from διά and σπείρω; to sow throughout, i.e. (figuratively) distribute in foreign lands:--scatter abroad.
Transliteration:diaspeírō
Pronunciation:dee-as-pi'-ro
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1289 διασπείρω (diaspeírō) is a compound verb formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through," "throughout," or "apart," and the verb σπείρω (speírō) `{{G4687}}`, meaning "to sow" or "to scatter seed." The combination thus conveys the sense of "to sow throughout" or "to scatter abroad." While σπείρω denotes the simple act of sowing, διασπείρω emphasizes a widespread, often forceful, distribution over a broad area, or a dispersion that separates individuals from a central point. In its figurative usage, as found in the New Testament, it specifically refers to the scattering or dispersion of people, particularly into foreign lands or new regions, often as a result of external pressure or displacement. The underlying imagery remains that of seeds being sown, implying a potential for growth or establishment in the new locations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1289 διασπείρω appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Book of Acts, describing a crucial period in the early church's expansion:
* **[[Acts 8:1]]**: "And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all *scattered abroad* throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles."
* Context: Following the martyrdom of Stephen, a severe persecution erupts in Jerusalem. The use of διασπείρω here highlights the widespread nature of this forced dispersion. It was not a voluntary migration but a scattering driven by external hostility. This event marks a significant turning point, as the church, previously concentrated in Jerusalem, is now propelled outwards.
* **[[Acts 11:19]]**: "Now they which were *scattered abroad* upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only."
* Context: This verse directly refers back to the event described in [[Acts 8:1]]. It clarifies the geographical extent of the scattering, reaching significant Hellenistic centers like Antioch. Crucially, it reveals that these "scattered" believers did not merely flee but actively "preached the word." The verb διασπείρω here underscores the providential nature of this dispersion, as it became the means by which the gospel began to spread beyond its initial Jewish confines, eventually leading to the evangelization of Gentiles.
In both instances, διασπείρω describes a dispersion that, while born of adversity, becomes a catalyst for the geographical and numerical expansion of the early Christian movement.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several terms and concepts are closely related to G1289 διασπείρω:
* **σπείρω (speírō) `{{G4687}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to sow." διασπείρω adds the dimension of "throughout" or "apart," emphasizing the wide distribution or separation.
* **διασκορπίζω (diaskorpízō) `{{G1287}}`**: Meaning "to scatter, disperse, dissipate." This word is very close in semantic range and is often used synonymously with διασπείρω in contexts of scattering people or things. While διασπείρω retains the imagery of "sowing" (implying potential for growth), διασκορπίζω can be more general, sometimes implying disarray or even destruction (e.g., scattering sheep without a shepherd).
* **σκορπίζω (skorpízō) `{{G4650}}`**: The simpler form of διασκορπίζω, also meaning "to scatter."
* **διασπορά (diasporá) `{{G1290}}`**: This is the noun form directly derived from διασπείρω, meaning "dispersion" or "the dispersed." It famously refers to the "Diaspora," the Jewish communities living outside of Palestine. The *action* described by διασπείρω leads to the *state* of διασπορά. In the New Testament, διασπορά can refer to the scattered Jewish Christians (e.g., [[James 1:1]], [[1 Peter 1:1]]) or, more broadly, to the scattered people of God.
* **Concepts**: Persecution, missionary movement, evangelism, divine providence, the expansion of the church, the Great Commission ([[Matthew 28:19-20]], [[Acts 1:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διασπείρω is profound, particularly in the narrative of Acts:
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Adversity**: The scattering of believers, though initiated by human persecution, is consistently portrayed as being under the sovereign hand of God. What was intended for harm and suppression of the church was divinely re-purposed for its expansion. This echoes the biblical theme of God using human evil for His redemptive purposes (cf. [[Genesis 50:20]]). The διασπείρω of the church members was not a defeat but a strategic deployment.
* **The Missional Nature of the Church**: The scattered believers did not simply retreat; they "preached the word" ([[Acts 8:4]], [[Acts 11:19]]). This demonstrates the inherent missional impulse of the early church. Every believer, wherever they were dispersed, became a bearer of the gospel. Adversity acted as a catalyst, forcing the church to fulfill its mandate to spread the good news beyond Jerusalem.
* **The "Seed" of the Gospel**: The root meaning of "sowing" (σπείρω) within διασπείρω is significant. The scattered Christians were like seeds sown in new ground, taking root and producing new congregations. This aligns with Jesus' parables of the sower ([[Matthew 13:3-9]]), where the word of God is depicted as seed sown in various soils. The persecution effectively "sowed" the gospel throughout Judaea, Samaria, and beyond.
* **Catalyst for Gentile Inclusion**: The dispersion described by διασπείρω directly led to the establishment of the church in Antioch ([[Acts 11:19-21]]), which became the primary launching pad for Gentile missions, culminating in the ministry of Paul. Thus, this scattering was instrumental in breaking down the barriers between Jew and Gentile in the early church, demonstrating God's universal plan of salvation.
### Summary
G1289 διασπείρω describes a widespread, often forced, scattering or dispersion, particularly of people. In the New Testament, it is exclusively used in the Book of Acts to depict the dispersion of early Christians from Jerusalem due to persecution following Stephen's martyrdom. Far from hindering the nascent church, this scattering was providentially used by God to propel the gospel beyond its initial confines. The scattered believers, acting as "seeds" of the word, carried the message into new territories, leading to the establishment of new churches and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Thus, διασπείρω encapsulates a pivotal moment in biblical history where adversity was transformed into an unparalleled opportunity for the expansion of God's kingdom and the universal spread of the Christian message.
TRV