from διά and βάλλω; (figuratively) to traduce:--accuse.
Transliteration:diabállō
Pronunciation:dee-ab-al'-lo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1225 (διαβάλλω, *diabállō*) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (*dia*), meaning "through" or "across," and the verb βάλλω (*ballō*), meaning "to throw" or "to cast." Literally, the word signifies "to throw across" or "to cast through." However, in its figurative and more common usage, it carries the semantic range of "to accuse," "to slander," "to calumniate," or "to traduce." This implies the act of casting a charge or accusation across to another person, often with malicious intent or a desire to discredit. The nuance of διαβάλλω suggests a report or accusation made in an adversarial or hostile manner, aiming to bring someone into disrepute or to cause them harm through the spoken word. It is not merely to report, but to report *against* someone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G1225 appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 16:1]]**: "He also said to the disciples, 'There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought against this manager that he was wasting his possessions.'" (ESV)
* The Greek phrase is "οὗτος διεβλήθη αὐτῷ" (hoûtos dieblḗthē autō), which literally means "this one was accused to him" or "this one was slandered to him." In this context, the manager is the object of the accusation, and the rich man is the recipient. The accusation concerns the manager's alleged squandering of the rich man's property.
* While the parable does not explicitly state whether the accusation was false, the manager's subsequent actions (reducing debts for the rich man's debtors) suggest a recognition of his precarious position, implying the accusation had some basis or at least put him under severe scrutiny. The use of διαβάλλω here highlights the act of bringing a charge against someone, initiating a process of accountability that leads to the manager's dismissal. It underscores the disruptive and reputation-damaging nature of such accusations.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G1225 is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **κατηγορέω (katēgoreō, `{{G2723}}`):** This is a more general term for "to accuse," often used in legal contexts (e.g., "to bring a charge in court"). While διαβάλλω implies a more personal or informal slander, κατηγορέω can refer to formal legal proceedings.
* **συκοφαντέω (sykophanteō, `{{G4811}}`):** Meaning "to accuse falsely," "to extort," or "to defraud." This term carries a stronger connotation of unjust or deceitful accusation, often for personal gain. While διαβάλλω can imply malice, συκοφαντέω explicitly denotes falsehood and exploitation.
* **διαβολή (diabolē, `{{G1228}}`):** This is the noun form directly related to διαβάλλω, meaning "slander," "accusation," or "calumny." It represents the act or outcome of slandering.
* **διάβολος (diabolos, `{{G1228}}`):** This highly significant noun, also derived from the same root, means "accuser," "slanderer," or "devil." The most prominent theological connection for διαβάλλω is to the character of Satan, who is explicitly called "the accuser of our brothers" in [[Revelation 12:10]]. This connection reveals the spiritual dimension of accusation and slander, identifying it as a characteristic activity of the adversary.
* **Concepts:** The word διαβάλλω is conceptually linked to themes of false witness, gossip, defamation, calumny, and the destructive power of words. It stands in stark contrast to truthfulness, integrity, and the edifying speech encouraged within the Christian community.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence in the New Testament, the theological significance of διαβάλλω is profound, primarily due to its strong etymological and conceptual link to διάβολος (the devil). The act of "accusing" or "slandering" is portrayed as a destructive force that undermines trust, creates division, and defames character.
1. **The Nature of Evil:** The devil is fundamentally an accuser. His very name, *Diabolos*, signifies one who "throws across" accusations, separates, and divides. This reveals that slander and malicious accusation are not merely human failings but reflect a spiritual battle. When individuals engage in διαβάλλω, they are, in a sense, participating in the work of the adversary, who seeks to discredit God, His people, and His truth.
2. **Disruption and Division:** Accusation, whether true or false, has the power to disrupt relationships, sow discord, and dismantle communities. The parable in [[Luke 16:1]] illustrates how an accusation, even if justified, leads to a significant change in status and livelihood. In a broader theological sense, such acts are antithetical to the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ.
3. **Contrast with Divine Justice and Advocacy:** While διαβάλλω represents the spirit of accusation and condemnation, God's nature is one of justice tempered with mercy. Furthermore, Christ stands as our advocate (παράκλητος, *paraklētos*, `{{G3875}}`), interceding for believers against the accusations of the devil ([[1 John 2:1]], [[Romans 8:34]]). This contrast highlights the redemptive work of Christ, who silences the accuser through His atoning sacrifice.
4. **Call to Truth and Love:** The prevalence of διαβάλλω in the world underscores the biblical call for believers to speak truth in love ([[Ephesians 4:15]]), to guard their tongues, and to be wary of those who sow discord through slander and false accusation.
### Summary
The Greek verb G1225 (διαβάλλω, *diabállō*) literally means "to throw across," but figuratively and primarily denotes "to accuse," "to slander," or "to traduce" with malicious intent. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 16:1]] describes a manager being accused to his master, initiating a crisis that leads to his dismissal. The profound theological significance of διαβάλλω stems from its direct linguistic and conceptual link to διάβολος (the devil), who is portrayed as the ultimate "accuser of the brethren." This connection reveals that the act of malicious accusation is a characteristic of the adversary, designed to disrupt, divide, and defame. In contrast to this destructive force, the New Testament champions truthfulness, love, and the advocacy of Christ, calling believers to eschew the spirit of διαβάλλω and instead build up one another in grace.
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