διέρχομαι (dierchomai)
dierchomai
to pass through
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 43 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dierchomai describes the act of moving through a space or region, carrying the specific sense of traversing from one side to the other. It is not merely walking past something, but covering the distance within it. This nuance appears when Jesus notes that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24), emphasizing the narrow passage itself.
In the New Testament, this word frequently tracks the physical movements of Jesus and his followers. Luke uses it to describe journeys through Samaria or Galilee, while Acts records Paul’s missionary travels as he went through various districts. The prefix suggests thoroughness; the subject does not just visit a place but passes completely through it, often implying a purposeful route.
Interestingly, the word also applies to non-physical subjects. In Luke 5:15, the report about Jesus goes abroad, spreading widely among the people. This usage shows that dierchomai can describe how news or influence moves through a community, covering the same ground as a traveler but in the form of information.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dierchomai captures the idea of moving completely through a place, not just passing by it. In the Gospels, we see Jesus using this movement to teach deep truths. When He compares a rich person entering God’s Kingdom to a camel going through a needle’s eye, He highlights how difficult it is to navigate narrow spiritual paths. This imagery reminds us that following Christ often requires careful, intentional steps rather than casual wandering.
Yet, this word also describes Jesus’ active presence in the world. He moved through Samaria and Galilee, engaging with people where they lived. It was not a hurried transit but a purposeful journey of connection. Similarly, the early church spread the message by going through various cities, ensuring the news reached every corner. This shows that faith is meant to be lived out in motion, touching lives as we move through our daily routines.
Even when circumstances seem blocked, like Jesus passing through a crowd to escape danger, His path remains clear. We can trust that God guides our steps through life’s busy streets and quiet valleys alike. His presence goes before us, making way where there seems to be no road, inviting us to walk with confidence in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 43 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having passed through6×
- Having passed through3×
- to pass through2×
- to pass2×
- passing through2×
- passed,2×
- it passes2×
- He was passing through2×
- will go through1×
- were passing through1×
- went about1×
- was passing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διελθεῖν6×
- διῆλθον4×
- διήρχετο3×
- διέλθωμεν3×
- διερχόμενος3×
- διελθὼν3×
- διελθόντες3×
- διήρχοντο2×
- διέρχεται2×
- διῆλθον,1×
- διῆλθεν,1×
- διῆλθεν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:24
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
This verse uses the word to illustrate the extreme difficulty of relying on wealth for salvation, emphasizing the narrowness of the path to God.
-
Luke 4:30
But he, passing through the middle of them, went his way.
Here, Jesus physically moves through a hostile crowd without harm, showing His divine authority over dangerous situations.
-
Acts 8:40
But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
Philip’s journey from Azotus to Caesarea demonstrates how the early believers actively spread the Gospel across entire regions.
-
John 4:4
He needed to pass through Samaria.
This reference highlights Jesus’ deliberate decision to travel through Samaria, breaking social barriers to share living water with a woman.