Original Word: διασαφέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: diasapheó
Pronunciation: dee-as-af-eh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-as-af-eh'-o)
KJV: tell unto
NASB: explain, reported
Word Origin: [from G1223 (διά - through) and saphes (clear)]

1. to clear thoroughly
2. (figuratively) declare

tell unto.

From dia and saphes (clear); to clear thoroughly, i.e. (figuratively) declare -- tell unto.

see GREEK dia

Word Origin
from dia and saphés (clear)
Definition
to make clear, explain fully
NASB Translation
explain (1), reported (1).

STRONGS NT 1285: διασαφέω

διασαφέω, διασάφω: 1 aorist διεσάφησα; (σαφής clear);

1. to make clear or plain, to explain, unfold, declare: τήν παραβολήν, Matthew 13:36 L Tr text WH; (Euripides, Phoen. 398; Plato, legg. 6, 754 a.; others; Polybius 2, 1, 1; 3, 52, 5).

2. of things done, to declare, i. e. to tell, announce, narrate: Matthew 18:31; (2 Macc. 1, 18; Polybius 1, 46, 4; 2, 27, 3). Cf. Fischer, De vitiis lexamples N. T., p. 622ff; Winer's De verb. comp. etc. Part v., p. 11.

Overview

Strong’s Greek 1285 depicts the decisive act of making something fully clear—moving truth from obscurity to plain sight. It appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, each time spotlighting the importance of unambiguous communication in the life of the Church and in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Matthew 13:36 – “When Jesus had dismissed the crowds, He went into the house. His disciples came to Him and said, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.’” The disciples seek complete clarification of Christ’s teaching.
2. Matthew 18:31 – “When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had happened.” The servants give a full account, ensuring their lord understands the injustice.

Exegetical Insights

• In both contexts the verb denotes more than casual conversation; it involves orderly, accurate, exhaustive explanation.
• The aorist imperative in Matthew 13:36 expresses an urgent request for clarity, reflecting the disciple’s dependence on divine illumination.
• The aorist indicative in Matthew 18:31 portrays a factual, comprehensive report, underscoring the ethical duty to communicate truth.

The Role of Clarification in Christ’s Ministry

Jesus consistently interpreted His parables for those willing to ask, demonstrating that divine revelation invites diligent inquiry (Matthew 13:11). The use of Strong’s 1285 underlines the pedagogical pattern: proclamation followed by explanation. Sound doctrine is therefore not a secret code but a treasure unlocked for earnest disciples.

Clarification and Community Accountability

In Matthew 18, thorough reporting serves justice and protects the integrity of the community. Clear testimony exposes unrighteousness and prepares the way for righteous judgment. The passage illustrates that withholding or distorting facts hinders reconciliation; conversely, forthright communication advances holiness within the body.

Historical Background

Classical and Septuagint usage often applies the verb to legal testimony or the interpretation of omens—settings that required precision. By the first century the term carried connotations of public explanation, a nuance retained in the New Testament. The evangelist Matthew employs the word to show that the Gospel operates in the open, not in secretive mysticism.

Ministry Application

• Preaching and Teaching: Expositors must move from mere citation of Scripture to thorough explanation, ensuring hearers grasp the intended meaning (Nehemiah 8:8 provides an Old Testament parallel in principle).
• Pastoral Care: Clear, comprehensive communication builds trust and staves off misunderstanding in church discipline and conflict resolution.
• Evangelism: Presenting the Gospel involves unveiling the plan of salvation so that “the message may be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it” (2 Timothy 4:17).

Theological Significance

The verb affirms that God’s revelation is both transcendent and intelligible. Scripture’s clarity obligates believers to seek explanation where needed and to provide it when asked (1 Peter 3:15). Thus Strong’s 1285 supports the doctrine of perspicuity: the Bible is understandable in its essential message and is meant to be plainly set forth.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 1285 serves as a textual reminder that discipleship thrives on clarity. Whether interpreting Christ’s words or recounting events before a master, believers are called to a ministry of plain speech that honors the God who “shines in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

διασαφήσαι διασάφησις Διασαφησον Διασάφησον διεσαφησαν διεσάφησαν Diasapheson Diasaphēson Diasápheson Diasáphēson diesaphesan diesaphēsan diesáphesan diesáphēsanInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts