### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1254 διακωλύω is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through," "thoroughly," or "completely," and the verb κωλύω (kōlyō), meaning "to hinder," "prevent," or "forbid." The prefix διά serves to intensify the meaning of the base verb, conveying a sense of thoroughness, completeness, or decisiveness in the act of hindering or prohibiting. Thus, G1254 διακωλύω signifies "to hinder altogether," "to utterly prohibit," or "to strongly forbid." It implies a resolute and complete opposition to an action, going beyond a mere suggestion or mild discouragement. The force of the prohibition is absolute, indicating a firm conviction on the part of the one forbidding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G1254 διακωλύω appears only once in the New Testament, in the pivotal account of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist:
* **[[Matthew 3:14]]**: "But John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?'" (NIV, emphasis added). The Greek reads: "Ὁ δὲ Ἰωάννης *διεκώλυεν* αὐτὸν λέγων, Ἐγὼ χρείαν ἔχω ὑπὸ σοῦ βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ σὺ ἔρχῃ πρός με;"
In this singular occurrence, G1254 διακωλύω describes John the Baptist's strong objection to baptizing Jesus. John's use of this intense verb underscores the depth of his conviction and humility. He did not merely suggest that Jesus should not be baptized by him; he "utterly prohibited" or "strongly forbade" it. John's reasoning, "I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?", reveals his profound awareness of Jesus' superior divine status and his own unworthiness. He recognized the radical inversion of roles implied by Jesus seeking baptism from him, a mere human prophet. This was not a casual protest but a firm stand based on his theological understanding of the Messiah's identity. Jesus' subsequent response, "Permit it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness," highlights the divine necessity of the act, overriding John's well-intentioned but ultimately mistaken prohibition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the base verb κωλύω (kōlyō) `{{G2967}}`, which means "to hinder," "prevent," or "forbid." While κωλύω is used more frequently in the New Testament (e.g., forbidding disciples to cast out demons, [[Mark 9:38]]; forbidding children to come to Jesus, [[Matthew 19:14]]), διακωλύω `{{G1254}}` carries an intensified sense of absolute prohibition. The addition of διά emphasizes the thoroughness of the hindrance.
Other related concepts include:
* **ἐπιτιμάω (epitimaō) `{{G2008}}`**: To rebuke, warn, or censure. While similar in outcome (stopping an action), ἐπιτιμάω focuses on the verbal reprimand, whereas διακωλύω emphasizes the act of prevention.
* **ἀποτρέπω (apotrepō) `{{G654}}`**: To turn away, dissuade. This implies an attempt to convince someone not to do something, rather than an outright prohibition.
* **Humility and Authority**: The context of διακωλύω in [[Matthew 3:14]] brings to the fore the theological concepts of human humility in the face of divine authority and the proper recognition of roles within God's redemptive plan. John's attempt to forbid highlights his humility, while Jesus' overriding command demonstrates His divine authority and commitment to fulfilling righteousness.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G1254 διακωλύω in [[Matthew 3:14]] is profoundly significant. It underscores the extraordinary nature of John the Baptist's humility and his precise, albeit incomplete, understanding of Jesus' identity. John's "utter prohibition" was not born of defiance but of deep reverence and a sense of his own unworthiness to perform such a sacred act upon the Son of God. This intense verb highlights the dramatic tension of the moment, making Jesus' subsequent act of submission to baptism even more powerful.
Jesus' response, "Permit it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness," reveals that His baptism was not merely an act of repentance for sin (which He did not possess) but a crucial step in identifying with humanity and fulfilling the Father's redemptive plan. John's strong objection, conveyed by διακωλύω, serves to emphasize the profound theological truth that Jesus, though sinless, willingly submitted to a ritual of repentance to inaugurate His public ministry and perfectly fulfill all of God's righteous requirements on behalf of humanity. The word thus indirectly points to the unique nature of Jesus' person and mission, where even a prophet as great as John hesitated to act without divine clarification.
### Summary
G1254 διακωλύω is a potent Greek verb meaning "to hinder altogether" or "to utterly prohibit," conveying a strong and resolute opposition. Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Matthew 3:14]], describes John the Baptist's fervent attempt to prevent Jesus from being baptized by him. This singular usage is highly significant, revealing John's profound humility and his recognition of Jesus' divine superiority. The intensity of John's prohibition, conveyed by διακωλύω, serves to underscore the theological weight of Jesus' subsequent submission to baptism, an act essential for Him to "fulfill all righteousness" and inaugurate His redemptive mission. The word thus highlights a pivotal moment in salvation history, where human reverence met divine necessity.
TRV