from διά and φεύγω; to flee through, i.e. escape:--escape.
Transliteration:diapheúgō
Pronunciation:dee-af-yoo'-go
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαφεύγω (diapheúgō), Strong's `{{G1309}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "completely," and the verb φεύγω (pheúgō), meaning "to flee" or "to escape." The prefix διά serves to intensify or complete the action of the base verb, indicating a successful or thorough escape. Thus, the core meaning of διαφεύγω is "to flee through to safety," or more simply, "to escape completely" or "to get away safely." It implies not merely the act of fleeing, but the successful outcome of having eluded danger or pursuit. Its semantic range is narrow, focused almost exclusively on this idea of a complete and successful deliverance from peril.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word διαφεύγω appears twice in the New Testament, each instance providing significant contextual insight into its usage:
1. **Acts 27:42-44**: In the dramatic account of Paul's shipwreck, the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any from escaping. However, the centurion, desiring to save Paul, intervened. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest to follow on planks or pieces of the ship. The passage concludes, "And so it was that they all escaped safely to land." [[Acts 27:44]]. Here, διαφεύγω vividly describes a physical, miraculous escape from imminent death by drowning or execution. The emphasis is on the *completeness* and *safety* of the escape for *everyone* on board, underscoring divine providence at work in a seemingly hopeless situation. It is a testament to God's protection of His servant Paul and, by extension, those with him.
2. **Luke 21:36**: In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus warns His disciples about the signs of the end times and the coming judgment. He exhorts them, "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." [[Luke 21:36]]. In this context, διαφεύγω refers not to a physical escape from a present danger, but to a spiritual and eschatological deliverance. The "things that are going to take place" are the tribulations and judgments preceding Christ's return. The escape here is from the *consequences* of these events, implying a favorable standing before the Son of Man. It underscores the necessity of vigilance, prayer, and spiritual readiness to be preserved through or from the ultimate divine reckoning.
### Related Words & Concepts
διαφεύγω is part of a family of words related to fleeing and escaping.
* The base word φεύγω (pheúgō, `{{G5343}}`) means simply "to flee" or "to run away," without necessarily implying success. διαφεύγω adds the nuance of *successful* escape.
* Other compound verbs with similar meanings include ἐκφεύγω (ekpheúgō, `{{G1627}}`), "to flee out of" or "to escape," and ἀποφεύγω (apopheúgō, `{{G665}}`), "to flee away from" or "to escape." While these share the core concept of escape, διαφεύγω often carries a strong sense of a thorough or complete evasion of danger, emphasizing the successful outcome.
* The concept of σῴζω (sōzō, `{{G4982}}`), "to save" or "to rescue," is closely related, as a successful escape often results in salvation or preservation.
* The word also connects to broader theological concepts such as deliverance, divine protection, preservation, and salvation, whether physical or spiritual.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διαφεύγω lies in its dual application to both physical and spiritual deliverance, always highlighting a successful outcome.
1. **Divine Providence and Protection:** The use of διαφεύγω in [[Acts 27:44]] powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in preserving His people. Despite human plans (the soldiers' intent to kill) and natural perils (the storm and shipwreck), God ensures a complete and safe escape for all, primarily for the sake of Paul and his mission. This demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted and that He provides miraculous means of escape when necessary.
2. **Eschatological Vigilance and Deliverance:** In [[Luke 21:36]], διαφεύγω shifts from physical to spiritual and eschatological preservation. It underscores the critical importance of spiritual readiness ("stay awake," "praying") for believers to "escape" the tribulation and judgment of the end times. This escape is not a physical removal from earthly events, but a spiritual preservation that allows one to "stand before the Son of Man" with favor rather than condemnation. It speaks to the hope of ultimate salvation and vindication for the faithful.
3. **Hope in Peril:** The very meaning of διαφεύγω—successful escape—offers a message of hope. Whether facing immediate physical danger or the ultimate judgment, the word points to the possibility and promise of deliverance for those who are in God's care and who heed His warnings.
### Summary
διαφεύγω (`{{G1309}}`) is a Greek verb signifying a complete and successful escape from peril. Its two New Testament occurrences distinctly showcase its application: in [[Acts 27:44]], it describes a miraculous physical deliverance from shipwreck and death, emphasizing God's providential care. In [[Luke 21:36]], it refers to a spiritual and eschatological preservation, highlighting the need for vigilance and prayer to "escape" the coming judgments and stand favorably before Christ. The word thus encapsulates both divine protection in present dangers and the promise of ultimate deliverance for the faithful, underscoring the triumph of God's purposes and the hope available to those who trust in Him.
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