from διά and ὀρύσσω; to penetrate burglariously:--break through (up).
Transliteration:diorýssō
Pronunciation:dee-or-oos'-so
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διορύσσω (diorýssō, `{{G1358}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "apart," and the verb ὀρύσσω (orussō), meaning "to dig" or "to excavate." Literally, the compound signifies "to dig through" or "to break through by digging." In its New Testament usage, its semantic range is quite specific and consistently denotes the act of illicit entry, particularly "to break into" a house or dwelling with the intent to steal. It implies a forceful, often clandestine, and destructive penetration of a barrier, such as a wall or roof, to gain unauthorized access. The word inherently carries a negative connotation, associated with criminal activity and violation of property.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διορύσσω appears four times in the New Testament, always in the context of a thief breaking into a house:
* **[[Matthew 6:19-20]]**: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves *break in* and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not *break in* and steal." Here, Jesus contrasts the ephemeral nature of earthly possessions with the enduring security of heavenly treasures. The act of "breaking in" (διορύσσω) by thieves underscores the vulnerability and impermanence of material wealth, which can be forcibly taken away.
* **[[Matthew 24:43]]**: "But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be *broken into*." This verse is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks of the unexpected nature of His return. The image of the thief breaking in serves as a powerful analogy for the sudden and unannounced arrival of the Son of Man, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and preparedness.
* **[[Luke 12:39]]**: "But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be *broken into*." This passage is a direct parallel to [[Matthew 24:43]], reiterating the same message of watchfulness concerning the Lord's unexpected return. The "breaking in" highlights the element of surprise and the consequences of unpreparedness.
In all contexts, διορύσσω describes a forceful, unauthorized, and often destructive entry, primarily by a thief. The consistent usage reinforces the word's specific meaning related to burglary and its metaphorical application to the eschatological return of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and usage of διορύσσω are closely linked to several other biblical terms and themes:
* **κλέπτης (kleptēs, `{{G2812}}`):** The "thief," who is the agent performing the act of διορύσσω. The word inherently implies the presence of such an intruder.
* **κλέπτω (kleptō, `{{G2813}}`):** "To steal," which is the ultimate purpose behind the act of διορύσσω. The breaking in is a means to an end.
* **οἰκοδεσπότης (oikodespotēs, `{{G3617}}`):** The "master of the house," whose property is violated by the act of διορύσσω.
* **ἀφανίζω (aphanizō, `{{G853}}`):** "To destroy" or "to make disappear," which is the fate of earthly treasures subject to theft, as mentioned alongside διορύσσω in [[Matthew 6:19]].
* **Vigilance and Readiness:** The concept of διορύσσω directly informs the New Testament's emphasis on spiritual watchfulness (e.g., γρηγορέω, grēgoreō, `{{G1127}}`) and preparedness for the Lord's return, as seen in the parables of the watchful servant.
* **Security of Treasures:** The contrast between earthly treasures susceptible to "breaking in" and heavenly treasures that are secure highlights the thematic tension between material and spiritual wealth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διορύσσω is profound, particularly in two key areas:
* **Critique of Materialism and Earthly Security:** In [[Matthew 6:19-20]], the use of διορύσσω serves as a stark warning against placing ultimate value on material possessions. The vulnerability of earthly treasures to thieves who "break in" underscores their impermanence and the folly of trusting in them for lasting security. This reinforces Jesus' call to invest in heavenly treasures, which are impervious to such destructive forces, thereby promoting a kingdom-oriented worldview over a worldly one.
* **Eschatological Vigilance and the Unexpected Return of Christ:** The most significant theological application of διορύσσω lies in its metaphorical use for the Second Coming of Christ ([[Matthew 24:43]], [[Luke 12:39]]). The image of a thief breaking in unexpectedly highlights the sudden, unannounced, and decisive nature of the Lord's return. Just as a homeowner must be vigilant against a burglar, so too must believers remain spiritually awake, prepared, and actively serving until Christ's arrival. This metaphor emphasizes the sovereign timing of God and the human responsibility to live in constant readiness, lest one be caught unprepared and suffer loss. It underscores the urgency of discipleship and faithful stewardship.
### Summary
The Greek verb διορύσσω (diorýssō, `{{G1358}}`), meaning "to dig through" or "to break through," is consistently used in the New Testament to describe the forceful, illicit entry of a thief into a dwelling. Its occurrences in [[Matthew 6:19-20]], [[Matthew 24:43]], and [[Luke 12:39]] establish its specific semantic range. Theologically, διορύσσω serves two critical functions: first, it underscores the inherent insecurity and impermanence of earthly treasures, urging believers to seek heavenly wealth. Second, and more profoundly, it functions as a powerful metaphor for the unexpected and unannounced return of the Son of Man, thereby emphasizing the imperative for constant spiritual vigilance and readiness among His followers. This word thus encapsulates both a critique of materialism and a foundational call to eschatological preparedness.
TRV