from διά and σκορπίζω; to dissipate, i.e. (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander:--disperse, scatter (abroad), strew, waste.
Transliteration:diaskorpízō
Pronunciation:dee-as-kor-pid'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1287 διασκορπίζω (diaskorpízō) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "apart," and the verb σκορπίζω (skorpízō), meaning "to scatter" or "to disperse." This etymology suggests a thorough, complete, or widely dispersed scattering. Its core meaning encompasses the act of causing something to separate and move in various directions.
The semantic range of G1287 is rich and varied:
1. **Physical Dispersal:** This is the most literal sense, referring to the scattering of objects, people, or animals. It implies a loss of cohesion or unity.
2. **Agricultural Winnowing:** A specific application of physical scattering, where grain is thrown into the air to separate it from chaff by the wind. This implies a process of separation and purification.
3. **Military Rout:** In a martial context, it describes the breaking up and scattering of an army or group, leading to their defeat or disorganization.
4. **Figurative Squandering/Wasting:** This is a metaphorical extension, where resources, wealth, or opportunities are scattered away, indicating irresponsible use, dissipation, or destruction of value.
The active nature of G1287 is crucial; it always implies an agent causing the scattering, whether human or divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1287 διασκορπίζω appears 14 times in the New Testament, revealing diverse applications:
1. **Scattering of Sheep/People:**
* In the Gospels, G1287 frequently describes sheep without a shepherd or disciples fleeing. Jesus uses the imagery from Zechariah 13:7: "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered" [[Matthew 26:31]], [[Mark 14:27]]. This highlights vulnerability, lack of leadership, and the prophetic fulfillment of Jesus' passion.
* The sight of crowds "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" [[Matthew 9:36]], [[Mark 6:34]] evokes compassion from Jesus, leading Him to teach and heal.
* Jesus foretells the disciples' desertion during His arrest, stating, "Indeed, the hour is coming, and has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone" [[John 16:32]]. This illustrates the human response to crisis and fear.
2. **Divine Action of Scattering:**
* Mary's Magnificat proclaims God's power to humble the proud: "He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts" [[Luke 1:51]]. Here, G1287 signifies divine judgment and the overturning of human arrogance, demonstrating God's sovereignty over human affairs.
3. **Active Opposition/Disunity:**
* Jesus declares, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters" [[Matthew 12:30]], [[Luke 11:23]]. This profound statement contrasts active participation with Christ (συνάγω - to gather) with active opposition (διασκορπίζω - to scatter). It suggests that neutrality towards Christ results in contributing to disunity and working against the Kingdom. This use is akin to winnowing, where the one who does not gather with Christ is implicitly separating and driving away.
4. **Squandering/Wasting:**
* In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son "squandered his property with riotous living" [[Luke 15:13]]. This vividly portrays irresponsible management and the destructive consequences of reckless spending, leading to destitution.
* In the Parable of the Talents/Minas, the wicked servant who buried his master's money is accused of having "scattered" or wasted it by not investing it [[Matthew 25:24]] (though some manuscripts use a variant, the concept of waste is present in the parallel [[Luke 19:21]] where the servant is condemned for not putting the money to use). This highlights the ethical imperative of good stewardship and accountability for entrusted resources.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to G1287 διασκορπίζω is its direct antonym, G4863 συνάγω (synagō), meaning "to gather," "to bring together," or "to assemble." The juxtaposition of "gathering" and "scattering" in Jesus' teaching ([[Matthew 12:30]], [[Luke 11:23]]) forms a critical theological dichotomy, emphasizing the active choice for or against Christ's unifying work.
Other related concepts include:
* **Shepherd and Sheep Imagery:** This frequently appears in the Old Testament (e.g., `{{H7462}}` *ra'ah* - shepherd, `{{H6629}}` *tso'n* - flock) and is central to understanding the vulnerability of the scattered and the role of the Messiah as the gatherer.
* **Stewardship:** The concept of managing resources responsibly, contrasting with the "squandering" aspect of G1287.
* **Unity and Disunity:** G1287 is often used to describe forces that break apart community or purpose, standing in stark contrast to the New Testament's emphasis on unity in the body of Christ.
* **Judgment:** God's act of scattering the proud aligns with biblical themes of divine justice and the humbling of the arrogant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1287 διασκορπίζω is multifaceted:
1. **Christological:** Jesus is presented as the ultimate gatherer of God's people. His mission is to gather the scattered sheep of Israel and, ultimately, all people into His fold. The scattering of His disciples at His arrest underscores the temporary triumph of evil, but also sets the stage for His resurrection and subsequent re-gathering of a new community, the church. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, ensuring they are not permanently scattered.
2. **Ecclesiological:** The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a unified community. The warning "he who does not gather with Me scatters" serves as a profound call to active participation in Christ's unifying work. It implies that passivity or indifference to Christ's mission inevitably contributes to disunity and fragmentation, standing against the very nature of the church. This highlights the importance of shared purpose and active commitment within the Christian community.
3. **Soteriological:** Humanity, in its fallen state, is often depicted as "scattered sheep" – lost, directionless, and vulnerable. Christ's coming is the divine initiative to seek and save the lost, gathering them into His salvation.
4. **Ethical/Practical:** The use of G1287 to describe squandering (e.g., [[Luke 15:13]]) serves as a powerful ethical warning against irresponsible stewardship of God-given resources, whether material wealth, time, talents, or spiritual gifts. It underscores the principle of accountability before God.
5. **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ability to "scatter the proud" [[Luke 1:51]] demonstrates His ultimate authority and justice, humbling those who exalt themselves and disrupting their plans.
### Summary
G1287 διασκορπίζω is a potent Greek verb meaning "to scatter," "disperse," "winnow," or "squander." Its various uses in the New Testament illuminate key theological themes. It describes the physical dispersal of people and animals, particularly the vulnerable state of "sheep without a shepherd," which ultimately points to Christ as the divine gatherer. It is used metaphorically to depict the squandering of resources, emphasizing the importance of responsible stewardship. Crucially, in Jesus' teaching, G1287 contrasts sharply with G4863 συνάγω ("to gather"), underscoring the active nature of alignment with or opposition to Christ: one who does not actively gather with Him is, by default, scattering. This word thus speaks to themes of unity and disunity, divine judgment, human vulnerability, and the imperative of faithful living in light of Christ's unifying mission.
TRV