διαπεράω (diaperaō)
diaperaō
to cross
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diaperaō means to cross over or pass through, describing the physical act of traversing a space such as a river, lake, or landmass. In the New Testament, it appears six times, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels, to depict Jesus and his disciples moving between locations. The word emphasizes the completion of the journey across a boundary, whether it be the Sea of Galilee (Mark 6:53) or the region beyond (Matthew 9:1).
Its structure combines the prefix dia- ("through" or "across") with peraō ("to pass"), reinforcing the sense of thorough transit. The sources note its use in contexts where travel is necessary for ministry or movement, such as when Jesus crosses to the other side of the lake (Mark 5:21) or when a centurion’s servant is brought to him (Luke 7:10, implied by context of crossing). Translators typically render it simply as "crossed" or "went over," capturing the straightforward physical motion without adding theological nuance. The word serves as a functional marker of movement in the narrative flow.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word διαπεράω simply means to cross over or pass through. In the Gospels, it describes Jesus and his disciples physically moving from one place to another, such as crossing the Sea of Galilee or traveling between towns. This straightforward action highlights that Jesus was fully present in the world, engaging with people in their daily lives and real locations.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God is not distant or abstract. He moves into our specific situations, whether we are facing a storm on the water or navigating the challenges of our own cities. His presence is tangible, meeting us exactly where we are as we journey through life’s transitions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- when was crossing1×
- they shall pass.1×
- passing over1×
- having passed over1×
- having crossed over1×
- He passed over1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαπεράσαντες2×
- διεπέρασεν1×
- διαπερῶσιν.¶1×
- διαπερῶν1×
- διαπεράσαντος1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:21
When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea.
This verse marks the moment Jesus returns to the crowd after a significant miracle, showing His continuous engagement with those who need Him.
-
Matthew 9:1
He entered into a boat and crossed over, and came into his own city.
The crossing leads directly to His own city, linking physical movement with His mission to teach and heal in familiar places.
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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.’
Here the word takes on a permanent spiritual meaning, describing an unbridgeable divide that prevents any further crossing between two states of being.