1262. dialuó
Lexical Summary
dialuó: To dissolve, to break up, to disperse, to release.

Original Word: διαλύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: dialuó
Pronunciation: dee-al-oo'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-al-oo'-o)
KJV: scatter
NASB: dispersed
Word Origin: [from G1223 (διά - through) and G3089 (λύω - untie)]

1. to dissolve utterly

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
scatter.

From dia and luo; to dissolve utterly -- scatter.

see GREEK dia

see GREEK luo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from dia and luó
Definition
to break up
NASB Translation
dispersed (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1262: διαλύω

διαλύω: 1 aorist passive διελυθην; to dissolve (cf. διά C. 4): in Acts 5:36 of a body of men broken up and dispersed, as often in Greek writings.

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 1262 captures the idea of something being broken up, dissolved, or brought to nothing. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, its single occurrence carries rich implications for discerning genuine, Spirit-born work from transient, man-made movements.

Context in Acts 5:36

Acts 5 records the Sanhedrin’s perplexity over the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. While the apostles stand on trial, the respected Pharisee Gamaliel counsels restraint:

“Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and came to nothing.” (Acts 5:36)

The verb translated “were dispersed and came to nothing” embodies Strong’s 1262. Gamaliel’s argument is simple: human-originated causes collapse under their own weight; only undertakings rooted in God endure (Acts 5:38-39).

Linguistic Nuances

The term does more than describe a casual scattering; it conveys the dissolution of purpose and the shattering of cohesion. It pictures a collective whose shared identity is erased once its unifying figure or idea is removed. In secular Greek writings the verb could refer to armies breaking ranks, contracts being annulled, or rumors evaporating. In Acts 5 it portrays the collapse of a pseudo-messianic uprising.

Historical Background

Jewish Palestine of the first century was fertile ground for would-be deliverers promising liberation from Rome. Josephus mentions several such figures, including a Theudas who led followers to the Jordan, promising miraculous passage (Antiquities 20.97-98). Whether Luke references this specific revolt or an earlier, similar one, the pattern fits: a charismatic leader rallies a crowd, the authorities intervene, the leader is cut down, and the movement disintegrates—exactly what Gamaliel recalls with Strong’s 1262.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Sovereignty: The verb’s lone use highlights God’s prerogative to bring human schemes to an end. Psalm 33:10 affirms, “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.”
2. Authenticity of the Gospel: By contrasting Theudas’ failure with the church’s unstoppable advance (Acts 5:42), Luke underscores that the gospel is no passing enthusiasm.
3. Discernment: Gamaliel’s principle accords with Deuteronomy 18:21-22 regarding prophetic validation: time exposes counterfeit claims.

Ministry Applications

• Patience in Opposition: Churches facing hostility can rest in God’s ability to dismantle resistance. History is littered with ideologies that rose, flourished briefly, and dissolved, while Christ’s kingdom advances (Matthew 16:18).
• Testing Movements: Leaders should evaluate ministries by fruit and endurance rather than novelty or numbers. When excitement fades, a work grounded on Christ remains (1 Corinthians 3:11-14).
• Warning to Counterfeits: Those who manipulate spiritual hunger for personal gain may rally followers for a season, but Strong’s 1262 reminds that such enterprises ultimately disintegrate.

Related Scriptural Themes

• Scattering of false shepherds – Zechariah 13:7; Mark 14:27
• Collapse of ungodly counsel – Psalm 1:4-6
• Futility of opposing God – Isaiah 46:9-10; Acts 12:23-24

Conclusion

Though hidden in a single verse, Strong’s 1262 offers a sober lens on history: any endeavor detached from God’s purpose is destined to dissolve. Gamaliel’s observation became a prophetic contrast—Theudas’ following melted away, while the church, born of the Spirit, spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. The verb therefore instructs believers to trust God’s enduring work and to avoid entanglement in causes that will ultimately “be dispersed and come to nothing.”

Forms and Transliterations
διαλέλυται διάλυε διαλυθή διαλύον διαμαρτάνοντες διαμάρτητε διαμαρτυρία διελυθησαν διελύθησαν διελύοντο διελύσαμεν dieluthesan dieluthēsan dielythesan dielythēsan dielýthesan dielýthēsan
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Englishman's Concordance
Acts 5:36 V-AIP-3P
GRK: ἐπείθοντο αὐτῷ διελύθησαν καὶ ἐγένοντο
NAS: followed him were dispersed and came
KJV: him, were scattered, and
INT: were persuaded by him were dispersed and came

Strong's Greek 1262
1 Occurrence


διελύθησαν — 1 Occ.

1261
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