διαχειρίζω (diacheirizō)
diacheirizō
to kill
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diacheirizō carries the concrete meaning of handling something with one’s hands, specifically in the sense of managing or administering affairs. Its root components suggest a thorough or complete action, derived from words for "hand" and a prefix indicating separation or intensity. In classical and later Greek usage, this physical handling evolved into a metaphor for governance or control.
In the New Testament, however, the word takes on a darker, more specific tone. It is used to describe laying hands on someone with the intent to kill or slay them. This rare usage appears in Acts, where it describes the violent actions taken against Jesus by those who opposed him (Acts 5:30) and the accusations brought against Paul (Acts 26:21). The term emphasizes the physical act of taking life through direct human agency.
Translators typically render this as "kill" or "slay," capturing the finality of the action. While the word can mean manage in other contexts, its biblical appearance is limited to these two instances of violence, highlighting the tragic reality of human opposition to God’s chosen ones. The term serves as a stark reminder of the physical dangers faced by early Christian leaders.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diacheirizō describes a violent, hands-on act of killing. In Acts 5:30, it refers to the execution of Jesus, and in Acts 26:21, it describes attempts on Paul’s life. This term highlights the physical danger early believers faced for their faith.
Seeing this word reminds us that following God can bring real conflict. Yet, even in these moments of threat, God’s purpose stands firm. Jesus rose from the dead, and Paul continued his mission despite the violence.
Your faith journey may also include challenges. This passage shows that God is with you in difficult times. His strength sustains those who trust Him, no matter the opposition they face.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to kill.1×
- killed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διεχειρίσασθε1×
- διαχειρίσασθαι.1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 5:30
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree.
This verse uses the word to describe the specific act of killing Jesus by hanging him on a tree, emphasizing the physical violence against God's chosen one.
-
Acts 26:21
For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
Here the term describes the Jews' attempt to kill Paul in the temple, showing the direct threat faced by early Christian leaders for their message.