from διό and περ; on which very account:--wherefore.
Transliteration:dióper
Pronunciation:dee-op'-er
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διόπερ (dioper, `{{G1355}}`) is an emphatic causal conjunction, formed from the conjunction διό (dio, `{{G1352}}`), meaning "wherefore" or "on which account," and the enclitic particle περ (per), which adds emphasis, intensity, or precision. While διό already conveys a causal link, the addition of περ elevates this link to a stronger, more definitive assertion. It signifies "on this very account," "precisely for this reason," or "therefore indeed." The particle περ often highlights that the preceding statement is the *exact* and *sufficient* cause for the subsequent conclusion or action, leaving little room for alternative reasons or mitigating circumstances. Its semantic range thus emphasizes an inescapable logical or moral consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
διόπερ appears in the New Testament primarily in the Pauline epistles, underscoring the apostle's forceful logical and ethical conclusions.
* **[[1 Corinthians 8:13]]**: "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."
* In this context, Paul is discussing the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. He has established that while believers have knowledge (gnosis) and liberty in Christ, love (agape) must be the guiding principle. The potential for a weaker brother to stumble due to a stronger brother's exercise of liberty is the *precise and compelling reason* (διόπερ) for the stronger brother's self-restraint. The emphatic nature of διόπερ highlights the absolute necessity of prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over one's own rights or preferences. It is an ethical imperative flowing directly from the principle of Christ-like love.
* **[[1 Corinthians 10:14]]**: "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry."
* Here, διόπερ serves as a strong transition from Paul's lengthy warning drawn from Israel's history of idolatry and rebellion (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). Having demonstrated the severe consequences of participating in idolatrous practices, and having established that such participation is incompatible with partaking in the Lord's Supper, Paul issues a direct and urgent command. The past examples and the inherent nature of idolatry are presented as the *irrefutable cause* for the immediate and decisive action of fleeing from it. The emphatic διόπερ underscores the gravity of the spiritual danger and the non-negotiable nature of the command.
* **[[2 Corinthians 7:2]]**: "Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man."
* While διόπερ is not present in most modern critical editions of the Greek New Testament for this verse (e.g., NA28, UBS5), it is found in some textual traditions, including the Textus Receptus, which underpins the King James Version. If present at the beginning of the verse, it would connect Paul's plea for the Corinthians to "make room" or "open their hearts" to him directly to the preceding exhortation in [[2 Corinthians 7:1]] to "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." In this reading, διόπερ would emphasize that because Paul and his companions are striving for such holiness and integrity, the Corinthians should, *on this very account*, receive them and trust their motives, as they have wronged no one.
### Related Words & Concepts
διόπερ stands in close relation to other causal and inferential conjunctions in Greek, but with a unique emphasis:
* **διό (dio, `{{G1352}}`)**: The base word for διόπερ, meaning "wherefore" or "on which account." διόπερ intensifies διό by adding the emphatic περ. While διό indicates a cause, διόπερ highlights that cause as the *sole and decisive* reason.
* **οὖν (oun, `{{G3767}}`)**: A common inferential particle meaning "therefore," "so," or "then." It indicates a logical consequence or continuation but lacks the strong, specific causal emphasis of διόπερ.
* **ἄρα (ara, `{{G686}}`)**: Also meaning "then" or "so," often introducing a conclusion or inference. Like οὖν, it is generally less emphatic and less specific about the nature of the causal link than διόπερ.
* **διὰ τοῦτο (dia touto, `{{G1223}}` `{{G5124}}`)**: "Because of this," "for this reason." This phrase explicitly states the reason, similar to διό, but without the added emphatic force of περ.
* **Theological Concepts**: διόπερ relates to the concepts of *logical consequence*, *ethical imperative*, *practical theology*, and the *application of truth*. It bridges doctrine and discipleship, demonstrating that sound theological premises necessitate specific behavioral outcomes.
### Theological Significance
The use of διόπερ in Scripture carries significant theological weight, particularly in Paul's writings. It serves as a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the direct and unavoidable implications of Christian doctrine and ethical principles for daily living.
1. **Inescapable Consequence**: διόπερ highlights that certain theological truths or ethical demands are not optional but lead to necessary conclusions for action. The Christian life is not merely a collection of beliefs but a coherent system where belief dictates behavior.
2. **Moral Imperative**: It reinforces the imperative nature of Christian ethics. Paul does not merely suggest a course of action; he commands it based on foundational principles. In [[1 Corinthians 8:13]], love for the brother becomes the compelling reason for self-sacrifice. In [[1 Corinthians 10:14]], God's holiness and the dangers of idolatry necessitate a complete separation.
3. **Divine Logic and Consistency**: The word reflects a divinely ordered universe where cause and effect are real, and God's commands are logically consistent with His character and revelation. There is a precise and compelling reason for every divine expectation.
4. **Practical Application of Truth**: διόπερ often appears at the juncture where theological exposition transitions into practical exhortation. It signals that the preceding truth has immediate and weighty implications for the believer's conduct, urging a decisive response.
### Summary
διόπερ (dioper, `{{G1355}}`) is an emphatic causal conjunction meaning "on which very account" or "therefore indeed." Formed from διό (wherefore) and the emphatic particle περ, it signifies that the preceding statement is the precise and compelling reason for the subsequent conclusion, command, or action. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles, it functions to establish a strong, undeniable link between theological truth or ethical principle and practical conduct. Its use in passages like [[1 Corinthians 8:13]] and [[1 Corinthians 10:14]] underscores the inescapable consequences of Christian love and the absolute necessity of fleeing sin, thereby reinforcing the imperative nature of Christian discipleship and the logical consistency of divine revelation.
TRV