Brief Overview of διάφορος (G1313: diaphoros)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διάφορος (diaphoros) [dee-AH-for-os]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through and φέρω (G5342: phérō) meaning to bear, to carry. The compound form suggests something that carries or bears through, leading to the notion of difference or distinction.
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Different or varying: Refers to something that is distinct, diverse, or not alike compared to others.
• Excellent or surpassing: Implies superiority in quality or nature, suggesting something that is better or more distinguished than others.
• Diverse or manifold: Emphasizes the variety or multiplicity of something, often used to describe a range of different qualities or characteristics.

Further Insights

• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Degree: Positive

Further Insights Explained:

• διάφορος is an adjective that can be used in masculine, feminine, or neuter forms, depending on the noun it modifies. It can appear in various cases—nominative, genitive, dative, or accusative—depending on its grammatical role in the sentence. The degree of the adjective is positive, meaning it describes a quality without comparison.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above reflect the typical forms and uses of διάφορος. The specific form and meaning in a sentence may vary depending on the grammatical context and surrounding words.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διάφορος is defined as different or distinct, often with a focus on diversity or variety. It can also imply something that is superior or excellent in nature.
• Scripture References: Romans 12:6, Hebrews 1:4

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes διάφορος as meaning diverse, differing, or varying, particularly in the context of qualities or characteristics. The term is also used to describe something that is superior or more excellent than others.
• Scripture References: Romans 12:6, Hebrews 1:4

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains that διάφορος refers to something that is different or diverse, often with the connotation of being better or more distinguished. The term highlights the concept of variety or excellence.
• Scripture References: Romans 12:6, Hebrews 1:4

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διάφορος as differing or distinct, particularly in terms of quality or nature. It can also imply something that is superior or outstanding.
• Scripture References: Romans 12:6, Hebrews 1:4

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διάφορος as an adjective derived from διά (G1223: diá) and φέρω (G5342: phérō), meaning different, diverse, or excellent. It is used to describe things that are distinct or superior in quality.
• Scripture References: Romans 12:6, Hebrews 1:4

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle uses διάφορος to describe the differences in moral virtues among individuals, emphasizing how some virtues are superior to others based on their effects and outcomes.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus employs the term to describe the differences between various cultures and peoples, highlighting the diversity of customs, traditions, and practices across different regions.
• Plato, Republic: Plato uses διάφορος in discussions about the diversity of opinions and ideas within a society, suggesting that a range of perspectives is essential for the development of wisdom and understanding.

Summary

διάφορος (G1313: diaphoros) is a Greek adjective that primarily means different, distinct, or excellent. Derived from διά (through) and φέρω (to bear, to carry), the term emphasizes the idea of something that stands out due to its difference, variety, or superiority. In the New Testament, διάφορος is used to describe the diversity of spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6) and the superiority of Christ (Hebrews 1:4). The word is also prevalent in classical Greek literature, where it describes both the diversity of qualities and the excellence of virtues or ideas. Overall, διάφορος captures the concept of distinction, variety, and superiority, making it a significant term for understanding differences in both ancient and biblical Greek thought.