← G1238 G1240 →

διαδίδωμι

diadídōmi

G1239 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To give or hand over, particularly in the sense of distributing or dividing among several recipients; to pass something down, transmit, or deliver over to another (e.g., to a successor or to a group). The central notion involves the intentional handing over or apportioning of an item or responsibility from one party to others, either individually or collectively. May also carry the sense of transferring possession or stewardship.

Semantic Range

to distribute, to divide among, to give out, to hand down, to deliver over, to apportion, to transmit

Root / Etymology

From διά ('through, throughout') and δίδωμι ('to give'); thus, 'to give through' or 'to hand over throughout.' The prepositional prefix intensifies or specifies the action of 'giving' as distributed, allotted, or transmitted.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, διαδίδωμι primarily meant 'to hand over,' 'to deliver,' or 'to distribute.' In Hellenistic and Koine usage—including the Septuagint and New Testament—the verb often appears in contexts describing the distribution of objects (e.g., food, property, gifts) or the handing on of roles or authority. Particularly in the New Testament, it is used for the distribution of bread or portions in communal settings (e.g., the feeding of crowds, Acts 4:35). Standard English translations typically render it as 'distribute,' 'give out,' or 'hand over,' but these may not always express the nuance of including transfer of responsibility or the idea of transmission to a successor. In the LXX, διαδίδωμι can be used when translating Hebrew terms for division or distribution, especially concerning inheritance or priestly duties. Contrast with δίδωμι (to give in general) and παραδίδωμι (to hand over, often with negative or judicial connotations).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διά and δίδωμι; to give throughout a crowd, i.e. deal out; also to deliver over (as to a successor):--(make) distribute(-ion), divide, give.

Root Family

διαδίδωμι (diadidōmi) — to give, to hand over, to distribute

Root διδωμι to give, to hand over, to distribute

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1239-01 διαδίδωσιν diadidosin V PRS ACT IND 3P SG distributes distributes he distributes 1
G1239-04 διέδωκεν diedoken V AOR ACT IND 3P SG distributed he distributed he distributed 1
G1239-02 διάδος diados V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG distribute Distribute! Distribute 1
G1239-03 διεδίδετο diedideto V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG it was distributed it was being distributed it was being distributed 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1239-01 Luke 11:22 διαδίδωσιν diadidosin V PRS ACT IND 3P SG distributes distributes he distributes
G1239-02 Luke 18:22 διάδος diados V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG distribute Distribute! Distribute
G1239-04 John 6:11 διέδωκεν diedoken V AOR ACT IND 3P SG distributed he distributed he distributed
G1239-03 Acts 4:35 διεδίδετο diedideto V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG it was distributed it was being distributed it was being distributed
← G1238 Greek Lexicon G1240 →