διΐστημι (diistēmi)
diistēmi
to pass
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diistēmi describes the act of placing things or people apart, creating a distinct separation or interval. Its core meaning involves setting boundaries, whether those are physical distances, social divisions, or breaks in time. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, carrying the weight of deliberate distinction rather than accidental drifting.
In Luke 22:59, the word marks a specific temporal gap when Peter denies Jesus for the third time, highlighting how the event unfolded after a clear interval had passed. Similarly, in Acts 27:28, it measures the distance sailed by Paul’s ship, quantifying the space between their location and the shore. These uses show the word functioning to define limits or pauses.
The term derives from the prefix dia-, meaning "through" or "completely," combined with histēmi, "to stand." This etymology suggests a thorough separation that establishes a clear divide. Unlike words that imply gradual distancing, diistēmi often points to a defined state of being apart, whether in time, space, or relationship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word diistēmi describes a clear separation or interval, whether in time or space. It is not about vague drifting but a distinct boundary that has been crossed. In Luke 22:59, it marks the hour between Peter’s denials, showing how moments of silence can feel heavy with consequence. This word reminds us that God sees every pause and every distance we keep.
In Acts 27:28, it measures the depth of water near shore, highlighting the real dangers Paul faced. These uses show that separation is not always negative; sometimes it defines a moment for reflection or a boundary for safety. When we feel distant from God or others, this word assures us that He knows exactly where we stand.
Even in our hardest times, the intervals we experience are seen and held by Him. We do not need to fear the gaps in our journey, for they are part of His careful ordering of events. Trust that He is present even in the spaces between.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- when was elapsing1×
- having gone farther1×
- He was separated1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διέστη1×
- διαστήσαντες1×
- διαστάσης1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:59
After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!”
The word marks the specific hour-long interval between Peter's denials, emphasizing the weight of time passing during his crisis.
-
Acts 27:28
They took soundings and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms.
It quantifies the distance measured by soundings, showing how far the ship was from safety as the storm intensified.