διαλείπω
dialeípō
G1257 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To leave off, to pause or cease (from an activity) with a focus on a temporary or interruptive cessation; to stop in the midst of something, especially where an interruption or discontinuity is implied. The primary sense is of ceasing an action, often with the expectation or possibility that it might resume.
Semantic Range
to pause, to intermit, to leave off temporarily, to cease activity (with implication of interruption or discontinuity), to stop (temporarily or incompletely)
Root / Etymology
Derived from διά (through, across, throughout) and λείπω (to leave, to abandon). The compound suggests the idea of leaving something through or in the midst of an activity, hence 'to leave off in the middle.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, διαλείπω is relatively rare but occurs with the meaning 'to intermit' or 'to pause.' In Koine Greek, particularly in the Septuagint and NT, it denotes a cessation that is typically temporary or incomplete, distinct from more absolute terms for stopping or abandoning (e.g., παύω, καταλίπω). In Acts 5:42, it describes the apostles' continual activity, emphasizing that they did not interrupt or pause their teaching. English translations often use 'cease,' 'stop,' or 'desist,' but these may not fully convey the nuance of an activity being left off temporarily or momentarily. The term does not inherently denote an ending without possibility of resumption. In the LXX, similar usage occurs in contexts of temporarily ceasing an activity (such as speaking, acting, or working).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and λείπω; to leave off in the middle, i.e. intermit:--cease.
Root Family
διαλείπω (dialeipō) — leave, cease, pause, intermit
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1257-01 |
διέλιπεν | dielipen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
ceased | left off | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1257-01 |
Luke 7:45 | διέλιπεν | dielipen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
ceased | left off |