Lexical Summary diagnórizó: To distinguish, to discern, to make known thoroughly Original Word: διαγνώριζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make known. From graptos and gnorizo; to tell abroad -- make known. see GREEK graptos see GREEK gnorizo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for gnórizó, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1232: διαγνωρίζωδιαγνωρίζω 1 aorist διεγνωρισα; to publish abroad, make known thoroughly: περί τίνος, Luke 2:17 R G. Besides, only in (Philo, quod det. pot. § 26, i. 210, 16, Mang. edition and) in Schol. in Bekker Anecd., p. 787, 15 to discriminate. Topical Lexicon Overviewδιαγνώριζω (Strong’s Greek 1232) expresses the idea of making something fully and unmistakably known—moving from uncertainty to clarity and from obscurity to open declaration. While the verb does not appear in the Greek New Testament, its presence in the Septuagint and in later Christian literature links it closely with the biblical call to spiritual discernment, sound judgment, and transparent proclamation. Septuagint settings 1. Judicial clarity The translators of the Hebrew Scriptures often employed διαγνώριζω in legal or investigative scenes where facts must be established beyond dispute. The term conveys the thorough inquiry required for righteous verdicts, reflecting the Mosaic insistence that “every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15). By choosing this verb, the Septuagint underscores God’s demand for careful investigation before judgment is rendered. 2. Prophetic disclosure In passages where hidden counsel is brought to light—whether through a prophet, a dream, or direct divine intervention—διαγνώριζω depicts the sudden shift from secrecy to full revelation. It highlights the prophetic office as a ministry of clarity, exposing sin or announcing God’s purposes so that His people might respond in faith and obedience. 3. Covenant self-examination Several appearances center on the covenant community examining itself in order to realign with God’s Law. The word choice implies not a casual glance but an intentional, penetrating scrutiny that results in repentance and renewed obedience. Historical development • Early Christian writers The verb emerges in patristic sermons and letters as bishops exhort congregations to “discern” (διαγνώριζειν) truth from error. For example, Ignatius urges believers to investigate teachings thoroughly so they may cling to the apostolic faith. The term thus becomes part of the Church’s vocabulary for doctrinal vigilance. • Creeds and councils When fourth-century councils grapple with Christological controversies, διαγνώριζω appears in their records as delegates labor to differentiate orthodoxy from heresy. The fathers assume the task of “thoroughly knowing” and defining the mystery of the Son’s incarnation, reflecting the verb’s core idea of precision. Biblical theology 1. Discernment (compare Philippians 1:9–10; Hebrews 5:14) Although the New Testament employs other verbs, the concept matches Paul’s prayer that believers “discern what is best” and the author of Hebrews’ goal that saints be able to “distinguish good from evil.” διαγνώριζω in the Greek Old Testament forms a lexical backdrop for this NT emphasis on trained spiritual perception. 2. Revelation (compare Ephesians 3:3–5) Paul speaks of a mystery “made known” (ἐγνωρίσθη) to him. διαγνώριζω shares the same root, stressing that God does not leave His purposes ambiguous. He makes them thoroughly known for the building up of His people. 3. Judgment (compare 1 Corinthians 4:5) The eventual divine disclosure of motives mirrors the forensic role διαγνώριζω plays in the Septuagint. Final judgment entails perfect investigation and unfailing publication of the truth. Ministry implications • Preaching Faithful exposition must aim at διαγνώριζω—taking listeners from vague familiarity to clear comprehension of God’s Word. Sermons that unmask sin and unveil grace carry forward the Old Testament’s pattern of thorough disclosure. • Counseling and shepherding Elders are called to “know well the condition of your flock” (Proverbs 27:23). Practical shepherding involves careful, prayerful investigation of circumstances so that counsel is accurate and restorative. • Apologetics In an age of competing truth-claims, believers are to examine doctrines meticulously, “testing the spirits” (1 John 4:1) and then articulating the gospel with unmistakable clarity—modern echoes of διαγνώριζω. Personal devotion Devotees imitate the Psalmist, who prays, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). Inviting divine διαγνώριζω allows hidden sins to be exposed and healed. Regular self-examination before Scripture and in community fosters holiness and steadfast assurance. Related vocabulary • γινώσκω (to know): baseline acquaintance Conclusion Though absent from the Greek New Testament text, διαγνώριζω contributes to the Bible’s larger vocabulary of discernment and revelation. Its Septuagint usage, patristic legacy, and conceptual ties to New Testament teaching remind the Church that God calls His people to careful examination of truth, transparent proclamation of the gospel, and thorough self-scrutiny under the searching light of His Word. Forms and Transliterations διεγνώρισανLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance διάβολοι — 1 Occ.διάβολον — 1 Occ. διάβολος — 17 Occ. διαβόλου — 13 Occ. διαβόλους — 2 Occ. διαγγελῇ — 1 Occ. διάγγελλε — 1 Occ. διαγγέλλων — 1 Occ. διαγενομένων — 1 Occ. διαγενομένου — 2 Occ. διαγνώσομαι — 1 Occ. διάγνωσιν — 1 Occ. διεγόγγυζον — 2 Occ. διαγρηγορήσαντες — 1 Occ. διάγωμεν — 1 Occ. διάγοντες — 1 Occ. διαδεξάμενοι — 1 Occ. διαδήματα — 3 Occ. διαδίδωσιν — 1 Occ. διάδος — 1 Occ. |
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