Lexical Summary diaphémizó: To spread abroad, to make widely known, to publish Original Word: διαφημίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance blaze abroad, spread abroad From dia and a derivative of pheme; to report thoroughly, i.e. Divulgate -- blaze abroad, commonly report, spread abroad, fame. see GREEK dia see GREEK pheme NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and phémizó (to spread a report); from phémé Definition to spread abroad NASB Translation spread...around (1), spread the news (1), widely spread (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1310: διαφημίζωδιαφημίζω; 1 aorist διεφημισα; 1 aorist passive διεφημίσθην; to spread abroad, blaze abroad: τόν λόγον, Mark 1:45; Matthew 28:15 (T WH marginal reading ἐφημισθη); τινα, to spread abroad his fame, verbally diffuse his renown, Matthew 9:31; in Latindiffamare aliquem, but in a bad sense. (Rarely in Greek writings, as Aratus, phaen. 221; Dionysius Halicarnassus 11, 46; Palaeph. incred. 14, 4; (cf. Winer's De verb. comp. etc. Part v., p. 14f).) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1310 depicts the vigorous broadcasting of information so that it permeates an entire region. The verb is intensive, describing news that refuses to remain local, whether such news is joyful testimony of Christ’s power or a calculated distortion of His resurrection. Every occurrence in the New Testament centers on Jesus, revealing the inevitability of His fame and the mixed responses it evokes. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Mark 1:45 – After Jesus cleanses a leper, “the man went out and openly proclaimed it, spreading the news”. The healed man’s enthusiasm overrides Jesus’ instruction to remain silent, illustrating how transformative encounters with the Lord naturally compel proclamation, even when silence might seem prudent. 2. Matthew 9:31 – Two formerly blind men, commanded to keep quiet, instead “went out and spread the news about Him throughout that region”. Their exuberant disobedience again highlights the overflow of gratitude that accompanies divine deliverance. 3. Matthew 28:15 – The chief priests bribe the guards, and “this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day”. Here the same verb applies to a false narrative that seeks to discredit the resurrection. The contrast with the first two occurrences underscores that influential reports can advance either truth or deception, depending on their source. Thematic Insights Proclamation versus Silence Jesus occasionally enjoined secrecy (Mark 1:44; Matthew 9:30) to prevent premature political misunderstanding of His mission. Yet the magnetism of divine acts overcame imposed silence, foreshadowing the global proclamation commanded after the resurrection (Matthew 28:19–20). Truth and Falsehood on the Same Channel The verb’s use for both authentic testimony and deliberate fabrication warns that the mechanism of widespread reporting is morally neutral. Discernment is therefore essential; the content carried by public momentum must be weighed against the full counsel of Scripture. The Uncontainable Christ Whether miracles or rumors, reports about Jesus ripple outward. Gospel writers present this diffusion as evidence of His significance: beneficent power draws seekers; hostile suppression spawns counter-narratives, yet both acknowledge His centrality. Historical Context and Background First-century Palestine relied on oral communication. Town markets, synagogue gatherings, and pilgrim routes allowed accounts to traverse distances quickly. In Galilee, Jesus’ miracles produced a grassroots publicity network, unsettling religious authorities. After the resurrection, those authorities attempted to commandeer the same network with hush money and a substitute explanation, showing how vital public perception had become. The Markan “messianic secret” motif reflects political volatility: messianic fervor threatened Roman reprisals, and crowds eager for spectacle could impede Jesus’ itinerary (Mark 1:45). By contrast, post-resurrection evangelism needed no restraint; the tomb was empty, and proclamation became mandate. Ministry Implications 1. Joyful Witness Transformative encounters with Christ naturally overflow in testimony. Believers today should examine whether gratitude for salvation produces similar urgency. 2. Obedience and Timing There are moments when discretion serves a redemptive purpose. The leper’s premature publicity curtailed Jesus’ access to populated areas (Mark 1:45). Wise ministry discerns when silence advances the mission and when speech is required. 3. Contending with Misinformation Matthew 28:15 foreshadows modern challenges: organized campaigns can circulate falsehoods about Christ. Apologetics, historical evidence for the resurrection, and clear teaching counteract such narratives. 4. Stewardship of Platforms Digital media mirrors first-century oral networks on a global scale. The verb urges believers to steward these channels so that the true gospel, not rumor or sensationalism, predominates. Related Concepts and Words • Martyria (witness) – the formal testimony that conveys truth. Together with Strong’s 1310, these terms chart the progression from personal experience to regional impact. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 1310 encapsulates the unstoppable spread of news concerning Jesus Christ. Whether through grateful beneficiaries or hostile conspirators, His account refused containment. In every generation the verb challenges followers to channel that same potency toward truthful, Spirit-led proclamation, trusting that the risen Lord will ensure His fame reaches “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Forms and Transliterations διαφημιζειν διαφημίζειν διεφημισαν διεφήμισαν διεφημισθη διεφημίσθη diaphemizein diaphemízein diaphēmizein diaphēmízein diephemisan diephēmisan diephḗmisan diephemisthe diephemísthe diephēmisthē diephēmísthēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 9:31 V-AIA-3PGRK: δὲ ἐξελθόντες διεφήμισαν αὐτὸν ἐν NAS: But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout KJV: spread abroad his fame in all INT: however having gone out they make known him in Matthew 28:15 V-AIP-3S Mark 1:45 V-PNA Strong's Greek 1310 |