### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1288 (διασπάω, *diaspáō*) is a compound verb formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "apart," and the verb σπάω (spaō), meaning "to draw" or "to pull." The combination yields a strong sense of violent separation: "to draw apart," "to pull in pieces," "to tear asunder," or "to dismember." It conveys an action of forceful, destructive tearing, indicating that something is not merely separated but broken into fragments or rendered completely ineffective by being pulled apart. The prefix διά intensifies the action of the base verb, emphasizing the thoroughness and violence of the tearing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1288 appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring in the same verse within the Gospel of Mark: [[Mark 5:4]]. This verse describes the plight of the Gerasene demoniac: "For he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn asunder by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; and no one was strong enough to subdue him."
In this singular context, G1288 vividly portrays the supernatural strength of the demon-possessed man. The verb is used in the perfect passive infinitive (διεσπάσθαι), emphasizing the completed action and its resulting state: the chains were not merely loosened but utterly "torn asunder" or "pulled apart" by the man's power. This detail highlights the futility of human attempts to restrain the demonic influence through physical means. The chains and shackles, symbols of human authority and control, are rendered useless against the overwhelming power exerted through the demoniac. This sets a dramatic stage for the subsequent encounter with Jesus, demonstrating that only a power greater than the demonic can bring deliverance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G1288 is illuminated by its constituent parts and by other words describing force, breaking, and restraint:
* διά `{{G1223}}`: The preposition often indicates separation, distribution, or the means by which something is accomplished. Here, it intensifies the tearing action.
* σπάω: While not a frequent verb in the New Testament, its root meaning of "to draw" or "to pull" is foundational to diaspáō.
* Words for breaking or shattering: συντρίβω `{{G4937}}` (to break in pieces, crush), used in the same verse ([[Mark 5:4]]) for the "shackles broken in pieces." ῥήγνυμι `{{G4486}}` (to break, burst, tear) also conveys a sense of violent rupture.
* Words for binding or restraint: δέω `{{G1210}}` (to bind), ἁλυσις `{{G254}}` (chain), and πέδη `{{G3975}}` (fetter, shackle) are all present in the context of the demoniac, emphasizing the ineffectiveness of these human devices.
* Terms related to demonic power: δαιμόνιον `{{G1140}}` (demon) and πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον `{{G4189}}` `{{G169}}` (unclean spirit) are crucial for understanding the source of the strength described by diaspáō.
### Theological Significance
The specific and limited use of G1288 in [[Mark 5:4]] carries significant theological weight. It serves to underscore several profound truths:
1. **The Destructive Power of Demonic Oppression:** The tearing apart of chains vividly illustrates the chaotic, violent, and uncontrollable nature of demonic influence. It is a power that defies human restraint and brings about physical and social disruption.
2. **The Impotence of Human Efforts Against Spiritual Evil:** The inability of human beings to bind or subdue the demoniac, despite repeated attempts and the use of strong physical restraints, highlights the utter inadequacy of human strength, wisdom, or systems in confronting spiritual forces of evil. This sets up a theological contrast: human solutions fail.
3. **The Supreme Authority of Christ:** The dramatic portrayal of the demoniac's untamable strength through diaspáō serves as a powerful backdrop against which Jesus' subsequent command to the demon is revealed as utterly effective ([[Mark 5:8-9]]). Where human force fails to bind, Christ's word triumphs. This demonstrates Jesus' unparalleled authority over all spiritual powers, emphasizing His divine nature and redemptive power. The tearing of chains by the demoniac magnifies the miracle of his subsequent liberation by Christ.
### Summary
G1288 (διασπάω, *diaspáō*) means "to tear asunder," "to pull in pieces," or "to violently separate." Its rare but potent use in [[Mark 5:4]] vividly depicts the extraordinary, destructive strength of the Gerasene demoniac, who supernaturally tore apart chains and shackles. This singular biblical occurrence serves a crucial narrative and theological purpose: it dramatically illustrates the utter futility of human attempts to control or subdue demonic power, thereby magnifying the supreme and unique authority of Jesus Christ, whose mere word is sufficient to cast out the very forces that render human efforts useless. The word highlights the chaotic nature of demonic oppression and the ultimate triumph of Christ's power over all spiritual darkness.
TRV