The Greek word diagnōrízō, represented by G1232, means to tell abroad or make known. It appears only 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. The word's base definition is from γραπτός and γνωρίζω, highlighting its role in describing a specific and thorough kind of declaration.
In its sole biblical appearance, G1232 describes the actions of the shepherds after visiting the newborn Jesus. The text states that after they "had seen" the event, they "made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child" Luke 2:17. This act of proclamation is presented as the immediate and natural result of their eyewitness experience with the divine revelation.
Several related words found in the context of its only use help clarify its meaning:
- G1161 dé: This is a primary particle, often translated as but, and, etc. It functions as a continuative term to connect clauses, as in the phrase "And we know that all things work together for good" Romans 8:28.
- G1492 eídō: A primary verb meaning to see (literally or figuratively) or to know. It describes both physical sight and intellectual awareness, such as when believers are told to let others "see your good works" Matthew 5:16.
- G2980 laléō: This verb means to talk, i.e. utter words. It describes the act of speaking, as when Jesus "spake again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world" John 8:12.
- G4012 perí: This word means with respect to or concerning. It is used to specify the subject of a statement, such as the prophecies written "concerning me" Luke 24:44.
- G4487 rhēma: This term refers to an utterance or word. It signifies a specific saying or topic, like the truth that man lives by "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" Matthew 4:4.
The theological weight of G1232 is demonstrated in its single, powerful context.
- Witness Following Revelation: The use of the word is directly tied to a divine encounter. The shepherds' action to "make known abroad" comes immediately after they "had seen" the child, establishing a scriptural pattern of testimony as a response to revelation Luke 2:17.
- Public Proclamation: The meaning "to tell abroad" emphasizes that the message about Christ was not kept private but was spread widely, underscoring the inherently public nature of the gospel.
- Faithful Transmission: The content of the testimony was specific and was not a personal invention. The shepherds made known "the saying which was told them," highlighting the importance of faithfully relaying a received message Luke 2:17.
In summary, G1232 is a precise term whose meaning is illuminated by its singular use in scripture. It encapsulates the act of widely proclaiming a divine message immediately after witnessing it firsthand. As seen with the shepherds in Luke 2:17, diagnōrízō represents the foundational Christian impulse to not only see and believe but to also make known the word that has been revealed.
TRV