διαλύω
dialýō
G1262 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to loosen thoroughly, to dissolve completely; to break up, disband, or cause complete dispersion of something (such as a group, gathering, or object) so that it no longer remains whole. Used for undoing or breaking apart both physical and non-physical entities, with emphasis on total dissolution.
Semantic Range
to dissolve completely, to disband or scatter thoroughly, to break up (as in an assembly), to destroy by disintegration, to annul or terminate by thorough undoing
Root / Etymology
From διά ('throughout, completely') and λύω ('to loose, release, untie'); literally, 'to utterly loosen.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, διαλύω is rarely found, but where it appears, it emphasizes a thorough or complete dissolution or disbanding, as in the breakup of assemblies, treaties, or gatherings. The compound especially stresses the idea of something being dissolved so thoroughly that its constituent parts are scattered or rendered ineffective. In Koine Greek, it can refer both to literal scattering (as of people or things) and to more abstract dissolution (such as the end of an agreement or destruction of a bond). English Bibles sometimes render διαλύω as 'scatter,' 'disperse,' or 'dissolve,' but these may not fully capture the thoroughness implied by the Greek. Related compounds with λύω generally indicate variations on the theme of loosening or undoing, with the prefix intensifying the completeness. In the LXX and the New Testament, usage is rare but maintains this intensive, thorough sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and λύω; to dissolve utterly:--scatter.
Root Family
διαλύω (dialyō) — to loose, to free, to dissolve completely
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1262-01 |
διελύθησαν | dieluthesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
were scattered | they were completely dissolved | were dispersed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1262-01 |
Acts 5:36 | διελύθησαν | dieluthesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
were scattered | they were completely dissolved | were dispersed |