from διά and a derivative of χείρ; to handle thoroughly, i.e. lay violent hands upon:--kill, slay.
Transliteration:diacheirízomai
Pronunciation:dee-akh-i-rid'-zom-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαχειρίζομαι (diacheirízomai), `{{G1315}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and a derivative of the noun χείρ (cheir), `{{G5495}}`, meaning "hand." This etymological foundation points to the core meaning of "to handle thoroughly" or "to manage with the hands." However, in its New Testament usage, its semantic range is narrowed specifically to a violent application of the hands, culminating in death. Thus, it carries the strong connotation of "to lay violent hands upon," "to kill," or "to slay." The "thoroughness" implied by διά suggests a decisive, effective, and often brutal action, distinguishing it from more general terms for "killing" by emphasizing the direct, physical agency involved in the act.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διαχειρίζομαι appears only twice in the New Testament, both times within the book of Acts, and consistently in the context of violent death or attempted murder.
1. **[[Acts 5:30]]**: "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you *murdered* by hanging him on a tree."
* In this powerful sermon delivered by Peter before the Sanhedrin, διαχειρισάμενοι (the aorist participle of διαχειρίζομαι) is used to directly accuse the Jewish leaders of actively and violently killing Jesus. The phrase "hanging him on a tree" (ἐκρεμάσατε) further underscores the brutal and public nature of the execution. The choice of διαχειρίζομαι here emphasizes the deliberate human agency and culpability in the crucifixion, highlighting that Jesus' death was not a passive event but an active slaying by human hands. It underscores the profound sin of rejecting and executing God's Messiah.
2. **[[Acts 26:21]]**: "For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to *kill* me."
* Here, Paul, in his defense before King Agrippa, uses διαχειρίσασθαι (the aorist infinitive) to describe the violent intent of the Jews in Jerusalem. They "seized" him (συλλαβόμενοι) with the clear aim to "kill" him. This usage reinforces the meaning of διαχειρίζομαι as a direct, physical attempt to inflict death. The context is one of intense persecution and violent opposition against Paul's ministry, where the act of killing is the ultimate expression of hatred and rejection.
In both instances, διαχειρίζομαι denotes a deliberate, physical act of violence intended to cause death, whether successfully accomplished (Jesus' crucifixion) or attempted (Paul's persecution). Its rare but potent usage underscores the gravity and directness of the actions described.
### Related Words & Concepts
διαχειρίζομαι stands alongside several other Greek words that convey the concept of killing, each with nuanced distinctions:
* ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō), `{{G615}}`: This is the most common and general word for "to kill" or "to slay" in the New Testament, often used without specifying the means or the perpetrator's direct physical involvement.
* φονεύω (phoneuō), `{{G5407}}`: Specifically means "to murder," often carrying moral or legal implications of unlawful killing, as seen in the commandments against murder.
* ἀναιρέω (anaireō), `{{G337}}`: Can mean "to take up," "to take away," but also "to destroy" or "to kill," often implying a removal from life, sometimes by official decree.
* κτείνω (kteinō), `{{G2892}}`: A more archaic or poetic term for "to kill" or "to slay."
What distinguishes διαχειρίζομαι from these synonyms is its intrinsic connection to "hands" (χείρ, `{{G5495}}`) and the "thorough" or "decisive" action implied by διά. It emphasizes the direct, physical, and often brutal manipulation or handling that leads to death. It implies a hands-on, active, and determined act of killing, rather than a more general or indirect cause of death. This emphasis on direct physical agency makes it a particularly vivid and accusatory term when applied to the crucifixion of Christ or the attempted murder of Paul.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διαχειρίζομαι stems from its specific application in Acts.
Firstly, in the context of Jesus' crucifixion ([[Acts 5:30]]), the use of διαχειρίζομαι profoundly underscores human culpability and the active nature of humanity's sin. It is not merely that Jesus died, but that humanity, through the hands of its representatives, actively "slayed" the Son of God. This highlights the horrific reality of human rebellion against divine truth and love. It serves as a stark reminder that the crucifixion was a deliberate act of violence perpetrated by humanity, not an accident or a passive event. This emphasizes the depth of the sin that necessitated God's redemptive plan.
Secondly, in recounting the persecution of Paul ([[Acts 26:21]]), the word illustrates the intense and violent opposition faced by the early church. It speaks to the spiritual warfare inherent in proclaiming the Gospel and the very real physical dangers endured by those who faithfully followed Christ. It demonstrates the extent to which forces hostile to God's kingdom would go to silence His messengers, even resorting to attempted murder.
In both cases, διαχειρίζομαι points to an ultimate act of violence against life, which is sacred and given by God. It signifies a profound transgression, whether against the person of Christ or against His chosen apostle, revealing the darkness and hostility present in a world in rebellion against its Creator.
### Summary
διαχειρίζομαι (diacheirízomai), `{{G1315}}`, is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to lay violent hands upon," "to kill," or "to slay." Its etymology from διά (thoroughly) and χείρ (hand) emphasizes a direct, physical, and decisive act of violence leading to death. Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, both instances in the book of Acts are profoundly significant. In [[Acts 5:30]], it highlights human culpability in the crucifixion of Jesus, underscoring the active and violent role played by those who rejected Him. In [[Acts 26:21]], it describes the violent intent of those who sought to murder Paul, illustrating the severe persecution faced by early Christians. Theologically, διαχειρίζομαι powerfully conveys the gravity of human sin and the intensity of opposition against God's kingdom, serving as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for ultimate violence and rejection of divine truth.
TRV