from διά and the base of βάσις; to cross:--come over, pass (through).
Transliteration:diabaínō
Pronunciation:dee-ab-ah'-ee-no
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαβαίνω (diabaínō), Strong's `{{G1224}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "across," and the base of βάσις (basis), referring to a "step" or "a going." Its fundamental meaning is "to step across," "to go through," or "to pass over." The prefix διά emphasizes the notion of traversing or crossing a boundary, whether physical or metaphorical.
The semantic range of διαβαίνω thus includes:
1. **Literal Crossing:** Movement from one geographical location to another, often implying the traversal of a significant barrier like a body of water or a territorial border.
2. **Figurative Passage:** The act of moving from one state or condition to another, though in its New Testament usage, this is predominantly seen in the context of an impassable divide rather than a transition.
The word inherently conveys a sense of decisive movement across a divide, marking a transition point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διαβαίνω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering unique contextual insights:
1. **[[Acts 16:9]]**: "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing, pleading with him and saying, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.'" Here, διαβαίνω is used in a literal, geographical sense. Paul is called to "come over" (διαβαίνω) the Aegean Sea from Asia Minor to Macedonia, marking a pivotal moment in the expansion of the Gospel into Europe. This crossing is not merely physical but represents a divinely directed shift in missionary strategy and scope.
2. **[[Luke 16:26]]**: "And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who want to pass from here to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us." In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, διαβαίνω describes the impossibility of crossing the "great chasm" (χάσμα μέγα) fixed between the righteous and the unrighteous in the afterlife. This usage is highly metaphorical, signifying an absolute and unalterable separation, emphasizing the finality of their respective destinies. The inability to διαβαίνω underscores the fixed nature of the judgment.
3. **[[Hebrews 11:29]]**: "By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians, attempting to do, were swallowed up." This verse, part of the great "faith chapter," recounts the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites. διαβαίνω here highlights an act of faith that enabled God's people to traverse an otherwise impassable natural barrier. The contrast with the Egyptians, who attempted the same crossing but perished, emphasizes that it was not merely a physical act but one empowered by divine intervention in response to faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of διαβαίνω is enriched by comparison with other Greek words of motion and related theological concepts:
* **διέρχομαι (dierchomai) `{{G1330}}`**: Meaning "to go through," "pass through," or "traverse." While very similar, διαβαίνω often emphasizes the *crossing* of a specific barrier or boundary, whereas διέρχομαι can imply a more general movement *through* a region or crowd.
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai) `{{G2064}}`**: A general verb for "to come" or "to go." διαβαίνω specifies the *manner* of coming/going as a crossing.
* **πορεύομαι (poreuomai) `{{G4198}}`**: "To go," "to journey," "to proceed."
* **παράγω (paragō) `{{G3855}}`**: "To pass by" or "to pass on."
* **διά (dia) `{{G1223}}`**: The preposition "through" or "across," which forms the first part of διαβαίνω and is central to its meaning.
* **Concepts of Transition and Boundary:** διαβαίνω inherently evokes ideas of transition, crossing a threshold, and encountering or overcoming boundaries. This can be geographical, temporal, or spiritual.
* **Divine Guidance:** The use of διαβαίνω in Acts 16:9 and Hebrews 11:29 strongly links the act of crossing to divine direction and miraculous provision.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of διαβαίνω carry significant theological weight, illuminating key aspects of God's redemptive plan and human destiny:
1. **Divine Initiative in Mission:** In [[Acts 16:9]], διαβαίνω signifies a divinely orchestrated geographical expansion of the Gospel. Paul's crossing into Macedonia represents God's active leading in the spread of His kingdom, demonstrating that missionary endeavors are often marked by decisive "crossings" into new territories and cultures, initiated and empowered by God. It underscores the active, outward-moving nature of the Church's calling.
2. **Faith and Miraculous Deliverance:** [[Hebrews 11:29]] powerfully connects διαβαίνω with the concept of faith. The Israelites' ability to "pass through" the Red Sea was not due to their own strength but to their faith, which enabled God to perform a miraculous act of deliverance. This highlights that seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome through faith, demonstrating God's power to save and lead His people through impossible situations, fulfilling His covenant promises.
3. **Irreversible Eschatological Separation:** The use of διαβαίνω in [[Luke 16:26]] is profoundly sobering. The "great chasm" that cannot be crossed symbolizes the fixed and eternal separation between those who are saved and those who are lost. This underscores the absolute finality of divine judgment and the irreversible nature of eternal destinies. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of one's choices in this life and the inability to alter one's eternal state once the boundary has been fixed.
In summary, διαβαίνω is not merely a verb of physical motion but often carries the theological weight of divine guidance, faith-empowered action, and the solemn reality of eternal boundaries.
### Summary
The Greek verb διαβαίνω (diabaínō), `{{G1224}}`, literally means "to step across" or "to pass over," emphasizing the act of traversing a boundary or obstacle. Its New Testament occurrences reveal a rich theological tapestry. In [[Acts 16:9]], it depicts the divinely directed geographical expansion of the Gospel into new territories. In [[Hebrews 11:29]], it highlights the miraculous deliverance of God's people through faith, enabling them to "pass through" an impassable barrier. Most poignantly, in [[Luke 16:26]], διαβαίνω illustrates the absolute and irreversible separation between the righteous and the unrighteous in the afterlife, underscoring the finality of divine judgment. Thus, διαβαίνω is a word that speaks to significant transitions, divine intervention in human history, and the solemn realities of eternal destiny.
TRV