middle voice from διά and a compound of κατά and ἐλέγχω; to prove downright, i.e. confute:--convince.
Transliteration:diakatelénchomai
Pronunciation:dee-ak-at-el-eng'-khom-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1246}}` (διακατελέγχομαι, *diakatelénchomai*) is a powerful compound term, appearing in the middle voice, that signifies a thorough and conclusive refutation or conviction. It is formed from three distinct components:
1. διά (*dia*): A prefix indicating "through" or "thoroughly," often implying completion or intensity.
2. κατά (*kata*): A prefix here conveying "down," "against," or "thoroughly," intensifying the action of the root verb.
3. ἐλέγχω (*elenchō*): The base verb meaning "to convict," "to expose," "to reprove," or "to bring to light."
Combined, these elements amplify the core meaning of `{{G1651}}` (*elenchō*) to an extreme degree. It is not merely to convince or to reprove, but "to prove downright," "to confute," or "to demonstrate conclusively and irrefutably." The middle voice suggests that the subject is deeply involved in or benefits from this thorough conviction, or that the action is directed strongly against an opposing party, leaving them without a counter-argument. It implies a public and undeniable demonstration of error or truth, leaving no room for doubt or further dispute.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G1246}}` (διακατελέγχομαι) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 18:28]]: "For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus."
* This verse describes the ministry of Apollos in Achaia. The text states that Apollos "powerfully refuted" (διακατελέγχετο, the imperfect middle of `{{G1246}}`) the Jews. This was not a gentle persuasion but a forceful, public, and conclusive demonstration of truth.
* The context highlights Apollos's profound knowledge of the Scriptures ("demonstrating by the Scriptures") and his fervent spirit. His refutation was so complete that it silenced opposition, leaving no viable argument against his presentation of Jesus as the Christ.
* The public nature ("in public") underscores the undeniable and open character of this refutation. It was a clear and decisive victory in argumentation, achieved through the authoritative witness of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{G1246}}` (διακατελέγχομαι) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* `{{G1651}}` (ἐλέγχω, *elenchō*): This is the root verb from which `{{G1246}}` is formed. `{{G1651}}` itself means to convict, expose, reprove, or bring to light (e.g., [[John 16:8]] regarding the Spirit convicting the world of sin). `{{G1246}}` intensifies this, suggesting a conviction so thorough that it amounts to an undeniable refutation.
* `{{G1649}}` (ἔλεγχος, *elenchos*): The noun form related to `{{G1651}}`, meaning "proof," "conviction," or "reproof" (e.g., [[Hebrews 11:1]] where faith is the "conviction" of things not seen). `{{G1246}}` represents the active process of achieving such a conclusive proof.
* `{{G3982}}` (πειθώ, *peithō*): To persuade. While Apollos certainly sought to persuade, `{{G1246}}` goes beyond mere persuasion. It implies a demonstration so compelling that it leaves no room for counter-argument, moving from persuasion to irrefutable proof.
* **Apologetics**: The concept embodied by `{{G1246}}` is central to biblical apologetics—the reasoned defense of the Christian faith. It speaks to the necessity and power of presenting truth in a way that decisively answers and refutes opposing claims, particularly when grounded in divine revelation.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G1246}}` (διακατελέγχομαι) in [[Acts 18:28]] carries significant theological weight:
* **The Power of Divine Truth**: The word underscores the inherent power of God's truth, especially as revealed in the Scriptures, to dismantle error and opposition. Apollos's ability to "powerfully refute" was not primarily due to his rhetorical skill, but to the authoritative and self-attesting nature of the biblical witness concerning Jesus as the Messiah.
* **The Role of Scripture in Conviction**: The passage explicitly states that Apollos refuted "by the Scriptures." This highlights the sufficiency and efficacy of God's Word as the primary tool for demonstrating truth and exposing falsehood. It affirms the Bible as the authoritative source for understanding and proclaiming Christ.
* **Spirit-Empowered Ministry**: While not explicitly stated in [[Acts 18:28]] regarding `{{G1246}}`, the broader context of Apollos's ministry (e.g., [[Acts 18:25]] "fervent in spirit") and the overall narrative of Acts emphasize the Holy Spirit's empowerment in preaching and apologetics. The ability to "powerfully refute" is ultimately a gift and enablement of the Spirit, making the truth undeniable.
* **Nature of Evangelism and Apologetics**: This term reveals that Christian proclamation is not always a gentle invitation but can involve a robust, intellectual, and Spirit-empowered confrontation with error. It demonstrates that the gospel is not merely a subjective experience but an objective truth that can be conclusively proven and defended against all challengers.
### Summary
`{{G1246}}` (διακατελέγχομαι, *diakatelénchomai*) is a unique and potent Greek verb, signifying "to thoroughly refute," "to conclusively demonstrate," or "to prove beyond doubt." Its single New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 18:28]] illuminates the powerful ministry of Apollos, who, through his profound knowledge of the Scriptures, "powerfully refuted" the Jews, demonstrating the messianic identity of Jesus. This word emphasizes the intensity and completeness of conviction, leaving no room for counter-argument. Theologically, it highlights the inherent power of God's Word to overcome opposition, the crucial role of Scripture in apologetics, and the Spirit-empowered nature of proclaiming and defending the truth of Christ. It stands as a testament to the undeniable force of divine revelation when wielded by a fervent and knowledgeable servant of God.
TRV