διαβαίνω (diabainō)
diabainō
to cross
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diabainō describes the physical act of crossing over or passing through a space. Its core meaning is straightforward: to traverse from one side to another. This simple motion appears in just three verses, yet it carries significant narrative weight by marking decisive transitions.
In Hebrews 11:29, the word illustrates the Israelites’ miraculous passage through the Red Sea. Here, the text uses the active voice to describe God enabling them to cross the waters, emphasizing divine intervention in a literal journey. The imagery is concrete, focusing on the physical movement across a barrier.
Conversely, Luke 16:26 and Acts 16:9 use the term intransitively. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, a great chasm prevents crossing back, highlighting an irreversible separation. Similarly, Paul’s vision in Acts leads him to cross into Macedonia. These uses show how the word marks not just movement, but a change in location or state that cannot be undone.
Etymologically, diabainō combines dia ("through") and bainō ("to go"). This structure reinforces the idea of thorough passage. Translators typically render it as "cross" or "pass through," capturing the essential sense of traversal without adding theological speculation beyond the text’s clear geographical or metaphorical boundaries.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diabainō simply means to cross over or pass through. It describes the physical act of moving from one side of a barrier to the other. In Scripture, this action often marks a decisive moment where God opens a way that seemed impossible. For believers, it reminds us that faith is not just about believing in God's power, but trusting Him to guide our steps through difficult transitions.
When we face obstacles that feel like insurmountable walls, this word invites us to look for the path God has prepared. Whether it is crossing a physical sea or moving into new territory for ministry, the focus remains on His provision. We do not need to fear the unknown when we know that He who calls us is faithful to lead us through.
Ultimately, diabainō points to the hope of movement and change. It assures us that no barrier is too great for God’s intervention. As we navigate our own journeys, we can rest in the confidence that He walks with us, ensuring that every crossing leads us closer to His purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to pass1×
- they passed through1×
- Having passed over1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διέβησαν1×
- διαβῆναι1×
- διαβὰς1×
Key Verses
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Hebrews 11:29
By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do so, they were swallowed up.
This verse highlights how faith enables believers to traverse a deadly barrier safely, contrasting with the Egyptians who perished.
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Acts 16:9
A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.”
Here the word signals a pivotal geographical shift as Paul responds to a divine call to enter Macedonia for evangelism.
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Luke 16:26
Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that no one may cross over from there to us.’
The term underscores the finality of the chasm in the afterlife, showing that some crossings are permanently closed by divine decree.