Brief Overview of διάστημα (G1292: diástēma)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διάστημα (diástēma) [dee-AS-teh-mah]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, thoroughly and ἵστημι (G2476: hístēmi) meaning to stand, to place, to set. The compound form suggests a space or interval between two points or objects.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• An interval or space: Refers to the physical or metaphorical space or distance between two points, objects, or events.
• A gap or division: Can indicate a separation or break between things, whether in time, space, or concept.
• A period or duration: In certain contexts, it may also refer to a span of time or an interval between events.

Further Insights

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter

Further Insights Explained:

• διάστημα is a neuter noun, used in various grammatical cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) depending on its function in a sentence. The term is primarily used in the singular form and can describe physical spaces, temporal intervals, or conceptual gaps.

Disclaimer: The morphological analysis here is based on the standard form of διάστημα as a noun. The specific use and meaning may shift slightly depending on context and sentence structure.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διάστημα is defined as an interval or space, particularly in reference to the physical or metaphorical distance between two points. It often carries connotations of separation or division.
• Scripture References: There are no direct New Testament references using this term in the standard canonical texts.

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διάστημα as an interval, gap, or space between two points. The term can be used to describe both spatial separations (e.g., the space between objects) and temporal intervals (e.g., the time between events).
• Scripture References: The word is not explicitly cited in New Testament verses in this lexicon.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s notes that διάστημα refers to a space or interval, highlighting its use in describing physical gaps or separations. The term also has applications in describing periods of time or conceptual divisions.
• Scripture References: No specific New Testament references are provided for this term.

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διάστημα as an interval, space, or distance, particularly in physical or temporal contexts. The term is used in a broad sense, applicable to both tangible and abstract separations.
• Scripture References: The term does not appear in standard New Testament scripture, but it is used in other Greek writings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διάστημα as a noun meaning interval, space, or gap, derived from διά (through) and ἵστημι (to stand, to place). It is a term used to describe separations or intervals in both physical and temporal contexts.
• Scripture References: No specific New Testament references are noted.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Aristotle, Physics: Aristotle uses διάστημα to describe the concept of space between objects, particularly in discussions of motion and the physical world. It is employed to illustrate the interval necessary for movement from one place to another.
• Plato, Timaeus: Plato uses the term to discuss the separation of different elements in the cosmos, highlighting the spatial and conceptual gaps that define the structure of the universe.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus employs διάστημα in reference to the temporal gaps between events in his historical narrative, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intervals of time that separate significant occurrences.

Summary

διάστημα (G1292: diástēma) is a Greek noun that primarily denotes an interval, space, or gap, either physical or temporal. The word is derived from διά (through, thoroughly) and ἵστημι (to stand, to place), suggesting a separation or distance between two points. While it does not appear in the New Testament, it is a term with significant applications in classical Greek literature, where it is used to describe both tangible separations (such as space between objects) and abstract concepts (such as intervals of time or divisions in thought). In philosophical and scientific texts, διάστημα is crucial for discussions of motion, time, and the structure of the physical world, reflecting its broad utility in Greek thought. The term is particularly important for understanding how ancient Greeks conceptualized space, time, and separation, making it a valuable word for studying both classical philosophy and the linguistic heritage of the Greek language.