### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διΐστημι (diΐstēmi, `{{G1339}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through," "apart," or "between," and the verb ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`), meaning "to stand," "to set," or "to place." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "to stand apart" or "to set apart." Its semantic range extends to both spatial and temporal dimensions. In a spatial sense, it denotes physical separation, "to go further," "to be parted," or "to remove oneself to a distance." Reflexively, it can imply a movement away from a previous position. In a temporal sense, it refers to an interval or "after the space of" a certain duration, indicating a period of time that separates events. The core idea is always one of division, interval, or distance, whether physical or chronological.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διΐστημι (diΐstēmi, `{{G1339}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illustrating its dual application to time and space:
1. **Temporal Usage:** In [[Luke 22:59]], the word is used to describe a time interval: "And after the space of about one hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, 'Of a truth this fellow also was with him, for he is a Galilean.'" Here, "after the space of about one hour" (μετὰ διαστήματος ὡσεὶ ὥρας μιᾶς) clearly indicates a temporal separation between Peter's first denial and the subsequent accusation. The word highlights the passage of time, a period of separation from the previous event, before the next accusation against Peter arises. This detail underscores the unfolding of events in a precise, measured way within the narrative.
2. **Spatial Usage:** In [[Acts 27:28]], διΐστημι (diΐstēmi, `{{G1339}}`) describes a physical distance covered: "And when they had sounded, they found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms." The phrase "when they had gone a little further" (βραχὺ διαστήσαντες) refers to the ship having moved a short distance away from its previous position. It signifies a spatial separation, a new location reached after traversing an interval. This use emphasizes the practical realities of navigation and the incremental progress made by the ship in the face of peril, illustrating a measurable change in position.
In both contexts, διΐστημι (diΐstēmi, `{{G1339}}`) functions descriptively, providing precision regarding the timing of events or the physical movement within a scene. It is not used metaphorically but rather literally to delineate intervals.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of διΐστημι (diΐstēmi, `{{G1339}}`) is ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`), which is a very common and versatile verb meaning "to stand," "to set," "to place," or "to establish." The addition of the prefix διά (dia) modifies this base meaning, introducing the sense of "through," "apart," or "between." This prefix is common in Greek and often denotes separation, distribution, or completion.
Other words related by concept of separation or division include:
* διαχωρίζω (diachōrizō, `{{G1306}}`): "to separate oneself," "to depart."
* χωρίζω (chōrizō, `{{G5563}}`): "to separate," "to divide," "to put asunder."
* διαιρέω (diaireō, `{{G1244}}`): "to divide," "to distribute."
While διΐστημι (diΐstēmi, `{{G1339}}`) shares the general concept of separation, its specific nuance in the New Testament is primarily focused on the measurement or description of intervals—either temporal (a space of time) or spatial (a physical distance). It lacks the more active or volitional sense of "dividing" or "separating" that some of its cognates might carry.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διΐστημι (diΐstēmi, `{{G1339}}`) is largely indirect, as the word itself primarily serves a descriptive function within the biblical narrative. It does not carry a profound theological weight in the manner of terms like "grace" or "redemption." However, its use highlights several subtle points:
1. **God's Sovereignty Over Time and Space:** Even in describing mundane intervals of time or physical distances, the biblical text implicitly affirms that all dimensions of existence, including temporal and spatial progression, are under the sovereign hand of God. The precise unfolding of events, whether the hour between Peter's denials or the ship's navigation, occurs within the framework established and overseen by the Creator.
2. **The Veracity and Detail of Scripture:** The use of such precise descriptive language (e.g., "about one hour," "a little further") underscores the meticulous nature of biblical reporting. It suggests that the inspired authors were concerned with conveying accurate and verifiable details, even those seemingly incidental. This attention to detail contributes to the credibility and trustworthiness of the biblical accounts.
3. **The Human Experience Within Divine Providence:** The events described by διΐστημι (diΐstēmi, `{{G1339}}`) are part of the human experience within the larger narrative of divine providence. Peter's denial unfolds over a specific period, and Paul's journey involves measurable progress. These intervals, though seemingly small, are part of the larger tapestry of God's working in human history.
### Summary
The Greek word διΐστημι (diΐstēmi, `{{G1339}}`) fundamentally means "to stand apart" or "to set apart," deriving from διά (dia) and ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`). In its New Testament occurrences, it serves a precise descriptive function, denoting an interval or separation. In [[Luke 22:59]], it describes a temporal "space of about one hour" between events, while in [[Acts 27:28]], it refers to a spatial "little further" distance covered by a ship. Though not a term with direct theological weight, its usage subtly affirms God's sovereignty over time and space, underscores the meticulous detail of biblical narration, and places human experience within the framework of divine providence. It is a word that, despite its limited appearances, contributes to the rich and precise texture of the inspired text.
TRV