from διά and the base of πρίζω; to saw asunder, i.e. (figuratively) to exasperate:--cut (to the heart).
Transliteration:diapríō
Pronunciation:dee-ap-ree'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαπρίω (diapríō, `{{G1282}}`) is a vivid term derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "asunder," and the base of the verb πρίζω (prizō), meaning "to saw." Its literal meaning is "to saw through" or "to saw asunder," evoking an image of violent, penetrating division. Figuratively, this physical action is transferred to the emotional and spiritual realm, signifying an intense, visceral reaction. The base definition provided indicates this figurative extension: "to exasperate" or "to cut (to the heart)." This suggests a profound internal agitation, a feeling of being deeply wounded or enraged, as if one's very being is being torn apart by a saw. The semantic range thus moves from a concrete act of cutting to an abstract, powerful experience of inner turmoil, typically characterized by extreme anger or indignation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διαπρίω (diapríō, `{{G1282}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Acts, specifically in two pivotal moments where the Sanhedrin reacts to the proclamation of the Gospel.
1. **[[Acts 5:33]]**: Following Peter's bold declaration that "We must obey God rather than men" and his testimony concerning Jesus' resurrection and exaltation, the text states that the members of the Sanhedrin, upon hearing this, "were cut to the heart and intended to kill them." Here, διαπρίω describes their furious indignation. The truth proclaimed by Peter did not lead to conviction or repentance, but rather to a profound, exasperated rage that immediately moved them to contemplate violence against the apostles. The "cutting" effect is one of extreme irritation and hostility.
2. **[[Acts 7:54]]**: This verse describes the reaction of the Sanhedrin to Stephen's powerful, Spirit-filled sermon, which culminated in his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. The narrative states, "When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed their teeth at him." Similar to the previous instance, the divine truth and Stephen's unyielding witness provoked not introspection but a violent, uncontrollable fury. The additional detail of "gnashing their teeth" further emphasizes the intensity of their rage, a sign of extreme malice and frustration that immediately precedes Stephen's martyrdom.
In both contexts, διαπρίω is used in the passive voice, indicating that the subjects (the Sanhedrin) were *affected* by the message in this way. The "cutting" is not self-inflicted but a consequence of encountering the unvarnished truth of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, particularly when that truth exposes their own sin and opposition to God. The consistent use in these two passages highlights a pattern of hardened rejection among those who held religious authority, demonstrating how divine truth can provoke not only conviction but also intense, murderous rage in unrepentant hearts.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate διαπρίω (diapríō, `{{G1282}}`), it is helpful to consider related Greek terms and concepts:
* **πρίζω (prizō)**: The root verb meaning "to saw." While not used independently in the New Testament, its presence within διαπρίω underscores the violent, tearing nature of the figurative cutting.
* **διά (dia)**: The preposition "through" or "asunder," which intensifies the action of sawing, implying a complete penetration or division.
* **κατανύσσω (katanyssō, `{{G2660}}`)**: "To be pricked in the heart" or "to be pierced." This word is used in [[Acts 2:37]] to describe the audience's reaction to Peter's Pentecost sermon: "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" The semantic range of κατανύσσω implies a piercing that leads to conviction, repentance, and a desire for salvation. This stands in stark contrast to διαπρίω, which describes a "cutting" that leads to exasperation, rage, and violent opposition. The two words beautifully illustrate the divergent responses to the proclamation of God's truth: one leading to life, the other to hardened rejection and death.
* **Words for Anger/Rage**: Terms like ὀργή (orgē, `{{G3709}}`) for settled anger or θυμός (thymos, `{{G2372}}`) for passionate outburst of wrath, capture aspects of the emotional state described by διαπρίω. However, διαπρίω emphasizes the *cause* of the anger – the feeling of being torn apart by an unwelcome truth – rather than merely describing the anger itself.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διαπρίω (diapríō, `{{G1282}}`) is profound, revealing critical aspects of human response to divine truth and the nature of spiritual conflict.
1. **The Potency of Truth**: The word underscores that God's truth, especially the Gospel concerning Jesus Christ, is not inert. It is a living, active force that deeply impacts its hearers. When proclaimed by the Holy Spirit through faithful witnesses, it acts like a saw, cutting deep into the human heart.
2. **Revelation of the Heart's Condition**: The contrasting responses (conviction via `{{G2660}}` vs. rage via `{{G1282}}`) demonstrate that the same truth can elicit vastly different reactions depending on the spiritual condition of the hearer's heart. For those open to God, it brings conviction and repentance; for those hardened in their rebellion, it provokes intense fury and a desire to silence the messenger. This highlights the judicial hardening that can occur when light is repeatedly rejected.
3. **Spiritual Warfare**: The occurrences of διαπρίω in Acts vividly portray the spiritual battle waged when the Kingdom of God confronts the kingdoms of this world. The rage experienced by the Sanhedrin is not merely human frustration but a manifestation of the spiritual opposition against God's purposes, often fueled by demonic influence.
4. **The Cost of Discipleship**: The use of διαπρίω serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel. The truth, when it exposes sin and challenges established power structures, can incite violent opposition, even martyrdom, as seen in Stephen's case.
### Summary
διαπρίω (diapríō, `{{G1282}}`) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to saw asunder" literally, and "to be cut to the heart" or "to be exasperated" figuratively. It appears exclusively in the book of Acts, describing the intense, violent rage of the Sanhedrin when confronted with the truth of the Gospel proclaimed by Peter and Stephen. Unlike `{{G2660}}` (to be pricked to the heart unto repentance), διαπρίω depicts a "cutting" that leads to hardened rejection, furious indignation, and a desire to inflict harm upon the messenger. This term vividly illustrates the profound impact of divine truth, serving as a spiritual litmus test that exposes the condition of the human heart and highlights the fierce opposition that can arise when the light of the Gospel confronts entrenched sin and rebellion. It underscores the active, penetrating nature of God's Word and the spiritual conflict inherent in its proclamation.
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