from διά and (clear); to clear thoroughly, i.e. (figuratively) declare:--tell unto.
Transliteration:diasaphéō
Pronunciation:dee-as-af-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διασαφέω (diasaphéō), Strong's number `{{G1285}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the adjective σαφής (saphēs), meaning "clear," "plain," or "distinct." Together, these components convey the core meaning of "to make thoroughly clear," "to make perfectly plain," or "to explain distinctly." It implies a communication that leaves no room for ambiguity, ensuring complete understanding on the part of the listener. While its base definition suggests a literal act of clearing, its usage in the New Testament is consistently figurative, referring to the act of declaring or explaining something in a comprehensive and unambiguous manner. It is more than simply "telling"; it is "making clear by telling."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word διασαφέω appears infrequently in the New Testament, occurring only twice, both times in the Gospel of Matthew:
1. **[[Matthew 13:36]]**: "Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field." Here, the disciples request Jesus to διασαφέω (declare/explain) the parable. This context highlights the need for profound understanding of spiritual truths. The disciples, having heard the parable, recognized its deeper meaning required clarification, and they sought a thorough, unambiguous explanation from the Master. Jesus' subsequent exposition (vv. 37-43) demonstrates the comprehensive clarity implied by διασαφέω.
2. **[[Matthew 18:31]]**: "So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done." In this parable of the unforgiving servant, the fellow servants διασαφέω (told/declared) to their lord the full account of the unforgiving servant's actions. Here, the word emphasizes the complete and distinct reporting of facts, ensuring the lord was fully apprised of the situation without any omissions or obscurities. This usage underscores the importance of clear and complete communication, especially in matters of justice and accountability within a community.
In both instances, διασαφέω signifies a communication that aims for absolute clarity, whether it be interpreting a complex spiritual allegory or reporting factual events.
### Related Words & Concepts
διασαφέω relates to a cluster of Greek words associated with communication, understanding, and revelation.
* **σαφής (saphēs)**: The root adjective `{{G4680}}`, meaning "clear," "plain," or "distinct," directly informs the core sense of διασαφέω.
* **δηλόω (dēloō)**: `{{G1213}}`, meaning "to make clear," "to show," or "to reveal." This word shares a very close semantic range with διασαφέω, often conveying the idea of making something manifest or evident.
* **ἀναγγέλλω (anangellō)**: `{{G312}}`, meaning "to report," "to announce," or "to declare." While ἀναγγέλλω focuses on the act of conveying information, διασαφέω adds the nuance of ensuring that information is thoroughly understood.
* **ἐξηγέομαι (exēgeomai)**: `{{G1834}}`, meaning "to explain," "to narrate," or "to expound." This word is particularly relevant for the interpretation of scripture or complex ideas, much like Jesus' explanation in [[Matthew 13:36]].
* **φωτίζω (phōtizō)**: `{{G5461}}`, meaning "to enlighten" or "to make light." While distinct, the concept of enlightenment shares the goal of bringing clarity and understanding.
The concept of διασαφέω thus stands in contrast to obscurity, confusion, or partial disclosure, emphasizing the complete and unambiguous transmission of information or truth.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent use of διασαφέω carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Revelation and Clarity**: The disciples' request in [[Matthew 13:36]] for Jesus to διασαφέω the parable highlights the human need for divine clarity regarding spiritual mysteries. It underscores God's willingness, through Christ, to make His truths and purposes plain to those who seek them. Jesus, as the one who "declares" or "explains thoroughly" the parables, is presented as the ultimate revealer of the Kingdom of Heaven, possessing the unique authority and insight to make divine truths comprehensible. This speaks to the nature of God's communication: it is not intended to obscure but to enlighten.
2. **The Importance of Understanding**: The disciples' proactive seeking of an explanation for the parable is commendable and serves as a model for believers. True discipleship involves not just hearing, but diligently seeking to διασαφέω—to understand thoroughly—the teachings of Christ. This implies a commitment to diligent study and prayer for divine illumination.
3. **Accountability and Justice within the Community**: In [[Matthew 18:31]], the use of διασαφέω in reporting the unforgiving servant's actions emphasizes the necessity of clear and accurate communication of facts in matters of sin and injustice. For a community to function justly and for reconciliation to occur, truth must be laid bare and made thoroughly clear. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on truthfulness and transparency in interpersonal relationships and community governance.
4. **The Holy Spirit's Role**: While not directly linked to διασαφέω in its New Testament occurrences, the work of the Holy Spirit is to "guide you into all truth" ([[John 16:13]]) and to "reveal" the deep things of God ([[1 Corinthians 2:10-14]]). The Spirit's ministry is fundamentally one of διασαφέω, making clear what was previously obscure to the human mind.
### Summary
The Greek word διασαφέω (diasaphéō) signifies "to make thoroughly clear," "to explain distinctly," or "to declare unambiguously." Its etymological roots emphasize a complete and plain communication, leaving no room for doubt or misunderstanding. In its two New Testament occurrences, both in Matthew, it is used to describe Jesus' clarification of a spiritual parable to His disciples ([[Matthew 13:36]]) and the clear reporting of facts regarding an injustice ([[Matthew 18:31]]). Theologically, διασαφέω underscores the divine desire for clear revelation of truth, the importance of diligent understanding for believers, and the necessity of unambiguous communication for justice and accountability within the community of faith. It points to the profound act of making the obscure plain, whether by divine authority or human testimony.
TRV