from διά and the middle voice of χωρίζω; to remove (oneself) wholly, i.e. retire:--depart.
Transliteration:diachōrízomai
Pronunciation:dee-akh-o-rid'-zom-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαχωρίζομαι (G1316, *diachōrízomai*) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (*dia*), meaning "through" or "apart," and the middle voice of the verb χωρίζω (*chōrízō*), meaning "to separate" or "to divide" (`{{G5563}}`). The prefix διά intensifies the action of separation, suggesting a thorough or complete removal. The use of the middle voice is crucial, indicating that the subject performs the action upon itself or for its own benefit. Thus, the core meaning of διαχωρίζομαι is "to separate oneself wholly," "to remove oneself completely," or "to depart thoroughly." While the base definition suggests a self-initiated retirement or departure, its sole biblical occurrence reveals a nuance of difficult or strenuous separation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διαχωρίζομαι (G1316) is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament, appearing only once in [[Luke 9:39]]. The context is the account of the demon-possessed boy brought to Jesus after the Transfiguration, whom the disciples were unable to heal: "And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and it **scarcely departs** from him, shattering him completely."
In this singular instance, the verb describes the demon's departure from the boy. The adverb μόγις (*mogis*), translated as "scarcely" or "with difficulty," profoundly modifies διαχωρίζομαι. This indicates that the demon's departure was not a willing or easy "retirement," but a reluctant, arduous, and violent expulsion. The demon did not "remove itself wholly" with ease; rather, it resisted expulsion and departed only with great struggle, leaving the boy utterly shattered. This usage highlights the tenacity of the demonic power and the immense effort required for its removal, even when confronted by divine authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap with διαχωρίζομαι (G1316), particularly those related to separation and departure:
* χωρίζω (*chōrízō*) `{{G5563}}`: The root verb, meaning "to separate," "to divide," or "to put asunder." It is commonly used for physical separation, divorce, or the separation of concepts.
* ἀποχωρέω (*apochōreō*) `{{G672}}`: To depart, to go away. This verb also implies separation, but without the intensifying force of διά or the specific nuance of a difficult, thorough self-removal.
* ἀφίστημι (*aphistēmi*) `{{G868}}`: To stand off, to depart, to withdraw. This can carry implications of rebellion or apostasy when used in a spiritual context.
* ἐκχωρέω (*ekchōreō*) `{{G1685}}`: To go out, to depart from. Similar to ἀποχωρέω, but with the prefix ἐκ (*ek*) emphasizing movement "out from."
* Concepts related to διαχωρίζομαι include expulsion, liberation from bondage, spiritual warfare, and the decisive power of divine intervention in overcoming entrenched evil.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of διαχωρίζομαι (G1316) in [[Luke 9:39]] carries significant theological weight. It underscores the profound and often violent reality of demonic oppression. The demon's "scarcely departing" reveals its stubborn resistance and the depth of its hold on the boy. This is not a simple command and immediate obedience, as seen in some other exorcisms by Jesus (e.g., [[Mark 1:27]]). Instead, it portrays a fierce spiritual struggle, a "shattering" departure that leaves the victim physically and emotionally devastated.
The word thus serves to magnify the absolute power of Jesus Christ. Even when a demonic entity resists with such tenacity, it ultimately cannot withstand His authority. The fact that it *does* depart, despite its difficulty, testifies to Christ's supreme dominion over all spiritual forces of evil. It highlights that true deliverance from profound spiritual bondage is not a trivial matter but requires the direct, overwhelming power of God. This passage, through the nuanced meaning of διαχωρίζομαι, offers a glimpse into the intensity of the spiritual battle and the decisive, triumphant power of the Lord over every opposing force.
### Summary
διαχωρίζομαι (G1316) fundamentally means "to separate oneself wholly" or "to depart thoroughly," emphasizing a complete and self-initiated removal. However, its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 9:39]] paints a vivid picture of a difficult, tenacious, and violent departure. Describing the demon's expulsion from the boy, the word, modified by "scarcely," underscores the formidable resistance of evil and the arduous nature of its removal. Theologically, this unique usage profoundly illustrates the reality of intense spiritual warfare and, more importantly, the absolute and conquering authority of Jesus Christ, before whom even the most entrenched and resistant spiritual forces must ultimately depart, albeit with great struggle.
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