### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **diaponéō**, represented by `{{G1278}}`, is defined as being **grieved** or worried. Its components suggest the idea of toiling through a situation. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, and in both cases, it describes a state of being deeply troubled by a spiritual matter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{G1278}}` in scripture highlight distinct contexts for this feeling of grief. In [[Acts 4:2]], certain individuals were **grieved** that the apostles **taught** the people and **preached** the resurrection of the dead through Jesus. In this instance, the grief stems from opposition to the message being proclaimed. The second occurrence is in [[Acts 16:18]], where Paul, after being followed for many days by a woman with a spirit, was **grieved**. This prompted him to turn and command the spirit in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which being **grieved** `{{G1278}}` occurs:
* `{{G1321}}` **didáskō**: This word means **to teach**. The act of teaching the people was the direct cause of the grief felt by the opponents in [[Acts 4:2]].
* `{{G2605}}` **katangéllō**: Meaning **to proclaim, promulgate**, this word is used alongside teaching to describe how the apostles **preached** the resurrection, which was the substance of the message that caused others to be grieved [[Acts 4:2]].
* `{{G1994}}` **epistréphō**: Defined as **to revert** or **turn**. Paul’s state of being grieved in [[Acts 16:18]] led to a decisive action, where he **turned** to confront the spirit.
* `{{G3853}}` **parangéllō**: This term means **to enjoin** or **command**. As a result of being grieved, Paul exercised authority and gave a **command** to the spirit to leave the woman [[Acts 16:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1278}}` is seen in how it marks points of spiritual conflict.
* **Grief from Opposition to Truth:** In [[Acts 4:2]], the word describes the hostile reaction of those who are troubled by the proclamation of the resurrection. It illustrates that the gospel message can cause distress to those who stand against it.
* **Grief Leading to Spiritual Action:** In [[Acts 16:18]], the word describes a righteous vexation in a believer. Paul’s grief was not despair but a spiritual burden that moved him to exercise the authority given to him in Christ's name to confront demonic influence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1278}}` is more than a simple feeling of sadness; it signifies a deep, toilsome worry. The word is used specifically to frame reactions to pivotal spiritual events. It captures both the antagonistic grief of those who oppose the preaching of Jesus and the righteous grief of a believer who is moved to act against the forces of darkness. It reveals how spiritual and theological conflict can manifest as a profound sense of being troubled.
TRV