from διά and σείω; to shake thoroughly, i.e. (figuratively) to intimidate:--do violence to.
Transliteration:diaseíō
Pronunciation:dee-as-i'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διασείω (diaseíō, `{{G1286}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia, `{{G1223}}`), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verb σείω (seíō, `{{G4579}}`), meaning "to shake" or "to agitate." Literally, therefore, διασείω signifies "to shake thoroughly" or "to agitate completely." This literal sense underpins its primary figurative meaning, which is "to intimidate" or "to extort." The idea conveyed is one of shaking someone's resolve, their possessions, or their peace through forceful means, often leading to unjust gain. The base definition "do violence to" captures the outcome of such intimidation, which frequently involves the unlawful acquisition of property or money through threats or coercion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διασείω (diaseíō, `{{G1286}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke. Its singular occurrence is found in [[Luke 3:14]]. This passage describes a pivotal moment during John the Baptist's ministry, where various groups approach him, seeking guidance on how to live out their repentance. After tax collectors and others have received instruction, soldiers also inquire, "And we, what shall we do?" John's response to them is precise and ethically demanding: "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be content with your wages." The King James Version's rendering, "Do violence to no man," directly translates the force of διασείω. In this context, it specifically condemns the abuse of military power for personal enrichment. Soldiers, by virtue of their authority and capacity for coercion, were often in a position to intimidate civilians, demanding goods or money beyond their legitimate dues, or making false accusations to extract bribes. John's command thus addresses a very practical and prevalent form of injustice, calling for integrity and restraint from those entrusted with public authority and force.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of διασείω (diaseíō, `{{G1286}}`) is σείω (seíō, `{{G4579}}`), which means "to shake" and is used in various contexts, including literal shaking (e.g., of an earthquake in [[Matthew 27:51]]) and figurative shaking (e.g., of nations in [[Hebrews 12:26]]). The intensifying prefix διά (dia, `{{G1223}}`) emphasizes the thoroughness or completeness of the shaking, translating the physical action into a profound moral disturbance. Concepts closely related to διασείω in its ethical sense include extortion, intimidation, coercion, abuse of power, and unjust gain. In the same verse, [[Luke 3:14]], John also warns against συκοφαντέω (sukophantéō, `{{G4811}}`), meaning "to accuse falsely" or "to extort by false accusation," highlighting a specific method often employed alongside or as part of the broader "shaking thoroughly" implied by διασείω. Other related concepts in the broader biblical witness include ἁρπάζω (harpázō, `{{G726}}`), "to snatch away" or "to seize by force," and the general condemnation of oppression and greed found throughout the Prophets and Wisdom literature.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of διασείω (diaseíō, `{{G1286}}`) in [[Luke 3:14]] carries significant theological weight within the context of John the Baptist's call to repentance. It demonstrates that true repentance is not merely an internal change of heart but must manifest in concrete, ethical actions, particularly in one's professional and social conduct. For the soldiers, who represented the coercive power of the state, the injunction against διασείω underscored God's demand for justice and the protection of the vulnerable. It serves as a powerful reminder that authority, whether civil or military, is to be exercised with integrity and restraint, not for personal aggrandizement or the oppression of others. This command aligns with broader biblical themes of social justice, the condemnation of exploitation, and the divine concern for the poor and marginalized. It reflects the Kingdom of God's ethical standards, where those in positions of power are called to serve righteously, rather than to intimidate or exploit.
### Summary
The Greek verb διασείω (diaseíō, `{{G1286}}`) literally means "to shake thoroughly," but is used figuratively and powerfully to denote "to intimidate" or "to extort." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 3:14]] presents a specific ethical injunction from John the Baptist to soldiers, warning them against abusing their authority to unjustly gain from others through threats or coercion. This command underscores a fundamental biblical principle: that those in positions of power must exercise their authority with integrity, avoiding all forms of exploitation and upholding justice. διασείω thus encapsulates a critical aspect of practical repentance and righteous living, emphasizing God's unwavering concern for the just treatment of all people, particularly the vulnerable.
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