διαστέλλω (diastellō)
diastellō
to give orders
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diastellō means to give a formal command or charge, often with an emphasis on authority and seriousness. In the New Testament it appears in contexts where Jesus or apostles issue strict instructions that must be followed. For example, Jesus commands the disciples not to tell anyone about his identity (Matthew 16:20), and later charges them regarding the resurrection (Mark 9:9). The word carries a sense of binding obligation, distinguishing it from casual advice.
Its root suggests drawing apart or setting something in order. In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew words meaning to separate or warn, highlighting its use in serious, often legal or prophetic contexts. The passive form appears in Hebrews 12:20, describing a command so terrifying that no one could bear to hear it. This usage underscores the weight and gravity associated with the directive.
Translators typically render diastellō as "command" or "charge," reflecting its authoritative tone. Unlike terms for gentle exhortation, this word implies a clear boundary or instruction that demands obedience. Its presence in key Gospel passages and Hebrews shows how early Christian writers understood divine instructions as serious matters requiring careful attention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diastellō points to a formal command issued with serious authority. When Jesus or the apostles used this term, they were not offering suggestions; they were establishing clear boundaries and instructions that demanded obedience. This gravity reminds us that God’s directives are grounded in His sovereign care for our lives.
In passages like Mark 9:9, Jesus charges His disciples to keep certain revelations secret until after the resurrection. Such commands highlight that divine timing matters and that we are called to trust God’s schedule even when we do not fully understand the reasons behind it.
Understanding this word helps us appreciate the weight of Scripture’s instructions. It invites us to listen carefully to God’s voice, recognizing that His commands are meant to guide us with precision and purpose in our daily walk of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- He instructed3×
- we had given instructions,1×
- was instructing,1×
- is being commanded:1×
- he ordered1×
- He was instructing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διεστείλατο4×
- διεστέλλετο,1×
- διεστέλλετο1×
- διεστειλάμεθα,1×
- διαστελλόμενον·1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 16:20
Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.
Jesus uses this command to establish a specific boundary regarding the timing of revealing His identity as the Christ.
-
Mark 9:9
As they were coming down from the mountain, he commanded them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
This charge ties the disciples' obedience directly to the future event of the Son of Man rising from the dead.
-
Hebrews 12:20
for they could not stand that which was commanded, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned”.
The passive form describes a command so terrifying that it underscores the absolute seriousness of divine holiness.