### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διϋλίζω (G1368, diÿlízō) is a compound verb derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "apart," and a root related to filtering or straining. Its core meaning is "to filter through" or "to strain out." This implies a meticulous process of separation, specifically the removal of small, undesirable particles from a liquid. The action suggests careful attention to detail in order to achieve ritual purity or cleanliness, often by passing a substance through a sieve or cloth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word διϋλίζω (G1368) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Matthew 23:24]]. In this verse, Jesus issues a scathing rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees, stating, "You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" This is a powerful and vivid hyperbole. The imagery refers to the practice of meticulously straining one's drink to remove even the smallest insects, such as gnats, which would render the drink ritually unclean according to Jewish purity laws. By contrast, Jesus accuses them of "swallowing a camel," an animal considered ritually unclean and far too large to be overlooked. The juxtaposition highlights their profound hypocrisy: they were scrupulously observant of minor, external regulations while flagrantly disregarding the "weightier matters of the law," which Jesus identifies in the preceding verse as justice, mercy, and faithfulness ([[Matthew 23:23]]). The context reveals Jesus' condemnation of a religious system that prioritized outward appearance and trivial observances over genuine righteousness, compassion, and a true relationship with God.
### Related Words & Concepts
While διϋλίζω (G1368) is unique in its specific usage, it is conceptually linked to several broader biblical themes and terms:
* **Hypocrisy:** The primary target of Jesus' condemnation in [[Matthew 23]]. The act of straining a gnat while swallowing a camel is the epitome of religious pretense and inconsistency.
* **Legalism:** The overemphasis on external rules and rituals, often at the expense of the spirit of the law. The Pharisees' meticulous adherence to minor purity laws exemplifies this.
* **Purity and Impurity:** The concept of ritual cleanliness was central to Jewish life. The act of straining out a gnat relates directly to avoiding ritual defilement. However, Jesus consistently challenged the notion that external purity was sufficient, emphasizing internal purity of heart ([[Matthew 15:18-20]]).
* **Weightier Matters of the Law:** Contrasted with the triviality of straining a gnat, Jesus highlights justice, mercy, and faithfulness ([[Matthew 23:23]]) as the true essence of God's law. This concept is central to understanding the spiritual blindness Jesus condemns.
* **Blindness:** The term "blind guides" ([[Matthew 23:24]]) is a recurring motif in Jesus' critiques, indicating a spiritual inability to discern God's true will and priorities.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of διϋλίζω (G1368) carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark indictment of superficial piety and religious formalism.
1. **Critique of Externalism:** The word powerfully illustrates Jesus' consistent critique of those who focus solely on outward religious observances while neglecting the internal transformation of the heart. True righteousness, according to Jesus, stems from an inward disposition of love for God and neighbor, expressed through justice, mercy, and faithfulness, not merely adherence to ritualistic minutiae.
2. **Emphasis on Divine Priorities:** By contrasting the "gnat" with the "camel," Jesus underscores God's true priorities. God is concerned with fundamental moral and ethical principles—justice for the oppressed, mercy for the needy, and faithfulness in covenant relationship—far more than with the meticulous observance of minor regulations.
3. **Warning Against Hypocrisy:** The use of διϋλίζω (G1368) in this context serves as a timeless warning against spiritual hypocrisy, particularly for those in positions of religious leadership. It cautions against the danger of appearing righteous outwardly while harboring unrighteousness within, or of rigorously enforcing minor rules while overlooking significant moral failings.
4. **Call to Genuine Obedience:** Ultimately, this word, within its context, is a call to a deeper, more authentic form of obedience rooted in the heart and expressed through actions that reflect God's character.
### Summary
The Greek word διϋλίζω (G1368, diÿlízō), meaning "to strain out" or "to filter through," appears uniquely in [[Matthew 23:24]]. In this solitary occurrence, Jesus employs it within a sharp hyperbole: "You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" This vivid imagery powerfully condemns the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who meticulously observed minor ritualistic purity laws (straining out a tiny, ritually unclean gnat from their drink) while simultaneously neglecting the "weightier matters of the law"—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The word thus highlights the danger of superficial piety and legalism, serving as a profound theological critique of religious practice that prioritizes external conformity over genuine internal transformation and adherence to God's fundamental moral and ethical principles. It remains a potent reminder of Jesus' call for authentic righteousness and a warning against spiritual blindness and hypocrisy.
TRV