διασπείρω (diaspeirō)

diaspeirō

to scatter

G1289 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The verb diaspeirō means to scatter abroad or disperse, often carrying the imagery of sowing seed widely across a field. Its structure combines a prefix indicating thoroughness with a root word for sowing, suggesting an action that is both intentional and far-reaching. In the New Testament, this term appears only three times, all within the book of Acts.

These occurrences describe the scattering of believers following Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 8:1) and their subsequent spread into regions like Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch (Acts 11:19). Rather than viewing this dispersion as a defeat, the text presents it as a catalyst for the gospel’s expansion. The word captures how persecution, intended to halt the movement, instead served to distribute its message further.

This usage highlights a recurring biblical theme: God often works through apparent setbacks to achieve broader purposes. The scattering of the early church was not merely a historical event but a theological statement about the unstoppable nature of the gospel message as it moves beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Greek word diaspeirō describes a scattering, much like seed cast wide across a field. In Acts, it captures the sudden dispersion of believers after Stephen’s death. What looked like a defeat became the very means by which the gospel reached new lands. God often uses our most difficult moments to spread His message further than we could have planned.

When life feels chaotic or when plans fall apart, this word reminds us that nothing is wasted. The early church did not stay safe in Jerusalem; they went out, preaching wherever they landed. Your current season of uncertainty may be part of a larger story you cannot yet see. Trust that God is working even in the scattering.

Peace comes from knowing that no setback is final for those who follow Christ. Whether you are facing loss or change, remember that the same power that raised Jesus is at work in your life. May you find courage in the midst of transition, knowing that God’s purposes always prevail.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

having been scattered2×
were scattered1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

διασπαρέντες2×
διεσπάρησαν1×

Key Verses

Acts 8:1
Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.

This verse establishes the cause of the scattering, showing how persecution directly triggered the movement of believers out of Jerusalem.
Acts 8:4
Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.

Here the scattered believers become active missionaries, demonstrating that their displacement led immediately to preaching the word.
Acts 11:19
They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only.

This occurrence details the specific geographic reach of the scattering, highlighting how oppression pushed the gospel into Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does diaspeirō mean in the New Testament?

Diaspeirō means to scatter abroad or disperse. It appears only three times in Acts, describing how believers were spread out after Stephen’s martyrdom. The term carries the imagery of sowing seed widely, suggesting that this scattering was intentional and fruitful for the gospel.

Why is diaspeirō significant for understanding church history?

It shows how persecution served as a catalyst for expansion rather than destruction. Instead of stopping the early church, the scattering forced believers to take the message to Judea, Samaria, and beyond. This highlights God’s ability to use hardship for greater purposes.

How is diaspeirō different from simple migration?

Unlike voluntary migration, diaspeirō implies a forced or sudden dispersal due to external pressure. In Acts, it was driven by persecution. Yet, the result was not chaos but purposeful witness, as those scattered began preaching wherever they went.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Acts 3 verses

Acts 8:1

Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day.…

Acts 8:4

Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.

Acts 11:19

They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia,…