διαχωρίζω (diachōrizō)
diachōrizō
be separated
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diachōrizō means to separate thoroughly or entirely. It appears only once in the New Testament, at Luke 9:33, where Peter, James, and John react to the Transfiguration. The disciples are so overwhelmed by the vision of Jesus with Moses and Elijah that they want to stay on the mountain forever. In their dazed state, they do not want to leave this holy place.
In this specific context, the word describes a desire to depart from the valley below or perhaps to remain apart from the ordinary world. The sources note it can mean to separate oneself or to go away. Here, it captures the impulse to withdraw completely from the surrounding reality into the sacred moment. It is a physical and spiritual separation born of awe.
The word combines a prefix meaning "through" or "thoroughly" with a root for dividing. This suggests a clean, decisive break rather than a gradual drifting apart. While rare in Scripture, its force lies in that intensity. It marks a moment where the boundary between the divine and human becomes so sharp that staying together seems impossible.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diachōrizō appears only once in the New Testament, capturing a moment of intense spiritual overwhelm. In Luke 9:33, Peter uses it to describe wanting to stay on the mountain, separated from the world below. It is not just about physical distance but a deep desire to remain in the presence of Jesus, away from daily distractions.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God often draws us into moments where earthly concerns fade. Peter’s reaction shows how awe can make us want to pause life entirely. Yet, the Transfiguration also points forward to the cross, reminding us that divine glory is meant to sustain us in ordinary life, not replace it.
When you feel drawn to quiet places or seek God’s presence above all else, know that this impulse is natural. The Bible encourages seeking God first, but it also calls us to return with His strength. Let these holy moments fuel your service rather than cause you to withdraw permanently from the world He loves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- departing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαχωρίζεσθαι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 9:33
As they were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not knowing what he said.
This is the only occurrence of diachōrizō in the New Testament, where Peter expresses a desire to separate from the valley and remain on the mountain with Jesus.