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διασπείρω

diaspeírō

G1289 verb

SILEX Entry

Root σπείρ- to sow, to scatter, to disperse

Definition

To scatter or disperse widely, especially by sowing, often with the nuance of dispersing people or things across various places. In agricultural contexts, to sow seed broadly. In figurative or extended uses, to cause a dispersion, particularly of groups or populations, across multiple territories. The verb can imply both voluntary and involuntary dispersion.

Semantic Range

to scatter (widely), to sow throughout, to disperse populations or objects among regions, to cause diaspora, to spread abroad

Root / Etymology

Composed of the preposition διά (through, throughout) and the verb σπείρω (to sow), literally meaning 'to sow throughout' or 'to scatter through'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σπείρω primarily means 'to sow' seed, while the prefixed form διασπείρω intensifies the sense to indicate extensive or wide scattering. In Koine Greek, especially in the Septuagint (LXX), διασπείρω is frequently used in the context of the dispersion of peoples, particularly the exile or forced migration of the Israelites/Judahites/Judeans among foreign nations (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:64, Ezekiel 12:15). This sense underlies later conceptions of the 'Diaspora.' In the New Testament (e.g., John 7:35), διασπείρω continues to bear the sense of extensive dispersion, typically of Judeans into regions beyond Judea, but the term retains its general meaning of 'to scatter widely.' Standard English translations like 'scatter abroad' or 'disperse' often suffice, but may miss the underlying literary resonance with sowing or the specific historical associations with the dispersal of populations. Contrast with σπείρω (to sow) and σκορπίζω (to scatter, disperse in a more haphazard or violent manner).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διά and σπείρω; to sow throughout, i.e. (figuratively) distribute in foreign lands:--scatter abroad.

Root Family

διασπείρω (diaspeirō) — to sow, to scatter, to disperse

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1289-01 διασπαρέντες diasparentes V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL having been scattered having been scattered throughout 2
G1289-02 διεσπάρησαν diesparesan V AOR PASS IND 3P PL were scattered they were scattered throughout 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1289-02 Acts 8:1 διεσπάρησαν diesparesan V AOR PASS IND 3P PL were scattered they were scattered throughout
G1289-01 Acts 8:4 διασπαρέντες diasparentes V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL who had been scattered having been scattered throughout
G1289-01 Acts 11:19 διασπαρέντες diasparentes V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL having been scattered having been scattered throughout
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