διασαφέω (diasapheō)
diasapheō
to explain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diasapheō means to make something clear or plain by explaining it in detail. It combines the intensive prefix dia- with saphes, meaning "clear," to describe a thorough unfolding of facts. This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both within Matthew’s Gospel, where it highlights moments of necessary clarification.
In Matthew 13:36, Jesus uses this action when He explains the parable of the weeds to His disciples, moving from symbolic imagery to explicit meaning. Similarly, in Matthew 27:19, Pilate’s wife sends a message warning him about Jesus, effectively making the situation clear through her dream. The term emphasizes removing ambiguity rather than merely stating information.
Translators typically render diasapheō as "explain" or "make plain." Its rarity in Scripture suggests it was reserved for significant moments where understanding required more than a simple statement. The word underscores the importance of clarity in communication, particularly when dealing with complex spiritual truths or urgent warnings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter difficult passages in Scripture, it is natural to want more clarity. The Greek word diasapheō captures this desire for thorough explanation. It combines an intensive prefix with a root meaning "clear," suggesting that God does not leave us guessing about His deeper truths. Instead, He provides the necessary details to remove ambiguity and guide our understanding.
This word appears in Matthew 13:36, where the disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable of the weeds. This moment shows that seeking understanding is a faithful response to God's teaching. It reminds us that spiritual growth often involves asking questions and receiving patient instruction. We can trust that God values our desire to know Him more clearly.
In Matthew 27:19, Pilate’s wife uses a similar concept of making things clear through a warning dream. While her context was different, the underlying principle remains: God can use various means to bring clarity to our situations. Whether through Scripture or other warnings, He seeks to protect and guide us. This assurance encourages us to remain open to His voice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they narrated1×
- do explain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διεσάφησαν1×
- διασάφησον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:36
Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the darnel weeds of the field.”
This verse records the disciples asking Jesus to explain the parable, highlighting that diasapheō is used for detailed instruction on spiritual truths.