### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1278 διαπονέω (diaponéō) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and a derivative of the noun πόνος (ponos), meaning "toil," "labor," or "pain." Thus, its core meaning can be understood as "to toil through," "to labor intensely," or, in its more common passive usage, "to be thoroughly toiled/worked through," leading to a state of deep internal distress, vexation, or indignation. It signifies a profound emotional or spiritual perturbation that permeates one's being, rather than a superficial annoyance. The English translations "be grieved" or "be vexed" capture this sense of being deeply troubled or annoyed to the core.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1278 διαπονέω appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the book of Acts, and always in the passive voice, highlighting the experience of being affected by an external cause.
1. **[[Acts 4:2]]**: "And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, **being grieved** that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead."
In this context, the religious authorities were intensely "grieved" (διαπονούμενοι) by the apostles' teaching, particularly their proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This was not a sorrowful grief, but rather a deep-seated vexation, indignation, and annoyance. Their authority and theological framework were directly challenged by the apostles' message, leading to a profound internal disturbance and hostility that prompted them to act by arresting Peter and John. The word here conveys their thorough exasperation and opposition.
2. **[[Acts 16:18]]**: "And this did she many days. But Paul, **being grieved**, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour."
Here, Paul is described as "grieved" (διαπονηθεὶς) by the persistent actions of the demon-possessed slave girl who followed them, proclaiming their identity as "servants of the Most High God." Paul's reaction was not one of sorrow, but a profound vexation or spiritual distress at the demonic interference and the misuse of truth for malevolent purposes. The repeated and persistent nature of her shouts "many days" suggests that Paul was thoroughly worn down or deeply troubled by this spiritual harassment. His "grief" led directly to a decisive spiritual action, commanding the spirit to depart, demonstrating a righteous indignation against the forces of evil.
In both instances, G1278 διαπονέω describes an intense, internal reaction to something perceived as deeply troubling or offensive, leading to a strong response.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of G1278 διαπονέω provide insight into its semantic range. The prefix διά `{{G1223}}` (dia) emphasizes thoroughness or completion, suggesting that the distress or vexation is not superficial but penetrates deeply. The root πόνος `{{G4192}}` (ponos) refers to toil, labor, pain, or distress, indicating the burdensome nature of the experience.
While G1278 διαπονέω can be translated as "grieved," it differs from other Greek words for sorrow or affliction, such as λύπη `{{G3077}}` (lypē), which denotes general sorrow or grief, or θλῖψις `{{G2347}}` (thlipsis), referring to tribulation or affliction. διαπονέω carries a stronger nuance of indignation, exasperation, or being thoroughly bothered, often leading to a reactive stance. It implies a "working through" of the distress, rather than simply experiencing it passively.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of G1278 διαπονέω in Acts reveal significant theological insights into the nature of spiritual conflict and human response to divine truth.
In [[Acts 4:2]], the "grief" of the religious leaders highlights the deep-seated opposition to the Gospel, particularly the resurrection, which was central to the early Christian message. Their vexation stemmed from a challenge to their established authority, traditions, and understanding of God's work. It underscores how spiritual blindness and entrenched power structures can lead to intense, unrighteous indignation against the truth of God. This "grief" fueled their persecution of the nascent church.
In [[Acts 16:18]], Paul's "grief" represents a righteous indignation against persistent demonic activity. It is not an emotional outburst of annoyance, but a spiritual discernment of evil and a resolve to confront it. This instance demonstrates the apostle's spiritual sensitivity and his unwillingness to tolerate the deceptive tactics of the enemy, even when they seem to inadvertently confirm truth. Paul's "grief" is a catalyst for divine action, revealing the power of Christ over demonic forces and the spiritual authority vested in His servants.
Thus, G1278 διαπονέω serves to emphasize the profound internal reactions—whether righteous or unrighteous—that arise when individuals encounter the disruptive power of the Gospel or the persistent interference of spiritual darkness. It speaks to the depth of human emotion and spiritual engagement in the unfolding drama of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
G1278 διαπονέω signifies a deep, thorough-going emotional or spiritual distress, vexation, or indignation. Derived from διά (through/thoroughly) and πόνος (toil/pain), it means to be "toiled through" or "thoroughly distressed." This term appears exclusively in the book of Acts, illuminating intense reactions to the early Christian message and spiritual realities. In [[Acts 4:2]], it describes the profound indignation of religious leaders against the apostles' teaching of the resurrection, leading to their opposition. In [[Acts 16:18]], it characterizes Paul's deep vexation at persistent demonic interference, which prompted him to cast out a spirit. In both cases, G1278 διαπονέω denotes a powerful, internal perturbation that goes beyond mere sorrow, often leading to decisive action or opposition, and revealing the depth of spiritual conflict and human response to divine truth or demonic influence.
TRV