διάφορος
diáphoros
G1313 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
having difference, being distinct or unlike; in varying contexts, it can signify things that are not identical, that differ in nature or kind, or are set apart by particular qualities. By extension, it can also refer to something that surpasses in quality or excellence, i.e., 'superior' or 'more excellent'. The primary sense is descriptive of difference or distinction, while the secondary sense emphasizes exceptional value or superiority.
Semantic Range
differing, distinct, varying, of a different kind or nature, diverse, surpassing, more excellent, outstanding
Root / Etymology
from the verb διαφέρω ('to differ, to carry through, to excel'), itself formed from the preposition διά ('through, across') and φέρω ('to bear, carry'). The adjective is constructed with the -ος adjectival ending, expressing the quality of differing or distinction.
Historical & Contextual Notes
διάφορος appears in classical Greek from the 5th century BCE, retaining the core meaning of 'differing' or 'distinct'. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, particularly in philosophical and technical discourse, it acquires the nuance of 'of a different kind' or 'varied'. In the context of the Septuagint and the New Testament, διάφορος is attested with both the basic sense ('different, various kinds') and the transferred sense ('outstanding, surpassing, excellent'), reflecting a semantic broadening typical in Koine. In Hebrews 1:4 and classical sources, the term can mean 'more excellent' or 'exceptional'. Modern English translations often render the term as 'different', 'diverse', or 'more excellent', though the connotation of exceptional quality may be lost in some contexts. The word contrasts with ὅμοιος ('similar, alike') and τὸ αὐτό ('the same'), and is related to διάφορα, 'differences'.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διαφέρω; varying; also surpassing:--differing, divers, more excellent.
Root Family
διάφορος (diaphoros) — to differ, to be distinct, to surpass
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1313-02 |
διαφόροις | diaphorois | ADJ.A DAT M PL |
divers | to distinct ones | various | 1 |
G1313-01 |
διάφορα | diaphora | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
differing | distinct things | differing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1313-01 |
Romans 12:6 | διάφορα | diaphora | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
differing | distinct things | differing |
G1313-02 |
Hebrews 9:10 | διαφόροις | diaphorois | ADJ.A DAT M PL |
divers | to distinct ones | various |