διασκορπίζω (diaskorpizō)
diaskorpizō
to scatter
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diaskorpizō describes the action of scattering something widely or dispersing a group. Its root combines a prefix meaning "through" or "thoroughly" with a word for "scatter," suggesting a forceful or complete separation. In the New Testament, this term appears in nine verses, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels and Acts, to depict physical dispersion.
It is used literally of sheep being scattered by a predator, as Jesus predicts in Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27, quoting Zechariah. The word also describes the winnowing process where grain is thrown into the air to separate chaff from wheat (Matthew 25:24-26). Metaphorically, it captures the squandering of resources, such as the prodigal son wasting his inheritance in Luke 15:13.
A key distinction lies in its contrast with gathering. In John 11:52, Jesus states that God’s purpose is to gather into one scattered people, making diaskorpizō the opposite of unifying love. This agricultural and pastoral imagery highlights the chaos of separation versus the order of community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diaskorpizō describes a forceful scattering, whether it is sheep driven apart by a predator or resources squandered in reckless living. This imagery captures the deep ache of separation and the chaos that follows when unity is broken. It reminds us that isolation is not God’s design for His people.
Yet this word also highlights the power of gathering. In John 11:52, Jesus speaks of bringing together those who are scattered abroad into one family. This promise offers hope to anyone feeling disconnected or alone. God’s purpose is to restore what was broken and bring us back into community with Him and with each other.
We can trust that our Shepherd seeks to gather us, even when we feel dispersed by life's hardships. His love gathers the scattered into one, offering peace and belonging that endures beyond our current struggles.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you did scatter;1×
- will be scattered.’1×
- were scattered.1×
- wasting1×
- they will be scattered1×
- scattered1×
- he wasted1×
- I scattered?1×
- He has scattered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διεσκόρπισεν2×
- διεσκόρπισας·1×
- διεσκόρπισα;1×
- διεσκορπίσθησαν.1×
- διεσκορπισμένα1×
- διασκορπίζων1×
- διασκορπισθήσονται.1×
- διασκορπισθήσονται1×
Key Verses
-
John 11:52
and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.
This verse contrasts scattering with gathering, showing Jesus' mission to unite dispersed people into one family.
-
Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
Jesus quotes prophecy here to predict the disciples' temporary dispersion after His arrest, highlighting the cost of following Him.
-
Luke 15:13
Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living.
The prodigal son's reckless scattering of his inheritance illustrates how selfish choices lead to loss and isolation.
-
Acts 5:37
After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
This historical account shows the political fallout where followers were scattered after their leader's death, contrasting with the Church's eventual unity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does diaskorpizō mean in the New Testament?
How is diaskorpizō different from other words for scattering?
Why does Jesus use this word in Matthew 26?
What hope does this word offer to Christians today?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you…
Matthew 25:26“But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where…
Matthew 26:31Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike…