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to distribute, i.e. (of information) to disseminate
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Commentary
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Pronunciation Guide: dee-an-em'-o (with emphasis on the second syllable)
Basic Definition
Strong's G1268: διανέμω (dianemo) is a verb that fundamentally means "to distribute," "to spread abroad," or "to disseminate." It carries the sense of methodically dividing and allocating something among many recipients. In biblical usage, it often conveys the idea of spreading information or influence across a wide area, particularly in contexts where ideas, teachings, or reports are being dispersed throughout a community.
Etymology and Morphology
διανέμω Morphology:
Origin & History
διανέμω has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe the distribution of goods, lands, or responsibilities. Xenophon employed the term in his "Cyropaedia" (8.6.16) when describing how Cyrus distributed gifts and rewards to his subjects according to their merit. Similarly, Plato used the word in "Laws" (739c) when discussing the proper distribution of property in his ideal state.
In the Septuagint, διανέμω appears in 4 Maccabees 8:9, where it describes how the tyrant Antiochus sought to distribute the flesh of the seven brothers as punishment for their faithfulness to Torah. This usage bridges the classical meaning of physical distribution with the metaphorical sense of spreading influence or information that we see in the New Testament.
By the time of the New Testament, the word had taken on additional nuances related to the dissemination of information, teachings, or reports – a natural extension of its original meaning of distributing physical goods. Early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria in his "Stromata" further developed this usage, employing διανέμω to describe how divine wisdom is distributed among believers.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
διανέμω Translation Options:
Biblical Usage
διανέμω appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 4:17, where it describes the Sanhedrin's concern about the spread of the apostles' teaching about Yeshua. The Jewish leaders sought to prevent the news of the healing of the lame man from "spreading" throughout Jerusalem. The specific form used here is διανεμηθῇ, an aorist passive subjunctive, suggesting their concern that this teaching would be "thoroughly distributed" among the people without their ability to control it.
While rare in the New Testament, the concept represented by διανέμω is frequent throughout Scripture. The spread of the Gospel throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth as described in Acts 1:8 reflects this principle of divine distribution. Similarly, in Acts 6:7, the word of God "spread" (though a different Greek term is used) and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.
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Cultural Insights
In the ancient world, information spread differently than it does today. Without mass media, the dissemination of news or teachings required person-to-person contact, making διανέμω an especially significant concept. The Jewish authorities understood that ideas, once successfully "distributed" throughout a community, were nearly impossible to contain. This explains their urgent concern in Acts 4:17 to stop the apostles' teaching before it could be further disseminated.
The concept also has roots in Jewish tradition regarding the spread of Torah knowledge. The rabbinical system was designed to distribute Torah teaching from the central authorities to the wider Jewish community. The phrase "raise up many disciples" from Pirkei Avot 1:1 reflects this value of methodically distributing sacred knowledge. When the Sanhedrin attempted to prevent the διανέμω of the apostles' teaching, they were ironically trying to halt the very process of knowledge distribution that their own tradition valued—but only because they rejected Yeshua as the Messiah.
Theological Significance
The single use of διανέμω in Acts 4:17 carries profound theological implications. The Jewish authorities sought to prevent the spread of the apostles' teaching, yet their efforts proved futile against God's sovereign plan for the Gospel to be distributed throughout the world. This illustrates the unstoppable nature of God's truth—it is designed to be διανέμω, thoroughly distributed among all peoples.
This concept connects powerfully to Yeshua's parables about the Kingdom of Heaven being like leaven that spreads through the whole batch of dough (Matthew 13:33), or like a mustard seed that grows into a large tree (Matthew 13:31-32). God's design for His truth is that it would be thoroughly distributed, not contained or controlled by human authorities. The irony in the Acts passage is striking—the very attempt to prevent the διανέμω of the Gospel became part of the narrative that has been distributed throughout the world for two millennia.
Moreover, διανέμω reflects the heart of God to distribute His blessings, truth, and salvation to all nations. From the Abrahamic covenant that promised blessing to "all families of the earth" (Genesis 12:3) to the Great Commission's mandate to make disciples of "all nations" (Matthew 28:19), God's redemptive plan has always involved the thorough distribution of His truth and presence.
Personal Application
The concept of διανέμω challenges believers to consider their role in the distribution of God's truth. Are we actively participating in spreading the Gospel throughout our communities and beyond? The Sanhedrin recognized the power of distributed information to transform a society—do we similarly recognize the potential impact of thoroughly sharing our faith?
In our digital age, we have unprecedented opportunities for διανέμω—distributing truth across vast distances instantly. Yet this also means falsehood can spread just as quickly. As followers of Yeshua, we're called to be intentional distributors of truth, love, and hope in a world where negativity and deception are also being "spread abroad." When we share testimonies of God's faithfulness or teach others about His Word, we participate in the divine διανέμω that has been expanding the Kingdom since Pentecost.
Related Words
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Remember This
διανέμω reminds us that God's truth cannot be contained—it is designed to be thoroughly distributed until it transforms every heart, home, and nation with the liberating message of Yeshua the Messiah.