Lexical Summary diaballó: To slander, accuse, bring charges against Original Word: διαβάλλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance accuse. From dia and ballo; (figuratively) to traduce -- accuse. see GREEK dia see GREEK ballo HELPS Word-studies 1225 diabállō – properly, "to throw across (back and forth), "either with rocks or words (with slander, gossip, used only in Lk 16:1). The word implies malice even if the thing said is true. 1228 /diábolos ('slanderer') is this same root and it is used even of women, 'she-devils' (1 Tim 3:11)" (WP, 2, 215). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and balló Definition to bring charges (usually with hostile intent) NASB Translation reported (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1225: διαβάλλωδιαβάλλω: 1 aorist passive διεβλήθην: 1. properly, to throw over or across, to send over, (τί διά τίνος). 2. very often, from Herodotus down, to traduce, calumniate, slander, accuse, defame (cf. Latinperstringere, German durchziehen, διά as it were from one to another; see Winer, De verb. comp. etc. Part v., p. 17)), not only of those who bring a false charge against one (διεβλητο πρός αὐτόν ἀδίκως, Josephus, Antiquities 7, 11, 3), but also of those who disseminate the truth concerning a man, but do so maliciously, insidiously, with hostility (cf. Lucian's Essay de calumn. non temere credend.) (Daniel 3:8, the Sept.; Daniel 6:24 Theod.); so διεβλήθη αὐτῷ ὡς διασκορπίζων, Luke 16:1 (with the dative of person to whom the charge is made, also in Herodotus 5, 35, et al.; τινα πρός τινα, Herodotus 5, 96, et al.; followed by ὡς with participle, Xenophon, Hell. 2, 3, 23; Plato, epistles 7, p. 334 a.). (Synonym: see κατηγορέω.) Strong’s 1225 appears a single time in the Greek New Testament yet opens an essential window on the biblical handling of accusations and their impact on stewardship, integrity, and community life. Used in Luke 16:1, the term depicts the lodging of a formal charge against the estate-manager in Jesus’ parable, signaling both the seriousness of the complaint and the obligation of the master to act. Although rare in the New Testament, the concept it conveys permeates Scripture, shaping the biblical ethic of truth-telling, justice, and responsible oversight. Biblical Context: Luke 16:1 “He also said to His disciples, ‘There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.’” (Luke 16:1) The allegation triggers the entire parable. The steward’s livelihood, reputation, and future hinge on whether the report is valid. Jesus’ audience, familiar with Roman and Jewish legal procedures, would have recognized the potential for both legitimate grievance and malicious slander. The narrative therefore addresses: Relationship to Other New Testament Terms While 1225 occurs only here, its semantic field intersects with: In contrast to the malicious intent embedded in “devil,” 1225 itself is neutral: the charge may be rightful or false. The moral weight falls upon the truthfulness of the testimony and the response of those who hear it. Old Testament Background Narratives of falsely accused servants and leaders prepare the ground: These passages demonstrate God’s concern for the vindication of the innocent and the eventual exposure of deceitful witnesses (Proverbs 19:5). Theological Significance 1. Truth as Covenant Faithfulness: Bearing false witness violates the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16) and fractures covenant life. Practical Implications for Believers • Verification before Action: “Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:19) Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Church Discipline: Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a redemptive process that safeguards the accused while protecting the flock. Ethical and Disciplinary Considerations In civil jurisdictions of the first century, false accusations could incur penalties equal to the punishment sought for the defendant. Scripture supports similar gravity: Deuteronomy 19:16-19 prescribes for perjurers “you must do to the false witness as he intended to do to his brother.” Contemporary Christian ethics therefore demand: Christological and Eschatological Dimensions Jesus Himself endured slander (Matthew 26:59-61) and entrusted judgment to the Father (1 Peter 2:23). The accuser of believers will ultimately be “hurled down” (Revelation 12:10), securing eternal vindication for the faithful. The parable’s temporal scene, therefore, foreshadows the cosmic verdict where all slander is silenced and faithful stewardship rewarded (Matthew 25:21). Conclusion Though Strong’s 1225 appears but once, it crystallizes a vital biblical principle: allegations possess the power to disrupt, expose, and refine stewardship. Followers of Christ are called to uphold truth, exercise discernment, protect reputations, and await the righteous Judge who weighs every word. |
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