διϋλίζω

diÿlízō

G1368 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To strain thoroughly, to filter by passing through, to remove impurities by a process of filtration. The primary lexical meaning is to filter or strain a liquid in order to separate out fine particles or impurities; by extension, to scrutinize or examine something minutely, often in the sense of being excessively meticulous or picky.

Semantic Range

to filter or strain out a liquid, to remove impurities by straining, to scrutinize minutely, to be overly meticulous

Root / Etymology

Formed from διά ('through') and the verb ὑλίζω ('to strain', though the precise verbal root is rare and somewhat uncertain; likely related to Latin 'colare'). The compound διϋλίζω literally means 'to strain through.' Etymology uncertain beyond the apparent compound.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in post-classical and Koine Greek with the technical meaning to filter or strain, especially in the context of liquids such as wine or water. In the New Testament (e.g., Matt 23:24), the word is used metaphorically to criticize excessive attention to minor details (straining out a gnat) while neglecting more important matters (swallowing a camel). English translation tradition historically rendered this as 'strain at' instead of the more accurate 'strain out,' possibly due to a typographical error in early printed English Bibles. The metaphor presupposes the practice of filtering wine with fine cloth to avoid ingesting small unclean insects, a concern in both Greco-Roman and Judean ritual life. The root contrasts with verbs for broader sorting or judging, such as διακρίνω ('to distinguish, judge'). διϋλίζω does not appear in earlier classical literature and is specific to Hellenistic and Koine usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διά and (to filter); to strain out:--strain at (probably by misprint).

Root Family

διϋλίζω (diulizō) — to strain, to filter, to scrutinize minutely

Root διϋλ- to strain, to filter

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1368-01 διϋλίζοντες diulizontes V PRS ACT PTCP VOC M PL strain out straining ones straining ones 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1368-01 Matthew 23:24 διϋλίζοντες diulizontes V PRS ACT PTCP VOC M PL strain out straining ones straining ones