### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1310 διαφημίζω (diaphēmízō) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and a derivative of φήμη (phēmē), which signifies "a report," "rumor," or "fame." Thus, the core meaning of διαφημίζω is to "report thoroughly," "to spread a report widely and completely," or "to make something extensively known." The prefix διά intensifies the action of making known, implying a dissemination that penetrates widely and becomes pervasive. Its semantic range includes "to divulge," "to proclaim abroad," "to publish widely," and "to cause to be famed." It suggests a spontaneous, widespread, and often uncontrollable spreading of news or a reputation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1310 διαφημίζω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels, always describing the widespread dissemination of information.
1. **[[Matthew 9:31]]**: Following Jesus' healing of two blind men, He strictly charges them, "See that no one knows about this." However, the text states, "But they went out and *blazed abroad* (διεφήμισαν) His fame in all that country." Here, διαφημίζω highlights the irresistible compulsion of those who experienced Jesus' miraculous power to share the news, even in direct disobedience to His command. This underscores the difficulty of containing the truth about Jesus' identity and power.
2. **[[Mark 1:45]]**: After Jesus heals a leper, He gives a similar stern warning to "say nothing to anyone." Yet, the healed man "went out and began to *proclaim it freely* (ἤρξατο διαφημίζειν) and to *spread the word* (καὶ διαφημίζειν τὸν λόγον), so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places; and people were coming to Him from every quarter." This instance again demonstrates the powerful, spontaneous, and pervasive nature of the news about Jesus' miracles, which, ironically, sometimes hindered His public ministry by drawing overwhelming crowds and attracting premature opposition.
3. **[[Matthew 28:15]]**: In a starkly different context, this verse describes the aftermath of Jesus' resurrection. The chief priests and elders bribe the soldiers guarding the tomb to spread a false report: "His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep." The text states, "So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been *spread abroad* (διεφημίσθη) among the Jews to this day." Here, διαφημίζω is used to describe the intentional, widespread promulgation of a lie. This usage demonstrates that the word can describe the broad dissemination of both truth and falsehood, emphasizing the power of a widely accepted report, regardless of its veracity.
Across these occurrences, διαφημίζω consistently denotes the act of making something widely and thoroughly known, whether it is the fame of Jesus' miraculous works or a fabricated story designed to deceive.
### Related Words & Concepts
G1310 διαφημίζω is related to several words that convey the idea of speaking, reporting, or proclaiming, but it carries its own distinct nuance:
* G5346 φημίζω (phēmizō): The root word, meaning "to report" or "to make known." διαφημίζω intensifies this action.
* G2784 κηρύσσω (kēryssō): To preach or proclaim as a herald. While both involve making something known, κηρύσσω often implies a formal, authoritative, and deliberate proclamation of a message (e.g., the Gospel). διαφημίζω, in contrast, often describes a more spontaneous, informal, and widespread diffusion of news or a reputation, sometimes even against official wishes.
* G2605 καταγγέλλω (kataggellō): To proclaim, announce, or declare. Similar to κηρύσσω, but can also imply teaching or explaining.
* G312 ἀναγγέλλω (anaggellō): To announce, report, or bring back word. This word often focuses on the act of reporting information.
* G2980 λαλέω (laleō): To speak or talk. This is a general term for vocal communication.
The concept of "fame" or "reputation" is also closely associated, as the widespread reporting often leads to a person or event becoming widely known. The tension between truth and falsehood in reporting, particularly seen in [[Matthew 28:15]], links διαφημίζω to the broader biblical themes of testimony, witness, and deception.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1310 διαφημίζω lies primarily in its depiction of the uncontrollable nature of God's work in the world and the human response to it.
1. **The Irrepressible Nature of Divine Power**: In the Synoptic Gospels, διαφημίζω frequently describes the spontaneous and widespread reporting of Jesus' miracles, even when He commands silence. This highlights that the power of God manifested in Christ is so profound and transformative that it simply cannot be contained. The news of healing, deliverance, and restoration naturally "blazes abroad," demonstrating that God's redemptive activity cannot be hidden or suppressed by human injunctions. It testifies to the inherent glory of Christ's works, which compel witness.
2. **The Tension Between Divine Strategy and Human Response**: Jesus often sought to manage the timing and nature of the revelation of His Messiahship, sometimes commanding silence (the "Messianic Secret"). However, the use of διαφημίζω shows that the beneficiaries of His grace often disregarded these commands, driven by joy or astonishment. This tension underscores the dynamic interplay between divine strategy and human freedom, and the challenges inherent in controlling the spread of truly momentous news.
3. **The Power of Proclamation, for Truth or Deception**: The stark contrast between its use for Jesus' fame ([[Matthew 9:31]], [[Mark 1:45]]) and for a lie about His resurrection ([[Matthew 28:15]]) is profoundly significant. It reveals that the act of "spreading abroad" or "divulging" is a powerful tool that can be wielded for both truth and falsehood. This serves as a sober reminder of the responsibility inherent in communication and the potential for widespread reports—even those that are widely accepted—to be utterly false. For biblical scholars, this emphasizes the critical importance of discerning truth from error, particularly concerning core theological claims like the resurrection.
### Summary
G1310 διαφημίζω signifies the thorough and widespread dissemination of information, whether a report, news, or a reputation. In the New Testament, it most notably describes the spontaneous and often uncontrollable spreading of Jesus' fame by those He healed, highlighting the irrepressible nature of God's powerful works. It also strikingly depicts the widespread promulgation of a deliberate falsehood concerning the resurrection, thereby underscoring the potent, yet morally neutral, capacity of widespread communication. The word thus illuminates the human tendency to report significant events and the critical importance of discerning truth in the face of pervasive reports.
TRV