “to assert emphatically,” or “to insist strongly upon something.” It describes making an emphatic declaration with great confidence and persistence. The word conveys the idea of someone who maintains their position firmly and with conviction, often in the face of questioning or doubt.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Components: Compound of διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + ἰσχυρίζομαι (ischurizomai, “to strengthen oneself, affirm strongly”)
• Related Root: ἰσχύς (ischus, “strength, might, power”)
• Used in: Narrative sections of the Gospels
• Frequency: Rare; appears only once in the New Testament

διϊσχυρίζομαι Morphology:

• διϊσχυρίζομαι (present indicative middle, 1st person singular) – I strongly affirm
• διϊσχυρίζεται (present indicative middle, 3rd person singular) – he/she strongly affirms
• διϊσχυρίζετο (imperfect indicative middle, 3rd person singular) – he/she was strongly affirming
• διϊσχυρίζεσθαι (present infinitive middle) – to strongly affirm

Origin & History

The term διϊσχυρίζομαι has its roots in classical Greek, where the simpler form ἰσχυρίζομαι was used to denote making strong assertions or reinforcing one’s position in an argument. The addition of the prefix διά intensifies the meaning, suggesting a thorough or complete affirmation.

In classical Greek literature, similar forms appear in works of Plato, particularly in “Republic” and “Theaetetus,” where he uses ἰσχυρίζομαι when describing someone who vigorously defends their philosophical position. The compound form with the διά prefix emphasizes the intensity of the assertion. The Septuagint (LXX) rarely employs this term, suggesting it was more common in Hellenistic Greek than in biblical translation contexts. Its appearance in Luke’s Gospel demonstrates the author’s sophisticated Greek vocabulary, consistent with his education and literary style.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A persistent and emphatic declaration or insistence
• A strong affirmation made with confidence and conviction
• A resolute assertion maintained despite potential opposition
• A vehement claim expressed with intensity and determination

διϊσχυρίζομαι Translation Options:

• “To insist strongly” – Emphasizes the persistence and firmness of the assertion
• “To affirm vehemently” – Highlights the emotional intensity behind the claim
• “To declare emphatically” – Focuses on the decisiveness of the statement
• “To maintain confidently” – Stresses the self-assurance behind the affirmation
• “To assert with conviction” – Underscores the belief in the truthfulness of the claim

Biblical Usage

The word διϊσχυρίζομαι appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 22:59, during the account of Peter’s denial of Yeshua (Jesus). The context is particularly significant as it represents the most forceful of the three accusations made against Peter by those who recognized him as a follower of Yeshua. This singular usage highlights a critical moment in the narrative, where the bystander’s emphatic assertion contrasts sharply with Peter’s subsequent denial.

In Luke’s account, the term appears during the third and final accusation against Peter in the courtyard of the high priest. After Peter had already denied knowing Yeshua twice, Luke records that “about an hour later, another insisted strongly [διϊσχυρίζετο], saying, ‘Truly this man was also with Him, for he is a Galilean.'” This forceful accusation is what ultimately led to Peter’s most vehement denial, followed immediately by the rooster’s crow, fulfilling Yeshua’s prophecy.

• “And after about an hour had passed, another insisted strongly [διϊσχυρίζετο], saying, ‘Truly this man was also with Him, for he is a Galilean.'” Luke 22:59

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Judean context, the courtyard scene where διϊσχυρίζομαι appears reflects important cultural dynamics. The accusation that Peter was Galilean carried significant weight, as Galileans were often identifiable by their distinct accent and dialect. When the bystander “insisted strongly” (διϊσχυρίζετο) that Peter was with Yeshua, he was not making a casual observation but was confidently identifying Peter based on his speech patterns, which marked him as an outsider in Jerusalem.

This cultural detail adds depth to our understanding of Peter’s predicament. In Jerusalem during Passover, being identified as a Galilean follower of a controversial teacher who had just been arrested would place someone in genuine danger. The emphatic nature of the accusation (διϊσχυρίζετο) suggests not just a passing comment but a public identification that threatened Peter’s safety. This helps explain the intensity of Peter’s denial and the depths of his subsequent remorse when he realized what he had done.

