### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαπορεύομαι (transliterated as *diaporeúomai*) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "across," and the verb πορεύομαι (poreúomai), meaning "to go," "to journey," or "to proceed." The combination yields a core meaning of "to go through," "to pass through," or "to journey through." Its semantic range specifically emphasizes movement that traverses a particular space, region, or group of people, implying a progression from one point to another *across* or *within* a defined area. It is not merely about arriving at a destination, but about the act of traversing it. The prefix διά intensifies the sense of penetration or passage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
διαπορεύομαι appears exclusively in the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament, consistently describing literal, physical movement.
* In [[Luke 6:1]], it describes Jesus and His disciples διαπορεύομαι "passing through" grainfields on a Sabbath. The context highlights their journey and the subsequent interaction regarding Sabbath observance. The act of "passing through" implies a route taken as part of a larger journey.
* [[Luke 13:22]] states that Jesus was διαπορεύομαι "journeying through" cities and villages, teaching. Here, the verb underscores the continuous, itinerant nature of Jesus's ministry, moving from place to place to proclaim the Kingdom. It emphasizes the breadth of His reach and the active, mobile nature of His teaching.
* [[Luke 17:11]] uses διαπορεύομαι to describe Jesus passing through the border region between Samaria and Galilee on His way to Jerusalem. This is a clear geographical reference, marking a specific stage in His final journey.
* In [[Luke 18:36]], it describes a crowd διαπορεύομαι "passing by" a blind man near Jericho. This instance portrays the movement of a multitude, emphasizing their procession past a particular point, highlighting the blind man's isolation until Jesus intervenes.
* Finally, [[Luke 19:1]] notes that Jesus διαπορεύομαι "was passing through" Jericho. This sets the scene for the encounter with Zacchaeus, again emphasizing Jesus's active presence and movement within a specific location.
Across these occurrences, διαπορεύομαι consistently portrays purposeful movement, often by Jesus Himself, highlighting His active, incarnational ministry and the physical progression of His journey.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the base verb πορεύομαι `{{G4198}}`, which means "to go," "to journey," or "to depart." διαπορεύομαι adds the specific nuance of "going *through*" or "traversing." Other related terms that convey movement or passage include:
* διέρχομαι `{{G1330}}`: "to go through," "to pass through," often used interchangeably with διαπορεύομαι in some contexts, but διέρχομαι can also imply "to go across" or "to go over."
* ἔρχομαι `{{G2064}}`: "to come," "to go." A more general verb of motion.
* ὁδός `{{G3598}}`: "way," "road," "journey." This noun often describes the path or journey implied by διαπορεύομαι.
* The concept of an "itinerant ministry" is central to understanding the repeated use of διαπορεύομαι in describing Jesus's activities. This word underscores the dynamic, mobile nature of His mission, bringing the message of the Kingdom directly to various communities.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of διαπορεύομαι in the Lukan narrative, particularly in relation to Jesus, carries significant theological weight. It emphasizes the active and incarnational nature of God's redemptive work. Jesus does not remain static; He is continually passing through regions, villages, and cities, physically bringing the presence of the Kingdom of God to the people. This proactive engagement highlights several themes:
1. **Accessibility of the Kingdom:** Jesus's constant movement signifies that the Kingdom of God is not confined to a single place or temple but is being brought directly to humanity, even to those on the periphery (like the blind man in Jericho, [[Luke 18:36]]).
2. **Missionary Imperative:** Jesus's journeying through serves as a paradigm for the Christian mission. Disciples are called to "go" (cf. the Great Commission, [[Matthew 28:19]]) and proclaim the Gospel, echoing Jesus's own active traversal of the land.
3. **Divine Purpose in Movement:** Each instance of διαπορεύομαι in Luke is not random but purposeful, often preceding significant teachings, healings, or encounters that advance the narrative of salvation. The "through" aspect implies a divine trajectory and an unfolding plan.
4. **The Way of Christ:** Jesus's life is portrayed as a journey, a "way" (ὁδός) that He traverses, ultimately leading to Jerusalem and His passion. διαπορεύομαι captures this sense of purposeful progression along His divine path.
### Summary
διαπορεύομαι (`{{G1279}}`) is a Greek verb signifying "to travel through," "to go through," or "to pass through," emphasizing a purposeful traversal of space. Predominantly found in the Gospel of Luke, it consistently describes Jesus's physical journeys, highlighting the active, itinerant nature of His ministry. The word underscores His proactive engagement with various regions and peoples, bringing the message and presence of the Kingdom directly to them. Theologically, it portrays the dynamic and accessible nature of God's redemptive work, serving as a model for the outward-reaching mission of the Church and emphasizing the purposeful progression of Christ's earthly life and ministry.
TRV