διαστέλλομαι
diastéllomai
G1291 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To give an order or instruction, particularly to warn or command with specific authority; to set a boundary by issuing directive speech. In the middle voice, emphasizes issuing a serious directive or warning with the expectation of compliance. Also carries the sense of distinguishing or separating through instruction—in the sense of demarcating correct action or belief.
Semantic Range
to order, to command, to warn earnestly, to give a strict charge, to direct with prohibition, to distinguish by giving instructions
Root / Etymology
From διά (through, by means of) and στέλλω (to send, arrange, set in order). The compound emphasizes a sense of arranging apart, setting a line or command with explicit differentiation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, διαστέλλομαι could mean 'to distinguish, separate, or make a difference.' In Koine usage, as found in the New Testament (e.g., Mark 7:36; 8:15), the sense shifts to mean 'to order strictly, to command with warning,' often in the context of enjoining secrecy or specific action from followers. The nuance of separation persists but is enacted through authoritative speech—a directive that separates permitted from forbidden or sets apart proper conduct. Standard English Bibles often translate as 'charged' or 'commanded,' but the Greek highlights a nuance of careful instruction or earnest prohibition. Distinct from other verbs for command (ἐντέλλομαι, κελεύω), διαστέλλομαι often underscores the aspect of warning or circumscription. The verb does not appear in a strictly religious or ceremonial sense but rather in practical instruction or exhortation, especially in relational or didactic situations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice from διά and στέλλω; to set (oneself) apart (figuratively, distinguish), i.e. (by implication) to enjoin:--charge, that which was (give) commanded(-ment).
Root Family
διαστέλλομαι (diastellomai) — separate, distinguish, arrange, command with warning
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1291-03 |
διεστείλατο | diesteilato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
he charged | he issued a strict charge | 4 |
G1291-04 |
διεστέλλετο | diestelleto | V IMPF MID IND 3P SG |
He ordered | was issuing strict directives | 2 |
G1291-01 |
διαστελλόμενον | diastellomenon | V PRS PASS PTCP ACC N SG |
commanded | being strictly charged | 1 |
G1291-02 |
διεστειλάμεθα | diesteilametha | V AOR MID IND 1P PL |
we gave commandment | we gave strict charge | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
8 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1291-03 |
Matthew 16:20 | διεστείλατο | diesteilato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
he issued a strict charge | |
G1291-03 |
Mark 5:43 | διεστείλατο | diesteilato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
He strictly charged | he issued a strict charge |
G1291-03 |
Mark 7:36 | διεστείλατο | diesteilato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
He charged | he issued a strict charge |
G1291-04 |
Mark 7:36 | διεστέλλετο | diestelleto | V IMPF MID IND 3P SG |
He ordered | was issuing strict directives |
G1291-04 |
Mark 8:15 | διεστέλλετο | diestelleto | V IMPF MID IND 3P SG |
he was charging | was issuing strict directives |
G1291-03 |
Mark 9:9 | διεστείλατο | diesteilato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
he charged | he issued a strict charge |
G1291-02 |
Acts 15:24 | διεστειλάμεθα | diesteilametha | V AOR MID IND 1P PL |
we gave commandment | we gave strict charge |
G1291-01 |
Hebrews 12:20 | διαστελλόμενον | diastellomenon | V PRS PASS PTCP ACC N SG |
commanded | being strictly charged |