Theological Significance

The single occurrence of διϊσχυρίζομαι in the New Testament carries profound theological significance within the redemptive narrative. It marks the climactic moment in Peter’s failure, when his fear overwhelmed his previous bold declarations of loyalty to Yeshua. The irony is striking—while a stranger “insisted strongly” (διϊσχυρίζετο) about Peter’s identity as a follower of Yeshua, Peter himself could not muster the courage to affirm this truth.

This moment reveals the profound human weakness that exists even in those closest to the Messiah. Peter, who had earlier declared, “Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You” (Matthew 26:35), found himself unable to stand firm when confronted. Yet Yahweh’s redemptive purpose is magnificently displayed in the aftermath of this failure. The same Peter who cowered before a servant’s accusation would later stand boldly before rulers and authorities, ready to die for the name of Yeshua (Acts 4:5-20). Thus, διϊσχυρίζομαι marks not only the depth of human frailty but also the beginning point of divine restoration and empowerment through the Holy Spirit.

Personal Application

The solitary appearance of διϊσχυρίζομαι in Scripture invites us to reflect on the contrast between human assertions and divine transformation. We often find ourselves like Peter—making bold promises to God when circumstances are favorable, yet faltering when opposition intensifies. The fact that a stranger could “insist strongly” about Peter’s identity while Peter himself denied it reminds us that sometimes others can see our connection to Yeshua more clearly than we ourselves acknowledge it in moments of fear.

When we fail, as Peter did, we can remember that his story didn’t end in that courtyard. The Messiah’s restoration of Peter (John 21:15-19) demonstrates that our moments of weakest testimony can become the foundation for our strongest ministry. Today, when you face situations where acknowledging your faith seems dangerous or costly, remember that the same Lord who understood Peter’s weakness and restored him to service understands your struggles and offers the same grace and strength to stand firm in your testimony.

Related Words

• ἰσχυρίζομαι (ischurizomai, is-khoo-RID-zom-ahee) – The simpler form without the intensive διά prefix, meaning “to affirm strongly” or “to insist,” though with less emphasis than the compound form. It represents the base concept of strengthening one’s position in an argument. See G2480
• διαβεβαιόομαι (diabebaioomai, dee-ah-beb-ahee-OH-om-ahee) – Meaning “to affirm confidently” or “to assert strongly,” this word similarly involves making emphatic statements but emphasizes certainty rather than forceful insistence. See G1226
• διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartyromai, dee-ah-mar-TOO-rom-ahee) – Meaning “to testify solemnly” or “to charge earnestly,” this word shares the διά prefix but focuses on solemn testimony rather than personal insistence. See G1263
• διισχυρίζομαι (diischyrizomai, dee-is-khoo-RID-zom-ahee) – An alternate spelling of διϊσχυρίζομαι with identical meaning, showing the flexibility in Greek orthography. See G1340
• ἐπιμένω (epimeno, ep-ee-MEN-oh) – Meaning “to persist” or “to continue steadfastly,” this word shares the concept of persistence but applies it to actions rather than verbal assertions. See G1961

Did you Know?

• Did you know? The use of διϊσχυρίζομαι in Luke 22:59 represents the only occurrence of any form of this verb in the entire Greek New Testament, making it what scholars call a hapax legomenon (a word used only once). Luke’s choice of this specific, somewhat uncommon term demonstrates his sophisticated Greek vocabulary and his desire to precisely capture the intensity of the moment in Peter’s denial narrative.
• Did you know? The prefix διά in διϊσχυρίζομαι adds an intensive force to the base verb, similar to how we might use “thoroughly” or “completely” in English. This prefix appears in many New Testament words where emphasis is needed, such as διακαθαρίζω (to thoroughly cleanse) or διασῴζω (to save completely). Luke’s use of this intensive form highlights just how adamant the accuser was, making Peter’s denial all the more significant.
• Did you know? In modern Greek, derivatives of the root ἰσχυρίζομαι still exist and maintain similar meanings related to making claims or assertions. The modern Greek verb ισχυρίζομαι means “to claim” or “to allege,” and is commonly used in legal or formal contexts. This continuity of meaning across nearly two millennia demonstrates the enduring precision of the Greek language in expressing concepts of assertion and testimony.

Remember This

διϊσχυρίζομαι reminds us that while others may confidently identify us with the Messiah, true discipleship is measured by our own willingness to affirm that relationship in the face of opposition.