διαπρίω
diapríō
G1282 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To saw through, to cut through; in figurative usage, to be deeply agitated or infuriated (as if 'cut to the quick'). The term primarily refers to the literal act of cutting or sawing through something, but in Koine Greek (notably in the New Testament), it is used metaphorically to indicate a strong internal agitation, vexation, or being deeply provoked.
Semantic Range
to saw through (literal), to cut through (literal), to be deeply vexed, to be infuriated, to be emotionally agitated, to be 'cut to the heart' (figurative)
Root / Etymology
From διά (through, across) and the verb πρίω/πρίζω (to saw). The compound denotes the action of sawing or cutting through; the figurative sense develops from the idea of being sawn through emotionally or psychologically.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, διαπρίω generally denotes physical action: to saw or to cut through actual material. In the Koine period and particularly in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 5:33; 7:54), the word appears in a figurative sense, describing a reaction of intense emotional disturbance—often translated as someone being 'cut to the heart,' greatly enraged, or deeply exasperated. This metaphor draws on the vivid physicality of being split or pierced—signaling an inner emotional or mental rending. Standard English translations like 'cut to the heart' attempt to preserve the vividness, but may not fully capture the sense of violent agitation or emotional laceration implied. The term is rare in Greek literature outside the New Testament; its use in Acts provides an example of Hellenistic metaphorical extension typical in the syncretic environment of later Koine Greek. It differs from other emotional terms (like κατακεντέω, 'to pierce') in emphasizing a gnawing or sawing agitation rather than a sudden stab.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and the base of πρίζω; to saw asunder, i.e. (figuratively) to exasperate:--cut (to the heart).
Root Family
πρί- (diapríō) — to saw, to cut through
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1282-01 |
διεπρίοντο | dieprionto | V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL |
they were cut | they were being sawn through | they were being sawn through | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1282-01 |
Acts 5:33 | διεπρίοντο | dieprionto | V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL |
were furious | they were being sawn through | they were infuriated |
G1282-01 |
Acts 7:54 | διεπρίοντο | dieprionto | V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL |
they were cut | they were being sawn through | they were being sawn through |