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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.

Translation Consistency

primary "order" 6 occurrences

“Order” is a natural, widely understood verb that captures the primary SILEX senses—issuing a directive or strict charge, commanding with authority, and setting a boundary by instruction. It comfortably covers related nuances (warn earnestly, direct, charge) without sounding overly formal, making it a consistent, easy-to-inflect base for all forms of G1291.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"gave instruction" (1x) "strictly charged" (1x)

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

Root δια-στέλλ- to separate, to distinguish, to arrange, to command with warning

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1291-03 διεστείλατο diesteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG he charged he issued a strict charge he personally ordered a strict charge 4
G1291-04 διεστέλλετο diestelleto V IMPF MID IND 3P SG He ordered was issuing strict directives he was ordering strict directives 2
G1291-01 διαστελλόμενον diastellomenon V PRS PASS PTCP ACC N SG commanded being strictly charged being strictly charged 1
G1291-02 διεστειλάμεθα diesteilametha V AOR MID IND 1P PL we gave commandment we gave strict charge we gave instruction 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1291-03 Matthew 16:20 διεστείλατο diesteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG he strictly charged he issued a strict charge he personally ordered a strict charge
G1291-03 Mark 5:43 διεστείλατο diesteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG He strictly charged he issued a strict charge he personally ordered a strict charge
G1291-03 Mark 7:36 διεστείλατο diesteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG He charged he issued a strict charge he personally ordered a strict charge
G1291-04 Mark 7:36 διεστέλλετο diestelleto V IMPF MID IND 3P SG He ordered was issuing strict directives he was ordering strict directives
G1291-04 Mark 8:15 διεστέλλετο diestelleto V IMPF MID IND 3P SG he was charging was issuing strict directives he was ordering strict directives
G1291-03 Mark 9:9 διεστείλατο diesteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG he charged he issued a strict charge he personally ordered a strict charge
G1291-02 Acts 15:24 διεστειλάμεθα diesteilametha V AOR MID IND 1P PL we gave commandment we gave strict charge we gave instruction
G1291-01 Hebrews 12:20 διαστελλόμενον diastellomenon V PRS PASS PTCP ACC N SG commanded being strictly charged being strictly charged
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