διϋλίζω (diulizō)
diulizō
to strain out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diulizō means to strain or filter thoroughly, specifically by pouring liquid through a sieve. It describes a process of separation where fine particles are removed from what flows through. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Matthew 23:24.
Jesus uses this image to criticize religious leaders who focus on minor ritual details while ignoring weightier matters of justice and mercy. He describes them as blind guides who strain out a tiny gnat from their drink but swallow a camel whole. The word highlights the absurdity of meticulous attention to trivialities alongside gross negligence of essential moral duties.
The term combines a prefix indicating thoroughness with a root meaning to filter. This construction emphasizes the completeness of the straining action. Translators render it as "strain" or "filter," capturing the physical act that serves as a vivid metaphor for misplaced spiritual priorities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diulizō describes the careful act of straining liquid through a sieve to remove small particles. In its only New Testament appearance, Jesus uses this everyday image to highlight a serious spiritual error. He points out how religious leaders of His day were meticulous about removing tiny gnats from their drinks, yet they ignored the much larger issues of justice and mercy in their lives.
This metaphor invites us to examine our own priorities. It is easy to focus on minor rules or outward appearances while neglecting the heavier matters of faith. True spirituality is not found in filtering out small distractions, but in embracing the weightier duties of love, compassion, and righteousness. When we strain our attention toward what truly matters, we reflect God’s heart more clearly.
May this word remind you to look beyond the trivial details and focus on the core values of your faith. Let us strive to be people who value mercy and justice above all else, trusting that God sees the condition of our hearts rather than just our outward compliance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- straining out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διϋλίζοντες1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 23:24
You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!
This verse uses the word to contrast meticulous attention to minor ritual details with the gross negligence of essential moral duties like justice and mercy.