Lexical Summary diabebaioomai: To affirm strongly, to assert confidently, to declare emphatically. Original Word: διαβεβαιόομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance affirm constantly. Middle voice of a compound of dia and bebaioo; to confirm thoroughly (by words), i.e. Asseverate -- affirm constantly. see GREEK dia see GREEK bebaioo HELPS Word-studies 1226 diabebaióomai (from 1223 /diá, "all the way through, thoroughly," which intensifies 950 /bebaióō, "make sure, confirm") – properly, "emphatically assert"; "confidently affirm" (Abbott-Smith). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and bebaioó Definition to affirm confidently NASB Translation make confident assertions (1), speak confidently (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1226: διαβεβαιοομαιδιαβεβαιοομαι (διαβεβαιοῦμαι); middle to affirm strongly, assert confidently, (cf. Winer's Grammar, 253 (238)): περί τινο (Polybius 12, 11 (12), 6), 1 Timothy 1:7 (cf. WH's Appendix, p. 167); Titus 3:8. (Demosthenes, p. 220, 4; Diodorus, Dionysius Halicarnassus, Plutarch, Aelian) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Strong’s Greek 1226 describes an emphatic, public affirmation. It expresses more than ordinary agreement; it carries the idea of certifying something as unquestionably true, binding, or worthy of full acceptance. In everyday first-century usage it was employed in legal settings to guarantee facts or validate testimony. Within the New Testament it signifies a Spirit-empowered insistence that the message of the gospel and its practical implications are beyond dispute. Usage in the Pastoral Epistles 1 Timothy 1:7 exposes individuals who “confidently assert” teachings they do not understand. The verb underscores the irony: their tone is absolute, their content empty. By selecting this strong term, Paul unmasks the danger of ungrounded dogmatism and highlights the necessity that confident affirmation be tethered to apostolic truth. Titus 3:8 reverses the scene. “This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to affirm these things, so that those who have believed God will be intent on engaging in good works.” Here the same verb authorizes Titus to press believers to action grounded in sound doctrine. The certainty of the gospel mandates an equally certain pastoral proclamation, resulting in fruitful lives. Contrast with False Certainty In both passages Paul juxtaposes authentic assurance with empty bravado. Mere rhetorical force may impress hearers, but only truth backed by divine authority deserves unwavering proclamation. The word therefore serves as a touchstone: insist only on what Scripture certifies; treat speculative opinions with restraint. Historical Resonance Greco-Roman contracts often required a guarantor to “stand surety” for a statement. Paul harnesses that cultural expectation: gospel ministers act as guarantors of heaven’s message. Their credibility rests not on personal eloquence but on conformity to the apostolic deposit. This backdrop would have reminded original readers that embracing Christ places them under a covenant far weightier than any civic oath. Pastoral Implications • Guard the pulpit. What receives emphatic affirmation shapes congregational conscience. Doctrinal Significance The verb underlines the reliability of God’s revelation. When Paul instructs Titus to “affirm these things,” he signals that salvation by grace, renewal by the Holy Spirit, and the call to good works (Titus 3:4-8) are non-negotiable. The church’s certainty rests on God’s character, not human opinion, providing a sure foundation for ethical exhortation. Implications for Christian Witness Today 1. Proclaim the gospel with intelligent conviction, resisting the cultural pressure to dilute claims of absolute truth. Summary Strong’s 1226 spotlights the balance between courage and accuracy in Christian testimony. It calls every generation to proclaim with settled assurance what God has revealed, to expose unfounded dogmatism, and to cultivate lives that embody the truths we so confidently affirm. Forms and Transliterations διαβεβαιουνται διαβεβαιούνται διαβεβαιοῦνται διαβεβαιουσθαι διαβεβαιούσθαι διαβεβαιοῦσθαι διαβήματα διαβήματά διαβιασάμενοι διαβιβάζων διαβιβάσαι διαβιβάσετε διαβιβάσης διαβιώση διεβίβασαν διεβίβασε διεβίβασεν diabebaiountai diabebaioûntai diabebaiousthai diabebaioûsthaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 1:7 V-PIM/P-3PGRK: περὶ τίνων διαβεβαιοῦνται NAS: which they make confident assertions. KJV: nor whereof they affirm. INT: concerning what they strongly affirm Titus 3:8 V-PNM/P Strong's Greek 1226 |