### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **diakōlýō**, represented by `{{G1254}}`, means to **forbid**. It is derived from διά and κωλύω, conveying the sense of hindering altogether or to utterly prohibit. This specific term appears only **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, making its single usage particularly noteworthy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G1254}}` is in the narrative of Jesus's baptism. In this account, John the Baptist **forbad** Jesus from being baptized by him [[Matthew 3:14]]. The prohibition is not a casual refusal but an emphatic attempt to stop the event. John's reasoning is captured in his immediate response to Jesus, saying, "I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" [[Matthew 3:14]]. This highlights that the act of forbidding was based on John's recognition of a divine order that he felt was being inverted.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of this prohibition is illuminated by several related words from the passage:
* `{{G2491}}` **Iōánnēs** (John): He is the agent of the prohibition. As the one sent to baptize, his attempt to forbid Jesus is a pivotal moment that defines his understanding of his own role in relation to the Messiah [[Matthew 3:14]]. John is consistently presented as the forerunner to Jesus [[John 1:29]].
* `{{G907}}` **baptízō** (to baptize): This is the central action that John attempts to forbid. The word means to immerse or submerge and is used for the ordinance of Christian baptism [[Matthew 3:14]]. John's own ministry was characterized by baptizing with water [[Luke 3:16]].
* `{{G5532}}` **chreía** (need): This word explains the motivation behind the prohibition. John expresses that he has a **need**, or a requirement, to be baptized by Jesus [[Matthew 3:14]]. This sense of personal lack or requirement underscores the humility in his attempt to forbid Jesus. This word is also used to describe a requirement for patience [[Hebrews 10:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1254}}` is contained entirely within its single use. It functions to establish a critical theological truth at the outset of Jesus's public ministry.
* **Recognition of Superiority:** John's act to **forbid** Jesus is an immediate declaration of Jesus's superior nature. It is a human's attempt to prevent what he perceives as an unfitting act—the greater being submitted to the lesser.
* **Expression of Humility:** The prohibition is an expression of profound humility. John’s statement reveals his understanding that he is the one in **need** `{{G5532}}` of what Jesus offers, not the other way around [[Matthew 3:14]].
* **Framing the Event:** By trying to stop the baptism, John forces the question of its purpose. His prohibition underscores that Jesus's baptism was unique and distinct from the baptism of repentance that John administered to others.
### Summary
In summary, while **diakōlýō** `{{G1254}}` is exceptionally rare, its single appearance is powerful. Used by John the Baptist to **forbid** Jesus's baptism, the word captures a moment of dramatic spiritual tension. It serves to articulate John’s humility, affirm Jesus's divine authority, and frame the unique significance of the event that would formally begin Christ's earthly ministry.
TRV