διαφημίζω (diaphēmizō)
diaphēmizō
to publish abroad
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diaphēmizō means to spread information widely or to make something known publicly. In the New Testament, it carries a sense of broadcasting news so that it reaches many people. The word combines a prefix indicating thoroughness with a root related to fame or report, suggesting an action that goes beyond simple announcement to widespread dissemination.
This term appears in only three verses, highlighting specific moments where public knowledge becomes critical. In Matthew 9:31, after healing a blind man, Jesus strictly warns him not to tell anyone; yet the man goes out and spreads the news about Jesus throughout the region. Similarly, in Mark 1:45, despite Jesus’ instructions to remain silent, a healed leper proclaims the story widely, making it difficult for Jesus to enter towns openly due to the crowds. These instances show how the word describes an uncontrollable flow of information that alters the course of events.
The usage in Matthew 28:15 offers a contrasting perspective. Here, the chief priests bribe soldiers to say that Jesus’ disciples stole the body while they slept. This is not a report of truth but a fabricated rumor circulated to discredit the resurrection. In both positive and negative contexts, diaphēmizō captures the power of words to shape public perception, whether through genuine testimony or deliberate deception.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diaphēmizō describes news that travels fast and far, often beyond anyone's control. In the Gospels, we see this power in two very different lights. Sometimes it is the joyful testimony of those healed by Jesus, whose stories naturally spread through their communities. Other times, it is a manufactured rumor designed to hide the truth about His resurrection. This contrast reminds us that words always carry weight and shape how people perceive reality.
For your daily life, this word invites reflection on what you share with others. Do your actions and conversations spread hope and truth, or do they contribute to confusion? You might find comfort in knowing that even when rumors swirl or misunderstandings arise, the core message of Christ remains steady. Your faithful witness, however small it seems, contributes to a wider story of grace that reaches places you may never see.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to spread abroad1×
- they make known1×
- is spread abroad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διεφήμισαν1×
- διεφημίσθη1×
- διαφημίζειν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 9:31
But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.
This verse shows the natural overflow of gratitude when a healed person cannot contain their joy, spreading Jesus' fame throughout the region.
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Mark 1:45
But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places. People came to him from everywhere.
Here the word highlights how well-intentioned but unguided proclamation can create practical obstacles for Jesus' ministry by drawing overwhelming crowds.
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Matthew 28:15
So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until today.
This occurrence demonstrates the dark side of the word, where leaders actively circulate a false narrative to counter the reality of the empty tomb.